Did the Air Yeezys really jump over the Jumpman? The statement line from “New God Flow” has caused conversation over both star’s signature lines, but it’s far from the first time Mr. West has referenced his Airness. While mentor Jay-Z is known for channeling MJ’s winning ways on the court and in the boardroom, Kanye often cites each Chicago star’s impact on pop culture. Pulling from both their bars, we take a look back at the best lyrical references to Michael Jordan made by big bro and the icon with Nikes on.<\/p>\n
Written by Tee Jay Void & Ian Stonebrook<\/em><\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> Brand New Did Kanye do for Ralphie what Mike did for Nike? Not quite, but there’s on denying the horsepower Polo received from the College Dropout.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> “Encore” Jay “retired from rap” in 2003, but hinted he wasn’t done. Michael Jordan retired in 1993 only to return rocking #45…and the Air Jordan 10 “Chicago”.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> “N*ggas in Paris” Jay’s line “I will NOT lose” reminds us of his acumen for winning. Jordan won five of his six championships in Game 6, including the legendary last shot against the Utah Jazz in 1998.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> Power (Remix) Yeezy knows the hierarchy of pop culture icons, but still shows his lyrical prowess by making a slick showmanship reference.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> Hola Hovito People often argue if Jay lost a step in his, much like Jordan after he came back from baseball. However, Jordan adapted his skills to stay on top of the game, much like Jay-Z.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> Swagga Like Us Kanye’s Kobe ties run deep. From shoe switching to supporting each other in their respective places of work, the two mega-stars both know they’re competing with history.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> Illest *** Alive Still active, Jay has 11 #1 albums to Jordan’s six NBA championships.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> “Hova Song (Intro)” Jay-Z sees himself as an unstoppable force like MJ who has the second most 50 point games in history, with the first being against the Celtics in a 1986 playoff game. That outburst had Larry Bird calling him “God disguised as Michael Jordan.”<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Song:<\/strong> See Me Now While the Rosewood movement may have been anti-sneakers, it still sported some Jordan roots.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n“The survey says by the street?s according\/Kanye just important as Michael Jordan\/Was to the NBA when he was scorin’\/Ralph Lauren was borin’ before I wore him”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> Blue Collar<\/em> by Rhymefest
\nYear:<\/strong> 2006<\/p>\n“When I come back like Jordan\/Wearing the 45”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> The Black Album<\/em>
\nYear:<\/strong> 2003<\/p>\n“I’m liable to go Michael\/take your pick\/Jackson, Tyson, Jordan\/Game 6”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> Watch The Throne<\/em>
\nYear:<\/strong> 2011<\/p>\n“Michael Jordan the only one more important\/But I be feelin’ like Jordan when I’m recording\/’Cause every time I record I dunk and slap the boards”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy<\/em> Bonus Track
\nYear:<\/strong> 2010<\/p>\n“MJ\/Him Jay\/fade-away perfect”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> The Blueprint<\/em>
\nYear:<\/strong> 2001<\/p>\n“Tryna get that Kobe number, one over Jordan”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> Paper Trail<\/em> by T.I.
\nYear:<\/strong> 2008<\/p>\n“Michael Jordan swag\/y’all think Michael Jordan bad\/…I got five more rings than Michael Jordan had”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> Watch the Throne<\/em>
\nYear:<\/strong> 2011<\/p>\n“Mike Jordan of rap\/Outside J workin’\/Now watch how quickly I drop 50”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> Vol. 3 Life and Times of S. Carter<\/em>
\nYear:<\/strong> 1999<\/p>\n“Stay Jordan fresh, suits and Ferraris”<\/h2>\n
\nAlbum:<\/strong> My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy<\/em> Bonus Track
\nYear:<\/strong> 2010<\/p>\n“Drug dealer buy Jordan, crack head buy crack\/And the white man get paid off of all of that”<\/h2>\n