Hip Hop’s common lyrical themes run the gamut from searing social commentary, to a celebration of the finer things in life. However, what that looks like for individual artists can vary wildly. Below we’re taking a look at what some of the biggest rappers over the past three decades love to do in their spare time.
Sean ‘Love’ Combs
Multi-platinum recording artist and entrepreneur Sean Combs—also known by Love, Diddy, P Diddy and Puff Daddy—is a central figure in the development of East Coast hip hop, and one of its most successful alumni. As such, it should come as no surprise that when he isn’t holding down his numerous businesses or touring, Combs loves nothing more than a flutter at the casino.
In fact, Combs has become legendary in the scene for hosting opulent parties in the heart of casino gaming—Las Vegas, Nevada. What’s more, in a classic episode of MTV Cribs, Sean showed off his very own casino gaming parlour to the cameras. It is also reported that as part of his rider for his appearance at the 2002 MTV Music Awards, he requested a blackjack table in his dressing room.
While nowadays people are more likely to make use of welcome bonuses and offers, such as those provided by OddsChecker, to enjoy the best that online casino gaming has to offer, the glamour of the brick-and-mortar setting is undeniable to Combs and a whole generation of hip hop fans alike.
Ludacris
Grammy winner and Fast & The Furious star Ludacris is one of the biggest artists to come out of the south this side of the millennium. And when he’s not performing before sell out crowds, he loves nothing more than taking up residence in the kitchen where he gets to live out his newly found passion for the culinary arts.
In fact, Ludacris is so fond of cooking that he has even released a recipe book. Titled ‘Ludacris: Cooking with Love’ the text is an assortment of recipes he associates with his upbringing in Atlanta, and provides an insight into his family roots and the central role food has played in it.
Additionally, in 2021, he starred in the 1 hour Discovery+ special ‘Luca Can’t Cook’, in which a team of skilled chefs schooled him on various forms of cuisine much to his delight and fascination.
Eminem
Few rappers have changed the game quite like Eminem. Over the course of his career he has reinvented himself time and again, with 2002’s sensational hit ‘Without Me’ marking his return to the billboards after a multi-year hiatus.
The lyrical themes and music video for this hit were framed like a comic book caper, with Eminem himself dressed as Batman’s sidekick Robin (or in this instance, ‘Rap Boy’). What many don’t realise, though, is that comic books are actually a lifelong obsession for the Detroit native.
He’s known to own some of the rarest comics in the world, and has even appeared in a few himself. His one-off issue appearance in The Punisher is considered to be one of the most sought after editions in recent history, and he has appeared alongside Spiderman in a limited run of 57 issues.
Snoop Dogg
Few 90s Hip Hop legends remain as well established or as central to mainstream culture as Snoop Dogg in 2023. Over the years, beyond his musical output Snoop has involved himself in a huge number of projects, pursuits and passions.
When he’s not entertaining his more botanical interests, Snoop loves nothing more than to spend his time painting. Over the years his subject matter has ranged from landscapes to portraiture and abstract works.
Snoop’s painting style has been recognized for its vibrant use of color and form, and he commonly shares works in progress to his social media feeds. In 2018, Snoop Dogg even appeared on the VH1 special ‘Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party’, in which he and Martha Stuart painted together and discussed the medium.
© 2023, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
