Throughout history, gambling has evolved into a glamorous activity with notable figures such as James Bond and the French queen, Marie Antoinette, indulging in games of chance. Even today, it is the allure of celebrity culture that continues to define the appeal of gambling, with some of the world's biggest rappers being among the most ardent casino enthusiasts. Below, discover five incredibly famous rappers who love to spin the roulette wheel and showcase their skills in poker.
Jay-Z
Shawn Corey Carter, renowned by the moniker Jay-Z, has risen to fame as not only one of the most recognized rappers worldwide but also as a distinguished songwriter, record executive, music producer, and thriving entrepreneur. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that his estimated net worth stands at $1.4 billion (Forbes). To amass his fortune, Jay-Z had to place numerous bets on budding musicians and even business concepts devoid of guaranteed success. However, this challenge hardly posed an obstacle for the "Empire State of Mind" singer, considering multiple reports confirming his fondness for gambling.
The rapper frequents various high-stakes gambling websites, favoring blackjack and online poker, but he also enjoys playing in real life. One of the most notable stories involves a reported loss of around $500,000 in a high-stakes Texas Hold'em hand in Las Vegas. Another significant loss occurred during a boxing match between Miguel Cotto and Oscar de la Hoya, where Jay-Z supposedly donated the money he lost to de la Hoya's chosen charity. In both instances, the rapper's ventures into gambling had substantial financial consequences.
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III, better known as 50 Cent, has been involved in the music industry since 2005, when he released the critically acclaimed album "Get Rich or Die Tryin" with the assistance of Eminem and Dr. Dre. Ever since, he has sold over 30 million records, received countless accolades, amassed a fortune, declared bankruptcy, and bounced back financially once again. Whether any of this had anything to do with gambling is certainly not up for us to discuss. However, the "Candy Shop" singer is renowned for his love of a good gamble - in fact, he often makes headlines for the amount he wagers!
In 2007, Floyd Mayweather Jr's boxing match against Oscar de la Hoya saw a particularly noteworthy wager of $1,000,000. Fast forward five years, and he placed approximately $500,000 on an NFC game between the New York City Giants and the San Francisco 49ers. However, the most reported bet from 50 Cent was during the fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao, where he successfully placed a staggering $1.6 million wager!
Puff Daddy
One of the most renowned rappers in the world is Sean Combs, who is known by his fans as P Diddy or Puff Daddy. He gained immense fame through his debut album, "No Way Out," which was released in 1997 and achieved the remarkable feat of receiving seven platinum records. However, P Diddy is also recognized for his passion for gambling. The artist behind "Mo Money Mo Problems" has a strong affinity for Las Vegas, and his preferred online game is blackjack. While the specific details of his individual bets remain undisclosed, one particular wager catches our attention. In 2015, Daddy made a bet with actor Mark Wahlberg, betting $250,000 that Floyd Mayweather Jr would maintain his unbeaten status in the boxing match against Manny Pacquiao, and he emerged victorious!
Nelly
Nelly, born Cornell Iral Haynes Jr., is a well-known American rapper, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization called 4Sho4Kids, which aims to enhance the lives of children born with developmental disabilities. With an estimated net worth of around $20 million in 2020 (although some sources claim $40 million or even $60 million), Nelly is undeniably a wealthy individual who can afford to indulge in some casino table games during his leisure time. Poker happens to be his preferred game, with Texas Hold'em being the variation he enjoys the most. Unlike the aforementioned rappers, Nelly keeps a low profile when it comes to disclosing the amount of his bets. Nevertheless, he is known to have participated in the 2007 World Series of Poker (WSOP) and regularly plays on the PokerStars European Casino Excursion Circuit.
Drake
Aubrey Drake Graham, famously known as Drake, is a Canadian entrepreneur, rapper, actor, producer, singer, and songwriter. With a staggering record of over 170 million albums sold since 2006, it's safe to say that Drake is an absolute powerhouse in the music industry. His achievements speak for themselves, as he has been honored with four Grammy awards and holds the distinction of being the most certified digital singles artist in the United States. When he's not busy touring the world or basking in his estimated $150 million fortune, Drake enjoys indulging in the thrill of casino gambling. In 2019, one of his gambling escapades made headlines when rumors spread that he lost a whopping $200,000 during a single high-stakes betting session at an Atlantic City hotel.