By Rose Miami 
HangupsMusic.com – Claressa Shields, a name now synonymous with unparalleled achievement in the boxing world, finds her professional and personal life deeply interwoven with the vibrant tapestry of hip-hop culture. The term G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time), a phrase popularized by hip-hop, finds its definitive female counterpart in Shields, the two-time Olympic gold medalist and undisputed heavyweight champion. Her extraordinary career, marked by a level of success that eclipses that of many male and female boxers, draws significant inspiration from the artists and ethos of hip-hop.
From the nascent stages of her boxing journey at the tender age of 11, the resonant beats of hip-hop have served as the definitive soundtrack to Shields’ ascent. The sounds that emanated from her training gym in Flint, Michigan, were more than just background noise; they were the pulsating heart of her ambition. As her boxing prowess propelled her to the pinnacle of her sport, so too did her connection with rap music deepen and evolve. This synergy is evident in her ring entrances, often graced by prominent hip-hop figures like Rick Ross and Kash Doll. Furthermore, she boasts unwavering support from lyrical artists such as Papoose, and is actively cultivating her own presence within the rap scene.
As Shields prepares for a highly anticipated undisputed heavyweight championship bout against Franchón Crews-Dezurn on February 22nd in Detroit, she sat down for an interview to discuss the profound influence of hip-hop on her life and career. She delved into her most cherished encounters with rappers, her perspective on the burgeoning empowerment of women in both combat sports and hip-hop, and the specific artists who ignite her fighting spirit.
When asked to articulate her feelings about rap music and hip-hop culture, Shields described rap as a powerful art form, a vital outlet for self-expression without fear of undue judgment. She elaborated, "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." She values authenticity and narratives of overcoming adversity. "I like to hear about things that you really went through in your life, that you overcame," she stated, emphasizing her appreciation for stories of financial struggle and subsequent success, the classic "rags to riches" narrative.
Her introduction to hip-hop was intrinsically linked to her early boxing experiences. "When I started boxing at the age of 11," Shields recalled, "one of my coaches loved playing Tupac all the time. We listened to Biggie a lot." She specifically cited Biggie Smalls’ tracks "Ten Crack Commandments" and "Warning" as songs she knows "by heart." Her deeper immersion into the genre occurred around the age of 15 or 16, with Lil Wayne and Meek Mill being artists whose album releases she never missed.
Shields sees a profound kinship between the worlds of hip-hop and professional boxing. "I think that rappers and boxers have the most in common," she asserted. While acknowledging the obvious physical differences, she drew parallels to the aspirational lifestyles of figures like Floyd Mayweather. "Flashy, nice clothes, a lot of money, nice cars and having to earn everything you got," she explained. "Only thing is, we have to get in there and [physically] fight for our stuff."
Her training playlist is a dynamic entity, evolving with the intensity of her preparation and the specific demands of fight night. During her regular training sessions, she gravitates towards artists like Cardi B, whose album "Am I the Drama?" she enjoys, along with tracks from JT and Megan Thee Stallion. Papoose’s "Chill Button" is a particular favorite. However, fight night demands a different sonic energy. "Fight night is different," Shields explained. "Like, right now, you talking to Claressa. Fight night is [my alter ego] Clarenzo. That’s different." Clarenzo’s pre-fight soundtrack is a potent mix of aggressive and motivational anthems, featuring DMX, Tupac, Mystikal, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Papoose, Rick Ross, and Jeezy. Jay-Z’s "Lost One" holds a special significance, its lyrics resonating deeply with her boxing journey: "Lose one, let go to get one/Lose some to win some/Story of a champion."
Shields perceives a clear parallel between the current landscape of women in combat sports and the recent surge of female artists dominating the hip-hop charts. "Absolutely," she confirmed when asked about this connection. She pointed to her own burgeoning brand, which she believes surpasses that of many male fighters, and her ability to sell out arenas. She sees this mirroring the success of women in rap. "I think it’s the talent, I think it’s the consistency and it’s the hard work," she stated, attributing this shared success to a fearless willingness to put themselves forward and strive for their goals. "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 that audiences connect with authenticity, citing the popularity of artists like Cardi B, Glorilla, and Sexyy Red as evidence. She suggested that many male artists could garner more appreciation by embracing their true selves. "Overall, it’s just a time for women to shine right now," she concluded.
Beyond her close relationship with Papoose, Shields has experienced several memorable interactions with other rappers. Her ring entrances have consistently been a highlight, from her initial walk-outs with Lyric Da Queen to her collaborations with Detroit’s own Kash Doll. Sharing the spotlight with Kash Doll, she felt, was a powerful statement of mutual excellence: "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." A particularly poignant moment was her walk-out with Papoose in Flint for an undisputed championship fight against Danielle Perkins, followed by the ultimate endorsement from Rick Ross, an experience she described as beyond her wildest dreams. She also recounted a memorable encounter with Meek Mill after winning her second Olympic gold medal. He recognized her, playfully urged her to "turn your gold medals around," and expressed his pride, revealing that he and Nicki Minaj had watched her documentary together, a moment that remains a cherished memory.