Discover the Top 20 Hip-Hop Tracks that Shout Out O.J. Simpson!
O.J. Simpson has been one of the most polarizing figures in pop culture, with a long and storied history that has captured the attention of many. From his sports career to his personal life, especially the infamous murder case involving his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and waiter Ronald Goldman, O.J. has been the subject of much scrutiny and fascination. On April 10, O.J. Simpson passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer, leaving behind a complicated legacy that continues to intrigue and captivate the public.
In 2016, two special televised programs shed new light on O.J. Simpson’s life and tumultuous journey. FX premiered The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story, a miniseries that delved deep into the case that shook the world in 1994. O.J. was famously acquitted after an 11-month trial that gripped the nation. That same year, ESPN debuted O.J.: Made in America, a five-part, eight-hour documentary that explored Simpson’s entire life up to his imprisonment for a robbery in Las Vegas in 2007. Following his conviction, O.J. was sentenced to 33 years in prison in 2008, serving nine years before being released on parole in 2017. Four years later, he was granted early discharge from parole, marking the end of his legal troubles.
When it comes to the world of hip-hop, O.J. Simpson’s name has been intertwined with the culture through various rappers who have name-dropped him in their lyrics or even collaborated with him. Notably, O.J. released a rap song titled “Get Juiced” after his sentencing to 33 years in prison, showcasing his connection to the genre. Jay-Z, in his 2017 track “The Story of O.J.,” referenced the Hall of Famer with the line, “O.J. like, ‘I’m not black, I’m O.J.’ …OK.” O.J. himself later clarified in 2023 that Jay-Z had misquoted him, stating, “Man, f**k being Black. This is me. This is about O.J.”
Over the years, many rappers, including Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Future, Tyler, The Creator, and more, have incorporated O.J. Simpson into their lyrics as a symbol or reference. From Tupac Shakur to Ice Cube, Phife Dawg, 50 Cent, and Jeezy, O.J.’s presence in hip-hop culture is undeniable. Each artist brings their unique perspective on the controversial figure, discussing everything from his legal battles to his personal life and impact on society.
Whether it’s Tupac declaring himself “Free like O.J. all day” or Future’s vivid imagery of “White on White, O.J. Simpson,” rappers have found creative ways to incorporate O.J.’s story into their music. The mention of O.J. Simpson in hip-hop lyrics serves as a reflection of the broader cultural fascination with his life and trials, capturing the attention of audiences around the world.
From Dr. Dre and Ice Cube’s collaboration on “Natural Born Killaz” to 50 Cent’s “O.J. gloves” reference, the influence of O.J. Simpson permeates through hip-hop, offering a lens into the complex legacy of a man who has both fascinated and divided the public for decades. As artists continue to explore themes of race, justice, and celebrity in their music, figures like O.J. Simpson will remain a compelling and controversial subject for generations to come.
