O.J. Simpson inspired musicians to create songs based on his controversial life.
On Wednesday, April 10, Simpson passed away at the age of 76 after his brief battle with cancer. A social media post on the following day, April 11, featured a statement from the Simpson family.
"He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace."
O.J. Simpson Became the Subject of Several Songs
Over the years, Simpson dealt with issues and legal battles that became the topic of several hip-hop songs.
Among the famous tracks were Tupac Shakur's "Picture Me Rollin'" and Jay-Z's "The Story of O.J," the latter ultimately became a hit track as it explored the racism and classism in the U.S.
"The Story of O.J" reached No. 10 on Hot R&B Hip-Hop Songs and peaked on the Billboard Hot 100. It also received three Grammy nominations for Best Music Video, Best Rap Song and Record of the Year.
More hip-hop artists mentioned Simpson in their songs, including Dr. Dre ("Natural Born Killaz"), Eminem ("Role Model"), Kendrick Lamar ["Go DJ (Freestyle)"], Clipse ("Virginia") and Kanye West ("Stronger").
"You know how long I've been on ya/ Since Prince was on Apollonia/ Since O.J. had Isotoners," West rapped in his track.
Meanwhile, Eminem's song got the line, "Me and Marcus Allen went over to see Nicole/ When we heard a knock at the door, must've been Ron Gold/ Jumped behind the door, put the orgy on hold/ Killed them both, then smeared blood on the white Bronco."
Nas, Earl Sweatshirt, Mighty Sparrow, 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Cam'ron and Tyler, the Creator also released their respective Simpson-inspired tracks.
Cam'ron's 2009 track also got the lyric, "Homie, you can have her, I don't wanna marry her/ Like OJ Simpson, I just wanna stab her."
Simpson's 2008 song "Get Juiced" also resurfaced following his death.
In the track, he delivered lines like, "Why do people wonder about my intentions / why do people ask me so many questions" and "Can't you see the only way I live my life is large / and I got the most games with 200-plus yards."
O.J. Simpson Dead at 76
Simpson's death occurred two months after Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter disclosed the former NFL star's prostate cancer diagnosis and the chemotherapy he underwent afterward.
While he had a blooming career in sports, Simpson faced several legal issues over the years. Among his controversies included his alleged involvement in his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend Ron Goldman's murders.
He was not found guilty in the trial, but another jury in 1997 ruled he was liable for the wrongful deaths. The court ordered him to pay $33.5 million in damages at the time.
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