John Cena Says He Stopped Listening To Rap After Drake

John Cena gives his Mount Rushmore of hip hop and speaks on Drake.

John Cena, best known as a WWE superstar, also made waves in the music world as a rapper. His venture into hip-hop began during his wrestling career in the early 2000s when he developed his wrestling persona into one that incorporated rap and street culture. His rapping often included diss tracks aimed at his opponents, and it became a central part of his character in the WWE.

Cena’s rap persona took off in 2004 when he recorded his entrance theme, “The Time Is Now,” which became one of the most iconic entrance songs in wrestling. The track featured his recognizable opening line, “Your time is up, my time is now,” and solidified his crossover appeal between wrestling and music.

JOHN CENA ON DRAKE VS. KENDRICK LAMAR BEEF

On an episode of Shay Shay Club podcast, the WWE icon spoke on various topics that included the world of hip hop. When asked by Shannon Sharpe about who believed won the rap battle between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, he stunned the host by saying he never heard one bar from the battle. He revealed that “I kinda drifted away from hip hop right around Drake.” Cena made sure to say he believed Drake was talented, but he is more of an older school rap fan.

“I love wordplay. His stuff is well thought out. He is very poetic,” says Cena who admitted after him it was “fade to nothingness” for him in terms of the new hip hop era. He stated his Mount Rushmore of Hip Hop includes Jay Z, Nas, Eminem, and Rakim.

Shannon Sharpe tells John Cena that he believes Kendrick Lamar won the rap battle against Drake, and John Cena speaks about drifting away from Hip-Hop.

(🎥 Club Shay Shay/Youtube) pic.twitter.com/KT3eEFO46w

— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) August 21, 2024

John Cena names his Mt. Rushmore of Hip-hop:

– Eminem
– Jay-Z
– Nas
– Rakim pic.twitter.com/15KRRqyPS9

— The Eminem Bible (@Shadyind) August 21, 2024

Hip hop and wrestling fans obviously had their thoughts on this revelation as some called him a culture vulture, while others stated he was just an old school hip hop fan.

Kinda crazy he ain’t up on Kendrick tho. But thats Hollywood for ya…

— B-Rock (@Blk_Shy_Guy) August 21, 2024

He based his wrestling character on his fandom of G Unit early on in his career. A lot of people were yelling “G-Unit!” then and he has always given credit. He never claimed to be a real rapper rapper even with a platinum album so I don’t see the problem

— Sean (@sdu4d) August 21, 2024

Bro just do your research. He would post Jay Z and G Unit, who he was and probably still is a huge fan of.. not every 47 year old is keeping up with hip hop in 2024.

— ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ ✰ (@d0wnassbxtch_) August 21, 2024

Not heard one single bar from the whole series? That’s a lie. pic.twitter.com/ULIia8BlLF

— Jaja (@JajaBreed) August 21, 2024

JOHN CENA RELEASE A RAP ALBUM

In 2005, Cena released his debut rap album, *You Can’t See Me*, which was a commercial success, debuting at number 15 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album included collaborations with his cousin Tha Trademarc and production by Jake One. It featured tracks like “Bad, Bad Man” and “Right Now,” but the standout was “The Time Is Now,” which became synonymous with his wrestling identity.

Cena’s rap style is a mix of battle raps, braggadocio, and motivational lyrics, reflecting his larger-than-life wrestling persona. Although he never pursued a full-time career in music, his contributions to hip-hop are notable for their impact within the wrestling and pop culture crossover space.

Cena’s time as a rapper helped further his image as a versatile entertainer, blending sports, music, and acting. While he eventually moved away from music to focus more on wrestling, acting, and philanthropy, his rap career remains a memorable and unique chapter in his multi-faceted career.