The influence of music on sports and athletes

Music and sports are running in tandem these days. It is far less uncommon to see the two socializing together. This is true with most popular sports in the US. This year it has been seen more commonly that entertainers are sitting courtside in greater numbers than ever before. You see them roaming the sidelines during NFL games. They can even be found in suites during the World Series. No longer is it just for the singing of the National Anthem. But why is this union so common?

We’ve seen entertainers more present in the owner’s booth than before with names like Jay-Z & Nelly ever present in both worlds. I commend those two for investing in something other than alcoholic beverages, liquor, clothing or jewelry. Hopefully, these gentlemen can show others “smart” ways to spend their earnings which can in turn give them a return on their investment. Snoop Dogg must also be commended for his efforts with his youth football program. No only does this link sport and music, but it also give positive direction for today’s unguided youth. It gives a sense of responsibility and father figures to many young men without a “man” in their daily lives.

Athletes and entertainers run in the same circle. They are both viewed as the popular icons of the social structure to the world. Children and young adults view them as role models, be it good or bad. They emulate them whenever possible. And far often or not are the trend setters of the world. We get our information from these martyr figures.

We have seen institutions such as the NBA limit its influences by having its players abide by higher standards. This is mainly apparent in post game interviews where business casual dress is required. They also do not allow its players to warm up with electronic devices on the court. That’s right; players cannot bump their iPods while warming up on the court as this goes against the NBA’s dress policy on the court. I guess the NBA felt that the youth would not only mock their Band-Aids (D Wade), Sleeves (Anyone with an “injury”), or headbands. Funny how they haven’t mandated the amount of tattoos one can have showing while on the court.

The NFL & MLB really haven’t enforced many dress codes that weren’t’ already in place as they were stricter with their uniforms than the NBA. I guess when you have that much skin showing, there’s multiple options available. Time will tell the direction of things to come but we know as far as their influences.

Besides the obvious connection with trends, more often than not, you hear player warming up to the hottest tunes out. More often than not it happens to be hip-hop/rap music. This can be said true overseas as I’ve witnessed first hand the music bleeding through the speakers internationally at sporting events. Yes there are still traces of rock and alternative sounds, but the influence that the “urban” culture has on grown since its humble origins in the 1980’s. The most conservative Republican can be found patting their feet to the sounds of Beyonce’ during time outs. No matter how much you think you hate it, you love it just the same. It touches so many for reasons that cannot be explained, yet it amasses such public scrutiny. Once again it is best stated by the late B.I.G. “mo money, mo problems.” The more money hip-hop generates, the more “problems” it creates to every entity it touches.