Over the year’s many rappers have dropped a bar referencing Michael Jordan. Jay-Z said, “I stay sportin’ played Jordans before Jordan.” That was in 1999. Even NAS did the name drop in his verse back in 1996. “I thought Jordans and a gold chain was living it up.” Even though MJ is long gone from the hardwood, rappers continue to tip the hat to the 6x NBA icon. One such young rapper is Travis Scott, who has successfully managed to follow in the footsteps of the Bulls legend.

The Houston-based rapper has been collaborating with the Jordan brand since 2018. The ‘Travis Scott x Air Jordan 4 Cactus Jack’ is one of the first of its kind. In 2020, as per reports, the deal helped La Flame generate “around $10 million” per year from his shoe-centered Nike deal. Naturally, the compensation would have increased by now, since it’s a hit among the masses. According to Cassiuslife, Travis Scott & Jordan Brand dominated the top 10 list last year.

The list was for purchases on the SNKRS app in 2024. This year’s list keeps the same energy as the ones shared in 2022 and 2023. Scott and his popular Air Jordan 1 Low OG silhouettes were at the top in both years. Out of the top 5 shoes, 4 were the collaboration of Michael Jordan and the hip-hop star. But their relationship is more than just a mere partnership.

Talking to Complex, Travis Scott candidly described his relationship with MJ. “That’s my guy, man. As a mentor, he gets me through a lot of things, and he helps me with a lot of things. I love being locked in with greatness. Between him and Tom Brady, I’m alright, man. For real.” Previously, too, he sought advice from the NFL icon.

The Astroworld rapper sat down with Billboard, sharing that he often seeks Brady’s counsel. “I have a couple of people I can name [when I need advice], but 12 is somebody I can turn to when it comes to that because time and time again, when it comes to having to go and get it, I’ve seen him do it.” 12 was the jersey Brady wore during the time he collected 7 rings in his career.

Another time, when $80 million Travis Scott mentioned Michael Jordan and Tom Brady

As stated before, many hip-hop stars have name-dropped the sports icon to show their admiration. Since the 33-year-old is a huge fan of both of them, he also referenced them in one of his songs. Drake and 21 Savage released their new album ‘Her Loss.’ The album includes a song featuring rapper Travis Scott, where he includes a shout-out to two of his mentors.

“Bring on the rings (yeah), her MJ thing, I’m talkin’ a Brady thing.” Fans spent time dissecting and adding meaning to the shout-out. Michael Jordan has six NBA championship rings, while Tom Brady has seven Super Bowl ones. Apart from this, the rapper also has name-dropped Brady in at least five songs, with the latest being 21 Savage’s 2024 song “Née-Nah.”

Scott also celebrated Brady’s seven Super Bowl wins, rapping, “Ayy, Brady seven pack, they come in bunch.” Multiple times, the rapper has called Brady and Michael Jordan his inspiration. Apart from producing music, his approach towards brand building clearly seems like a move from the sports icon playbook. Scott’s deliberate brand-building strategy, mirroring the calculated moves of sports icons, underscores his ambition beyond music.