For decades, hip-hop has prided itself on showmanship, lyrical prowess, and tough guy bravado; and as an art form, hip-hop is overrun with some of the most tenacious, overzealous, and confident artists the world has ever witnessed.
But if you’re a pro wrestling fan, a little spirited shouting and extreme confidence should never ruffle your feathers. Especially if you grew up idolizing the “dirtiest player in the game,” “the original party animal,” most notably known as “The Nature Boy,” Ric Flair.
If you’re unaware of Ric Flair, this is probably the time to “Google” him. Ric Flair is undoubtedly one of the most influential wrestlers in pro wrestling history, and his esteem alone has influenced generations far beyond his “Wooing” banter.
Known for his grandiose declarations and showmanship, Richard Fliehr (birth name), and the essence of his “Ric Flair” ringside character, oddly shares a duality with some of hip-hop’s greatest emcees.
We’re referring to the man who once stated, “I spent more money, on spilled liquor, in bars from one side of this world to the other, than you made!”
Sounds like the banter of a rapper, right?
Well, Ric Flair was one of the most boisterous public figures of the ’70s and ’80s, and even 30 years later, hip-hop is keeping his essence alive with their own pretentious manifestos.
Inspired by Pusha T’s affinity for the wrestling legend, we decided to explore hip-hop’s obsession with Ric Flair. From vicious beefs, to award show interruptions, ornate fashion choices, and strident bravado, Ric Flair and hip-hop are completely parallel.
So check out the references to the Rolex-wearing, diamond ring-showing, kiss-stealing, WOO!, wheelin’ dealin’, limousine riding, jet-flying, son of gun, in hip-hop below.
Killer Mike’s “Ric Flair” features one of Ric Flair’s incredible speeches:
“I’m going on tour, and I’m gonna show anybody out there that thinks for one second that maybe I’m second guessing myself, that I am the greatest of all time forever and ever. One surprise, one surprise … shhhh! Wooo! I’m back.”
Pusha T’s – “Sweet Serenade:”
“Triple doubles, two hoes and check please, Wooo! / They love me on my Ric Flair shit, Wooo! / In that Phantom like I’m Blair Witch, Wooo!”
Pusha T’s – “What Dreams Are Made Of” features Ric Flair’s speech:
“It’s so hard for me to sit back here in this studio, looking at a guy out here, hollering my name!—When last year I spent more money, on spilled liquor, in bars from one side of this world to the other, than you made! You’re talking to the Rolex wearing, diamond ring wearing, kiss stealing, WOO! wheelin dealin’, limousine riding, jet flying son of a gun and I’m having a hard time holding these alligators down!”
Pusha T’s verse on Kanye West’s “Don’t Like (Remix):”
“Woo! That’s rare nigga/ Woo! Ric Flair nigga/ Woo! The power’s in my hair nigga/ Woo! I give this beat the chair nigga.”
Meek Mill’s “Bout That Life” features Ric Flair’s speech:
“It’s so hard for me to sit back here, in this studio, looking at a guy out here hollering my name. When last year I spent more money, on spilt liquor, in bars from one side of this world to the other, than you made. You’re talking to the Rolex wearing, diamond ring wearing, kiss stealing (WOO!) Wheeling dealing, Limousine riding, Jet Flying, son of a gun.”
French Montana’s verse on “Bout That Life:”
“That work get through like woo!/ Shorty got that Ric Flair pussy like woo!”
Game’s verse on Tyga’s “Switch Lanes:”
“Snow on my wrist call that rollie big bear/See it in the light though (woooo!) Ric Flair.”
Rick Ross – ” Fire Hazard:”
“Bon Jovi in this bitch blow for everybody/ Ricky Ross, Ric Flair, black watch, brick fare.”
Waka Flocka – “24 Hours:”
“Waka Flocka Flame you can call me Ric Flair/ I’m rocking five chains and I’m lit up like a flair.”
Rocko’s verse on Shawty Lo’s “MVP:”
“Get that Ric Flair, better yet Dusty Rhodes, started at a dusty row.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
