Rap culture and gambling have always been connected, which is reflected in the lyrics and lifestyle. In many songs and video clips, you can see the joy of a beautiful life, expensive cars, luxury champagne, diamond rings, and all this against the backdrop of a casino. This shows that rappers can earn a lot and spend just as much, for example, during another weekend trip to Las Vegas.
Top Hip-Hop Songs Played at Casinos
Casinos often use the close interaction between rap culture and gambling. Songs are played not only at land-based venues but also at online casinos. For example, some non UK casinos featured on CasinoGap’s list, play tracks from famous rappers to form an atmosphere of better engagement among players, create a feeling of involvement in luxury life, and encourage them to play for real money.
It Was a Good Day by Ice Cube
The song was released in 1993 and became Ice Cube’s signature song. She also greatly influenced the performer’s career and brought him worldwide fame. The song’s main theme is gambling, namely the game of dice. The rapper sings about how he gets caught up in this entertainment that he plays with his friends.
He talks about how his ideal day is a victory with a winning streak. So, it contains the following lines: “What’s the Haps on the Craps?” Then he shakes the dice and half-sits the combination “seven, seven-eleven, seven-eleven, seven.” This is a pretty good result that brings him victory. In addition to peaking at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song is often played in casinos around the craps tables.
Pokerface by Ghostface Killah
As you might have guessed, this song is about the most popular casino card game. With this song, Wu-Tang Clan showed the world his attitude towards poker and the role the game played in his life.
Notably, the singer uses slang like “paid to see the river” winning “four hundred thousand pot, ” and so on. So, it is not surprising that casinos use this piece of art to stimulate poker players at tables.
Vegas by Kendrick Lamar
In this song, the rapper used an interesting comparison of Las Vegas with a woman. Kendrick knows very well what he is singing about and the fact that he has experience in poker, slots, and blackjack.
His desire to play is comparable to his passion for a woman. So, in one of the lines of the song, it is said that if gambling is a sin, then he rolls the dice with Lucifer just to ensure he does not lose the woman he desires.
Non-British Hip-Hop Stars with a Gambling Passion
Whether you prefer British or non-UK casinos, you probably know about popular rappers who have distinguished themselves with their passion for gambling. Many of their songs are real anthems of casinos or individual games, which are often used by gambling houses around the world.
Diddy
Diddy is the stage name of Sean Combs, a famous New York rapper, artist, and producer. Many rap fans know him from his recent work with Bad Boy Records and his successful solo albums. However, Sean is also known for his start to gambling. Of all the casino games, he likes poker the most. Mostly among his opponents are his friends from the rap community with whom he often spends time.
50 Cent
50 Cent cannot be called a newcomer to rap since he has a lot of solo albums and successful work with such groups as G-Unit. In addition to his love for music and cinema, Curtis does not hide his special attitude towards everything related to the casino. In addition, he is an ardent fan of sports betting.
Nelly
Hardly anyone doesn’t know the songs “Hot in Here” or “Dilemma”. Nelly also starred in such films as “The Longest Yard” and “Taxi.” Like previous performers, Nelly is a big fan of gambling. Moreover, he often organizes charity poker tournaments to raise money for various needs.
British Hip-Hop Artists who Like Gambling
Among British rappers, there are also many examples of performers who link their lives of creativity with gambling. Here are some striking examples.
- Keno. In his song “Off License”, he clearly described his passions for the night way of life, money, and gambling.
- Dizzee Rascal. This rapper did not hide his interest in the casino lifestyle and even took part in creating gambling commercials for Ladbrokes.
- P Money. Another popular rap performer who loves gambling and often makes references in his songs. For example, expressions like “GG” (Good Game) or OP. (over-powered) are already actively used in the gaming industry.
Besides this, many other performers continue to give a hint of gambling in their works, like Big Narstie or Wiley.
The Role of Gambling in British Hip-Hop
Music can significantly impact players` gameplay, so casinos take advantage of it. Like the gambling industry in any other region, British casinos actively use the opportunities of hip-hop culture. Popular rappers with a large fan base are leaders of public opinion and can easily motivate both with words and a tempting picture of a video clip to place a bet. Also, the casino uses hip-hop songs as background music.
This helps create a connection among customers between their favorite lyrics and the need to place a bet. In addition, rappers can directly promote casinos and betting sites, attracting new clients. An example of this is the Dizzee Rascal mentioned above.
Conclusion
Gambling and hip-hop culture are closely connected and have common contact points regarding big sums, getting money, thrilling emotions, luxurious life, and so on. Both hip-hop artists and casinos often use these themes to increase their audience. Therefore, it is unsurprising that music and gambling united and created one of the most successful business schemes, bringing in millions of dollars.
