By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Claressa Shields, the undisputed queen of women’s boxing, has built a career and a life deeply interwoven with the pulsating energy and lyrical prowess of hip-hop. While the acronym G.O.A.T. has become a ubiquitous symbol of excellence, Shields has firmly established herself as the G.W.O.A.T. – the Greatest Woman of All Time. Her unparalleled list of achievements in the ring, including two Olympic gold medals and multiple world championships across different weight classes, is not only a testament to her formidable talent but also, she reveals, a reflection of the profound inspiration she draws from hip-hop culture and its artists.
From the moment she first stepped into a boxing gym at the tender age of 11 in Flint, Michigan, the resonant beats of hip-hop’s pioneers have served as the consistent soundtrack to her remarkable journey. This symbiotic relationship between the ring and rhythm has only intensified as Shields has ascended to the pinnacle of her sport. Her high-profile bouts have frequently featured appearances by prominent hip-hop figures, with artists like Rick Ross and Kash Doll gracing her corner during ring entrances. Furthermore, she counts lyrical powerhouse Papoose as a steadfast supporter, and is even embarking on her own burgeoning career in the rap music scene. As she prepares for her highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight championship clash against Franchón Crews-Dezurn, scheduled for February 22nd in Detroit, Shields sat down for an exclusive interview to discuss the multifaceted influence of hip-hop on her life and career, her most impactful encounters with recording artists, and her perspective on the parallel rise of women in both combat sports and the music industry.
When asked to articulate her feelings about rap music and hip-hop culture, Shields described it as a vital art form, a powerful vehicle for self-expression that allows individuals to articulate their experiences without undue judgment. She elaborated, "I feel like rap is an art. It’s a way to express yourself without being judged too hard about it. I think that you can be a person who’s very soft-spoken in real life, but then you get in the studio, and you can be a whole different person." This duality, she believes, is fundamental to authentic artistry. Shields expressed a preference for music that delves into personal narratives of struggle and triumph, stating, "Some people are so scared to express what they really are and how they really are, and that’s why you get all these fakes and phonies because they pretend. I like to hear about things that you really went through in your life, that you overcame. [I like hearing] about how you’re getting money, how you went from the rags to the riches. I like rap like that."
Her introduction to hip-hop was intrinsically linked to her early days in boxing. "When I started boxing at the age of 11," she recalled, "one of my coaches loved playing Tupac all the time. We listened to Biggie a lot. ‘Ten Crack Commandments’ and ‘Warning’ by Biggie, I know both of those songs by heart." As she transitioned into her teenage years, her musical palate expanded. "Then, when I think about music, when I really got into it, Lil Wayne and Meek Mill were two rappers that I never missed an album drop. That was around 15, 16 years old."
Shields sees a profound kinship between the worlds of professional boxing and hip-hop. "I think that rappers and boxers have the most in common," she asserted. "Not the fighting, but let’s take it back to Floyd [Mayweather]. Flashy, nice clothes, a lot of money, nice cars and having to earn everything you got. Only thing is, we have to get in there and [physically] fight for our stuff." This shared ethos of hard work, ambition, and the pursuit of success, often against significant odds, forms a strong common ground.
Her training playlists are a dynamic reflection of her mood and the impending challenge. "I love Cardi B’s album, Am I the Drama? I like some of JT’s stuff. Megan [Thee Stallion]. I definitely got Papoose. He got that song ‘Chill Button.’ That’s one of my favorites." However, fight night calls for a different sonic approach, invoking an alter ego. "Fight night is different," Shields explained. "Like, right now, you talking to Claressa. Fight night is [my alter ego] Clarenzo. That’s different. Clarenzo listens to DMX, Tupac, Mystikal, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Papoose, Rick Ross, Jeezy." She highlighted a particular Jay-Z track that resonates deeply with her boxing philosophy: "Jay-Z got this song that I love a lot, and it really does speak to my boxing career. He got that ‘Lost One.’ Just that song ‘Lose one, let go to get one / Lose some to win some/Story of a champion.’ That’s my sh*t." The lyrical sentiment of enduring loss to achieve ultimate victory perfectly encapsulates her own journey.
Shields drew a strong parallel between the burgeoning success of women in combat sports and the recent surge of female artists dominating the hip-hop landscape. "Absolutely," she affirmed. "Right now in boxing, my brand is bigger than a lot of the male fighters who are top dogs. I’m selling out arenas and the same thing with the women in rap. I think it’s the talent, I think it’s the consistency and it’s the hard work. It’s the way that we’re willing to put ourselves out there and actually go and get it. Nothing is given to us. It’s like you give women just a little bit and we just turn it into a lot." She believes this authenticity is key to their widespread appeal. "People respect the real. That’s why they love Cardi B. They love Glorilla. They love Sexyy Red. A lot of these guys, if they would just be real and be who they are, I feel like they’d get more love. Overall, it’s just a time for women to shine right now."
Beyond her close relationship with Papoose, Shields has accumulated a collection of memorable encounters with various rappers that have left a lasting impression. "I mean, first of all, all of my ring entrances by rappers have been phenomenal," she stated. She recounted the experience of having Kash Doll, a Detroit native, walk her to the ring, describing it as a moment of mutual validation. "Me being able to have her walk me out, it was like I’m the best at what I do, she’s the best at what she do and it’s like we solidified each other. You fck with Kash Doll, you fck with Claressa, you f**k with Michigan’s best. It was a huge moment for me."
The experience of being accompanied by Papoose in her hometown of Flint for a significant championship bout was equally impactful. "I walked out with Papoose in Flint, Mich. to fight for the undisputed championship against a very, very tough opponent in Danielle Perkins." The subsequent honor of having music mogul Rick Ross escort her to the ring for another major fight was an experience that exceeded her wildest expectations. "Then, to get walked out by the boss Rick Ross? Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that could ever happen."
A particularly cherished memory involves an interaction with rapper Meek Mill. "I met Meek Mill after I won my second Olympic gold medal," Shields recalled. "He hollered at me up at a club. He was like, ‘Yo, T-Rex, turn your gold medals around!’ He said he was proud of me, and he let me know that him and Nicki Minaj had watched my documentary together. That was one of my favorite interactions with a rapper." These experiences highlight the genuine connections and mutual respect that have formed between Shields and the artists who inspire her.