Greatest Rap Songs About Gambling
From its early roots in urban communities of the late 1960s and 1970s, rap has become mainstream. Rappers such as Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg and Lil Wayne have become household names.
Rap is part of hip-hop culture, and no other scene is more closely linked with bling and the high life. Rap MCs love to talk about money, and where else do you find easy money than at a casino?
Gambling has long been associated with a glamorous lifestyle. When rappers make it big, they like to splash the cash at the tables.
That’s why there are many rap songs about gambling and many rappers are known for their gambling experiences. Although listeners may not visit land-based casinos, they can get information online and also play casino games online to emulate their idols.
If you’re playing at home and want to get in the mood for winning, these greatest rap songs should inspire.
1. It Was a Good Day – Ice Cube
O’Shea Jackson Snr., otherwise known as Ice Cube, released the seminal song, It Was a Good Day in 1993. The rapper refers to playing craps, and his good day is due to a winning streak.
His ideal day includes playing craps with some friends. This sounds like his suggestion from the lyrics “What’s the Haps on the Craps? Shake ‘Em Up, Shake ‘Em Up.”
He then rolls “seven, seven-eleven, seven-eleven, seven”, an impressive result that means he “picked up the cash flow”.
It reached no. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was widely praised by critics. This is essential listening for both rap fans and those who like to hit the tables.
2. Vegas – Kendrick Lamar
Talented rapper Kendrick Lamar penned this track comparing Sin City to a woman. It’s clear Lamar knows his casino games, as he mentions:
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Craps
- Slots
In the lyrics, his passion for playing seems only matched by his desire for a woman. He says, “If gambling’s a sin, then I’m rollin’ dice with Lucifer to make sure I ain’t losin’ you.”
He also suggests that he’s counting cards, in the line:
“Leave it all on the table even if they catch me cheating,”
It’s powerful stuff and it’ll definitely get you raising your stake!
3. Pokerface – Ghostface Killah
Hear the clink of poker chips as a percussive backdrop and actual commentary from the World Series of Poker. The former Wu-Tang Clan rapper pays tribute to his favorite card game in this track.
He uses poker jargon throughout from “caught pocket jacks and flopped two more” to “pay to see the river”. He also has some luck, as he wins “a four hundred thousand pot.”
Ghostface Killah is a high roller, and this song will make you want to play poker.
4. Mo Money Mo Problems – The Notorious B.I.G feat. Puff Daddy & Mase
Released after Biggie Smalls’ (aka The Notorious B.I.G) untimely death in March 1997, this was a huge hit. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks and was nominated for Best Rap Performance at the Grammy Awards.
The lyrics, “it’s a bet, lay it down” show the rappers’ love of betting. Walk into casinos from the U.S to Singapore, and you’re likely to hear this track.
While most people wouldn’t consider more money to be a problem, The Notorious B.I.G was aware of its downsides. It’s a catchy number and a pity he wasn’t around to see his legacy.
5. Life is a Gamble – Big K.R.I.T
Here the artist uses gambling as a metaphor for life, which can be quite accurate at times. Sometimes you’re up, sometimes you’re down and it’s not always easy to know when to roll.
Aside from the title, which clearly states Big K.R.I.T’s thoughts, he expresses a caution to people. “So be careful when you shake em up, shake em up, shake em up,” is good advice whenever appropriate.
6. I’m So Paid – Akon feat. Lil Wayne & Young Jeezy
While some of the early rappers were rapping from their own experience, this song is more aspirational. More recent artists might emulate the style and swagger of hip-hop legends, but they are unlikely to be in gangs.
Akon, the Senegalese-American rapper, does have a rap sheet, the lyrics for “I’m So Paid” are likely from fantasy. He references “against all odds” in this song, which is a gambling term.
He also talks about getting in ‘til sunrise, which probably means he’s been playing the tables all night.
7. It’s All About the Benjamin’s – Diddy
The 1990s were a golden era for rap, especially about ballin’ and high rolling. One of the stand-out stars from this time is Diddy, otherwise known as Sean Combs.
Although this song, like many from this time, is quite un-PC, it is a good soundtrack for a casino. Why? Because it’s all about the money.
Diddy spits about how he and his crew “stack chips like Hebrews” while drinking only the finest top shelf tipples. Given how many Benjamins he’s got in the bank these days, it’s likely he can keep living this life.
Soundtrack to playing
These songs are a great accompaniment to playing casino games. If you need some inspiration or confidence, throwing these on will certainly up your game.
