In a new documentary,
cable network ESPN explores the theory that boxing legend Muhammad Ali unknowingly
invented rap music in a new original program entitled, Ali Rap. Hosted
by Public Enemy front man Chuck D, the documentary attempts to hypothesize that
Ali invented rap by closely examines the relationship between the famed boxer
and Hip-Hop. The one-hour show will focus on Ali’s famous quotations
and witticisms as told by Ali himself and several celebrities including James
Earl Jones, Diane Sawyer, Al Sharpton, Adam Corolla, Ludacris and Bill Maher.
“While it’s difficult to prove Ali invented rap music, it’s almost indisputable
that he spawned what is now referred to as ‘the modern athlete,’ a term that’s
generally used as coded, pejorative language,” writes Chuck Klosterman for
ESPN.com. “When someone complains about ‘the modern athlete,’ he or she is
usually just saying, ‘this particular black athlete behaves like a rap star, even
though I’ve never actually listened to rap music in my entire life.’ “These
perceived traits include overt self-promotion, indifference toward authority,
and confidence that hemorrhages into arrogance,” continues Klosterman. “As
such, the relationship among Ali, sport, and rap is latently omnipresent, and
examples of that three-pronged relationship are everywhere.” Ali
Rap is based on the book by George Lois, in which he collected more than 300
quotable moments during the boxing icon’s long and storied career. Lois
met Ali at the 1960 Olympics in Rome and the two have maintained a friendship
that has spanned nearly 50 years.Ali
Rap
is set to air Saturday (Dec. 9) at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN.
