15 NBA players and their rapper counterparts

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Recording artist Drake embraces Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) as they celebrate a 89-84 win over Indiana Pacers in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

2 of 16

Feb 20, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Beyonce and Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar attend the game between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Golden State Warriors game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

15. Kobe Bryant and Jay Z

To call Jay Z and Kobe Bryant royalty wouldn’t be incorrect but it wouldn’t be entirely accurate either. These dudes are more like full on deities to their fans.

Have you ever met a dude from Brooklyn and told him that Jay Z is overrated or, worse, that The Black Album is the quintessential Hova record? If you did, you probably have mental scarring from the yelling and pizza throwing (that’s what people from New York do when they’re mad right? Throw pizza?). Try telling a Jay Z fan that Jigga is washed up and you’ll get an interesting mix of denial and blind fury.

The same goes for Kobe Bryant. The Black Mamba Fan Club is strong and ever-growing. I dare you to go to Los Angeles and tell Lakers fans that Shaq carried Kobe. Or that Dwyane Wade’s prime was more impressive than Bryant’s. Or that Kobe can’t play today’s game because he takes too many mid-range jumpers.

Mention anything bad about Jay Z or Kobe and their zealous fans won’t let you live it down. Jay Z and Kobe are infallible in their eyes, and to poke holes in that is nothing short of a sin against these holy figures.

Next: 14. LeBron James