The World Cup starts today, and the United States National Team has a tough group ahead of them with Portugal, Germany and Ghana. But led by starting striker Jozy Altidore, who scored two goals in the States’ final World Cup warmup game last week, the U.S. has as good a chance as any to have a good run in the Greatest Sports Competition on Earth. Altidore, who is likely to start in the Americans’ first World Cup game against Ghana on Monday, is also a big hip-hop head, and grew up listening to The Notorious B.I.G., Diddy and Ma$e.
Just before he kicks off the biggest tournament of his life, XXL asked him to break down his love for hip-hop, who he’s listening to right now, and what songs are bumping in the U.S. National Team locker room.
XXL: How did you get into hip-hop?
Jozy Altidore: Most likely through my brother. He was a big fan of Biggie and Tupac. And having roots in the New York-New Jersey area, my cousins were always big on rap and hip-hop, so it was in the family and kind of just stuck with me.
What were you listening to growing up?
Like I said, it was a whole lot of Biggie, Ma$e and Diddy. They were big at the time when I was growing up in the Tri-State area.
What’s on your iPod now that you’re listening to?
Huge fan of R&B right now. I like Childish Gambino a lot. And obviously a little bit of Biggie, Drake, Jay Z and Kendrick Lamar.
Are there any particular songs or artists that you listen to before games?
Not really, to be honest. When I was younger, I used to listen to music to get me pumped. Now, as you get older, you kind of understand your role in a team and what you have to do game to game.
Does your playlist change for big games, or for something massive like the World Cup?
For a World Cup it does. I put songs on there that remind me of my family. They’re my inspiration in this whole thing. I want to remember them when I go into these big games.
In the National Team locker room, does one person control the music, or is it a mix of people? What do you guys listen to?
It’s a mix of things. We put the pressure on Tim Howard. He’s the one who comes out with the mix. It’s a little bit everything. Whatever gets the team ready to go.
Do you have any stories about meeting rappers?
I met Birdman at a Miami Heat game. We were both walking to our cars when it happened. He was cool, a down-to-Earth dude. We chopped it up for a bit. Also met B.o.B. at a show in Los Angeles before he got big. That was pretty cool.
What’s your favorite aspect of hip-hop—lyricism, beats, wordplay, catchy hooks?
Huge fan of lyricism. Lyricism and wordplay are the best. I liked people who can tell me a story and be clever through their rhymes. Look at guys like Eminem, who are unbelievable. They can take you on a lyrical ride. That’s where the real talent is.
Who do you consider the greatest rapper of all time? Who is your current favorite rapper?
Greatest rapper of all time, I’d have to say Notorious B.I.G. And probably Tupac. He was an amazing rapper. Currently, I’d say Kanye West. He’s another guy who is creative with lyrics and his music.
What’s your favorite hip-hop album of all time?
Anything from The Notorious B.I.G. I think lyrically he was just so ahead of his time. I also like Jay Z, whom I think has done a lot in the game and has been an inspiration to a lot of rappers and men—regardless of race—in general.
Are there any rappers you could see having successful soccer careers?
That’s a tough one. Soccer is a sport that’s heavy in endurance, stamina and health. Hate to say it, but a lot of rappers tend to indulge themselves in things that aren’t the healthiest and probably wouldn’t keep their endurance in the right place. But that said, if I had to choose someone, I would hate to guard a guy like Eminem. He would just keep coming at you until both of you both had enough. He seems like the type of dude that wouldn’t stop for anything.
Are there any albums you’re most looking forward to in the next year?
I would have to say I’d like to see what Kanye and Kendrick Lamar are going to do. Even a guy like Meek Mill. He makes some good club bangers. Just a little bit of everyone. Also a huge fan of Slaughterhouse. Love what they’re doing as well.
