MLB’s first pitches are a rite of passage for hometown heroes; that includes hip-hop heroes. Just about every hip-hop all-star has thrown out the first pitch in their hometown. Now we all know the old adage: most rappers want to be athletes, and most athletes want to be rappers (we will do the worst rap albums by athletes in a later post – thank gawd most of them are hoopers). This post is focused on some of our most famous MCs taking their turn on the MLB bump.
Now we all know that 50 Cent’s infamous first pitch at Citi Field will never be duplicated. It is the worst first pitch in the history of all celebrity throws, not just hip-hop. His first pitch transcends hip-hop. It was a disater. But let’s rate some others:
Quavo (of Migos): If you didn’t know, Quavo is an athlete. He not only plays in a lot of celebrity hoops and softball games, but he often wins the MVP. Quavo’s first pitch at Truist Park in Atlanta had form. He’s a slender lefty. He shook off a few signs. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see if the pitch made it all the way to the plate, but I have faith in Quavo. I’m giving him a solid 8.
A very young Drake threw out the first pitch in Cleveland, several years (and many hit records) ago. We all know Drake represents the SIX heavy, but I didn’t find any evidence of him throwing out the first pitch in Toronto. His pitch made it to the plate in the air. He looked the part. I gave his throw a 7. His form left something to be desired; lots of aiming (ha).
Lil Wayne AKA Tunchi was up next. He gets a 2. Horrible form. He short-hopped the plate. Wayne is a rap legend. “The best rapper alive, since the best rapper retired.” And he’s an avid sports fan; often visiting shows like First Take and Undisputed, but he’s not a pitcher. Stick to the mixtapes, my boy.
Kendrick Lamar AKA K. Dot threw out the first pitch in LA. First and foremost, shout out to the Dodgers. They often have hip-hop represented. There were a number of hip-hop legends that I didn’t even post (Ice Cube to name one) who have thrown out the first pitch at Dodger Stadium. I loved K. Dot’s form. He did hip-hop proud with this throw. My only issue is that he is behind the mound. This positioning led to the pitch falling a bit short. Had he been on the bump, I think he would have made it. I give him a 7. His form was a nod to Dodger legend Hideo Nomo.
I’m giving Big Sean a 5. Big Sean loves the D. He reps the D. One of his favorite players in Miggy. He’s thrown out the first pitch on more than one occasion in Detriot. On this particular pitch, his form left a lot to be desired, but he got the job done. Solid 5.
Chi-Town’s own Chance the Rapper gets an 8. The weather alone moves him up a full point. I would have stayed inside, but Chano threw out the first pitch in the damn snow. You gotta love it. Chance killed the throw. He made it to the plate in the air and hit them folks with the dance after. Good work Chano.
Snoop. Yes, the west coast legend himself. The Death Row wordsmith turned Hollywood superstar has probably thrown out the most first pitches in hip-hop history. I found videos of Snoop throwing out the first pitch in LA, Chicago, and San Diego. I selected the Padres video because it is by far the worst throw I’ve seen; except for one. Snoop’s throw was nowhere near the plate. He can do better. He has done better. But this throw gets a 1.
And that brings us to 50 Cent. I will not bemoan the point. 50 gets a 0. It’s the worst throw in hip-hop first pitch history. There is nothing to say. It may have slipped. I hope it did. Nonetheless, the pitch was horrible. The form was horrible. The velocity was trash. And he basically hit a cameraman on the first base side. I have no words. 50 gets a 0.
