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1. The Original Rapper

A portrait of Muhammad Ali Source:Getty

Muhammad Ali is, of course, the greatest boxer the world has ever seen, but he was as deadly on the mic as he was in the ring. While he was ahead of his time as far as hip hop and rap is concerned, his sense of bravado and way with words influenced rappers for decades. Here are some of the best lyrics referencing the Champ.

2. The Fugees, “Ready or Not”

Verizon Wireless V CAST Reunites the Fugees With Outdoor Concert on Hollywood and Vine Source:Getty

“I refugee from Guantanamo Bay. Dance around the border like I’m Cassius Clay.”

3. Nas and Damian Marley, “My Generation”

'Manus x Machina: Fashion In An Age Of Technology' Costume Institute Gala - Arrivals Source:Getty

“Now if you can’t relate then maybe you are too complacent. Athletes today are scared to make Muhammad Ali statements.”

4. Nipsey Hussle, “Rose Clique”

Hot 97 Summer Jam 2014 Source:Getty

“In other words, life is just a fight against your disbelief/ That’s why I’m screaming I’m the greatest of all time like Young Ali/ played Mohammad to these thoughts, prophets in this industry.”

5. Lupe Fiasco, “Till I Get There”

Big Boy's Block Party With Lupe Fiasco And Big Sean At The Hollywood Palladium Source:Getty

“That ain’t how it’s supposed to be or butterfly/ But for the sake of rhyming, let’s just say butterfly-ey/ The truth stings like Muhammad Ali/ I tell ’em, tell ’em don’t homicide me.”

6. 50 Cent, “Many Men”

40th Anniversary American Music Awards - Arrivals Source:Getty

“When I rhyme something special happen every time/ I’m the greatest something like Ali in his prime/ I walk the block with the bundles, I’ve been knocked on the humble.”

7. Kanye West, “Gorgeous”

Vogue 95th Anniversary Party : Photocall - Paris Fashion Week Womenswear Spring/Summer 2016 Source:Getty

“Remind me of when they tried to have Ali enlisted / If I ever wasn’t the greatest n***a, I must have missed it”

8. Jay Z, “Jungle Remix”

Canoche: A Night With Robinson Cano And Friends To Benefit RC22 Foundation Source:Getty

“Don’t box me into the corner, I/ Float like a butterfly, sting like Muhammad A/ On training day I go too hard, ask Antoine Fuqua/ I am Godzilla of these favelas, new God flow.”

9. Jay Z, “FUTW”

Jay Z and Blue Ivy Carter are seen leaving a restaurant in Philadelphia, PA Source:Splash News

“Just let me be great, let me be great/ I feel like mothaf*ckin’ Cassius Clay right now, Genius!” […] “America tried to emasculate the greats/ Murder Malcolm, gave Cassius the shakes/ Wait, tell them rumble young man rumble.”

10. Will Smith, “Getting Juggy With It”

The 2nd Annual BET Awards - Show Source:Getty

“See me on the fifty yard line with the Raiders/ Met Ali he told me I’m the greatest.”

11. Common, “The Game”

Celebrities Visit SiriusXM - May 31, 2016 Source:Getty

“They try to box me in like Cassius Clay/ Hey I’m like Muhammad when he fasted/ Opposing the fascist, make cuts and got gashes.”

12. Jay Z, “Power”

Jay Z in New York City Source:Splash News

“Rumble, young man, rumble/ Life is a trip, so sometimes we gonna stumble.”

13. Master P, “Whole Hood”

Lifetime Television's 'Megachurch Murder' Premiere Screening Source:Getty

“Be all u can be, be the greatest like Muhammed Ali / Make them love you when they hate to see.”

14. Sugarhill Gang, “Rapper’s Delight”

TIFF In Partnership With ReelTunes Presents 'I Want My Name Back' Special Screening Source:Getty

“You see, I got more clothes than Muhammad Ali and I dress so viciously.”