March Madness and college basketball have significantly impacted hip-hop music, particularly in the United States. Basketball and hip-hop have always been intertwined, with many hip-hop artists referencing basketball players, teams, and games in their lyrics. But the NCAA basketball tournament, known as March Madness, has become a major cultural event influencing hip-hop in several ways.
Firstly, March Madness has become a significant source of inspiration for hip-hop artists. Many rappers, including Lil Wayne, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar, have referenced the tournament and the players involved in their lyrics. These references often highlight the intensity and excitement of the game, as well as the athleticism and skill of the players.
Secondly, March Madness has provided a platform for hip-hop artists to showcase their talents. The tournament has become a major cultural event that attracts millions of viewers, and hip-hop artists have been invited to perform at various events associated with the game. For example, in 2019, rapper Travis Scott performed at the March Madness Music Festival in conjunction with the Final Four.
Thirdly, March Madness has allowed hip-hop artists to collaborate with brands and companies. Many companies, including Nike and Adidas, have released unique edition sneakers and apparel to coincide with the tournament. Hip-hop artists have been involved in designing and promoting these products. This has created new opportunities for hip-hop artists to generate revenue and increase their visibility.
To capitalize off of college basketball as a hip-hop artist, one idea could be to create a March Madness-inspired song and music video showcasing the tournament’s energy and excitement. The song could feature lyrics that reference specific players, teams, and moments from the tournament, while the music video could incorporate footage from the games and the fans in the stands. The artist could then release the song and video with the tournament and promote it on social media using hashtags associated with March Madness. This could generate buzz and help the artist connect with fans passionate about hip-hop and college basketball.