Watch any hip-hop song, and you can almost guarantee that you will come across a casino at some point in the video. The premise is usually the same – the artist will be playing a high-stakes casino game, hoping that luck will be on their side, as they rap about an issue that is dire to them. The games usually take place in luxurious real money casinos where the architects have spared no expense, thus making the videos even more attractive. And to seal the deal, in between the games, the audience gets a glimpse of the good life – the mansions, high-end cars, international trips, and more. But what’s the link between gambling and hip-hop culture?
Why Gambling Takes Center Stage in Hip-Hop
Is there a particular reason hip-hop artists stage their music in casinos? Well, it turns out that gambling and hip-hop music are so intertwined that they augur well to the benefit of both industries. Consider the following factors:
The Risk-Reward Factor.
Have you ever considered what it takes to be a good hip-hop artist? To make it to the studio and produce a hit, you will have defied many odds and will be competing against other amazing artists working hard to maintain their market share. For many artists, producing a song is a huge risk – they invest their time and money without knowing whether they will fall flat on their faces or become one of the best. Those who excel end up reaping big in money and fame – those who fail barely ever get their foot in the door.
The same goes for gambling. Whether you are playing poker or choosing a number on the roulette wheel, you have little control over what happens once you have placed your wager and made your move. You leave the rest to luck and hope you will be among the few lucky players who beat the house.
Combine the thrill of both risks, and you will surely have a hit on your hands!
The Luxury Appeal.
Many people crave wealth. They want freedom to do what they want and when they want it. But for many, this remains a dream, as they must work to afford their wants and needs.
Successful hip-hop artists lead different lives. They have millions to billions of dollars at their disposal, alongside wealth managers who ensure they can have what they want when they want it. As a result, they can invest in huge mansions, luxurious jewelry, unique cars, entourages, and more. Many of their fans envy their lifestyles and pay attention to the artists, which helps them live out their fantasies vicariously.
Gambling pros are no different. Once they are on a winning streak, the money comes in fast and hard, affording them the luxuries they want in life. People have won millions of dollars that have transformed their lives in an instant.
When artists combine their music with gambling, they communicate to their audience that they, too, can be a part of the dream team. It inspires their fans to keep working hard at what they can do to live out their wildest dreams.
The Hardship Relation.
It’s easy to look at a top artist and think they had it easy making it to the top. But when you look at what artists go through to excel, it becomes clear that they put in a lot of work to make their mark in the industry and maintain their rep. Artists love acknowledging just how difficult it can be to be good in the industry and the work it takes to avoid getting lured by the temptations that come their way.
It is much like gambling. Before anyone can be good enough to go pro, they must put in a lot of work practicing how to play the game, managing their money, noting their mistakes, keeping a clear head, preparing for losses, and plowing back profits. It takes a lot of commitment to make it to the top.
Artists use gambling to symbolize how uncertain life can be. People can relate to thinking they are about to win, only for them to watch their dreams crumble. They can also relate to working hard at something and finally succeeding.
The Cultural Ode.
Hip-hop is an industry that honors its roots as much as possible. When the industry was still growing, gambling was part of the culture. To hold on to this history, artists often mention their gambling days and wins, which elicits nostalgia from their audience. A walk down memory lane is never shunned, especially when it promises better days to the fans.
Gambling Influences on Hip-Hop
Gambling’s integration into hip-hop lifestyles has been effortless, given the similarities between the two industries. As a result, it has become quite common for hip-hop artists to endorse gambling companies to push their fans to also try their hand at the good life. Hip-hop music has also become mainstream in casinos as it is catchy and focuses on themes that motivate players as they try their luck in games. Moreover, hip-hop aesthetics now often feature in gambling settings, as do terms (think “stack” and “grind”) that were previously only used in hip-hop. So far, this natural partnership has been the gift that keeps on giving and has opened up gambling to a whole new and eager audience.
The post How Gambling Became A Vital Part Of USA Hip-Hop Culture first appeared on The Source.
The post How Gambling Became A Vital Part Of USA Hip-Hop Culture appeared first on The Source.
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