Rap music, known for its rhythmic delivery and lyrical complexity, often draws inspiration from various aspects of culture, from societal issues to personal experiences. One recurring theme within Rap Songs is the celebration of speed, agility, and athleticism. While you might expect references to basketball stars or football legends, there’s a surprising name that consistently pops up in rap lyrics as the epitome of fast: Jackie Joyner-Kersee. This article explores the fascinating phenomenon of how a track and field icon, specifically a heptathlete, became a celebrated reference point in the world of rap songs.
It might seem unexpected for a contemporary rap audience, potentially unfamiliar with track and field history, to grasp the significance of Jackie Joyner-Kersee references. Usain Bolt, with his global recognition and recent dominance in sprinting, might appear to be a more relevant and easily understood analogy for speed. However, Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s name carries a certain rhythmic quality and historical weight that resonates within the rap community.
The earliest example of this phenomenon can be traced back to 1994 with Lords of the Underground’s hit song “Funky Child.” The lyrics, “I hurdle over rappers just like Jackie Joyner-Kersee,” clearly establish her as a symbol of unparalleled athletic prowess and speed.
This reference is particularly insightful as it highlights Joyner-Kersee’s heptathlon background. Lords of the Underground specifically mention hurdling, one of the seven disciplines in the heptathlon where Joyner-Kersee excelled. This demonstrates a level of sports literacy within rap lyrics that goes beyond superficial name-dropping. Imagine if they had referenced Liliana Năstase instead; the impact simply wouldn’t be the same.
Ahmad, another artist popular in the 90s for his track “Back in the Day,” also incorporated Joyner-Kersee into his 1994 song “The Jones.” He raps, “Might gruff on rappers get ran like Jackie Joyner.” While “The Jones” may not have reached the same level of acclaim as “Funky Child,” it further cemented Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s presence in the rap vernacular as a synonym for being fast or outperforming others.
As the 2000s arrived, so did more mentions of the track and field legend in rap songs, indicating her enduring relevance.
In 2000, Ghostface Killah of the Wu-Tang Clan, in their song “Protect Ya Neck,” delivered the line: “Jackie Joyner-Kersee Taught y’all n—- how to rap, reimburse me.” This reference is notable for pairing Joyner-Kersee’s name with “burner,” a slang term for a gun, creating a tougher, more street-oriented image, yet still associating it with her speed and dominance. Wu-Tang Clan, known for their intricate lyrics and diverse references, also included a Jesse Owens reference in the same verse, showcasing their appreciation for track and field icons.
Moving into the 2010s, Childish Gambino, known for his witty and often layered lyrics, referenced Joyner-Kersee in a more contemporary context. In a 2010 song, he simply states, “I love fast women / Jackie Joyner-Kersee.” Here, “fast” takes on a double meaning, potentially referring to both speed and a certain type of personality or lifestyle associated with being “fast-paced.”
Lupe Fiasco, known for his complex wordplay, also used the reference in 2011 in the song “I’m On,” rapping, “Think fast, fast women like Jackie Joyner-Kersee.” Sampling “Return of the Mack,” Lupe’s use further plays on the double entendre of “fast,” possibly hinting at the fleeting nature of some relationships or the allure of a fast lifestyle.
J. Cole, another prominent voice in modern rap, kept the reference alive in 2012 on “Green Ranger,” with the line: “My n—- say she fast like Jackie Joyner-Kersee.” Similar to Childish Gambino, J. Cole uses the reference to describe a woman’s perceived speed or quickness, adding to the evolving interpretations of the Joyner-Kersee analogy in rap songs.
Chris Webby, in his 2012 track “Until I Die,” rapped, “Rapping rapidly ain’t nobody be lapping me / Jackie Joyner 26 paces in back of me.” While perhaps less nuanced than other examples, Webby’s line still uses Joyner-Kersee to emphasize speed and being ahead of the competition in rapping.
Lil Boosie, known for his raw and direct style, offered a more aggressive take in his 2013 song “Lay It Down”: “We have these n—- running like Jackie Joyner-Kersee.” Here, the reference is used to depict fear and fleeing, painting a picture of someone running away in fear, comparable to the speed and agility of Jackie Joyner-Kersee.
The continued use of Jackie Joyner-Kersee’s name in rap songs across decades highlights her enduring impact as a symbol of speed and athletic excellence. While newer generations might be more familiar with contemporary athletes, the rhythmic cadence of her name and the historical significance of her achievements have solidified her place as an unlikely but consistent icon within the lyrical landscape of rap music. Her legacy extends beyond the track and field, becoming ingrained in the creative expressions of artists who seek to capture the essence of speed and agility in their rhymes.
Alt text for the image: Chris Chavez, the author of the original article and founder of CITIUS MAG, posing for a portrait, highlighting his role in sports journalism and content creation.
