Instagram/@claressashields
Not very long ago, the Boxing Champion Claressa Shields made a surprising transition from the boxing ring to the music studio as an unexpected musical act. The two-time Olympic gold medalist participated in BET’s ‘106 & Sports’ segment for their Freestyle Friday where she did a rap performance that honored her victories and fighting spirit. This occurrence has stirred up quite a lot of discussion with people’s responses to her entering the music world ranging from very positive to very negative.
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In the video clip, viewers witness Shields with full confidence rapping to the beat. The content of her text was exuberance so typical to her and the lines below were among the numerous examples: “I’m the winner, even if I go through the foggy market, What is mine, I will get.” Even more, she characterized her career at its zenith by proclaiming, “I thank God for my blessings. Yes, I am thankful; I was a world champion at 22.” The hosts and the crew of the show who were very supportive and cheering during the warm-up were the ones captured in the video clip.
However, the feedback from the digital audience was significantly more divided. Among the dissenters, the idea that only a certain kind of person is fit for the mic was the main point in common. A user, with a very straightforward and historical perspective, expressed, “I liked it back then, if you couldn’t rap….you just didn’t.” This remark prompted a minor thread where other users playfully mentioned rappers associated with their respective styles, one even claimed, “you never heard of Silk Da Shocker huh lol.”
The other main criticism was aimed at Shields for seemingly attempting to fuse two completely different talents. One user who made a particularly outrageous comment that went viral said, “So she wants to be Laila Ali in the morning and Remy at night…girl if you don’t just sit down.” The comparison with the mythical boxer and the famous rapper was indeed convincing to many who had a good laugh and agreed with the comments, one of them even proposing a new name: “Let’s call her Lemmy! 😂”
Some users were more critical yet still skeptical in their responses. One person pointed out specific technical elements that needed improvement, saying, “She gotta work on her breath control and vocal flow. Everybody think they can rap.” Another person gave an unfavourable analogy, simply stating, “This is how the ciphers sounded back in middle school.” The performance also led to reality TV-like comparisons with one viewer saying, “This is giving me the RASHEEDA CONCERT vibes 🤣🤣,” while another quickly responded, “I’m Rasheeda…. I rap like shawty low😂😂😂 that’s all I can hear right now.”
Despite the insults and negative comments raining down on her, Shields did find some supporters in her corner. Those who supported her were the ones who praised her bravery and they were the ones whose comments read, “🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Spitting them bars!!! I love to see it!!!😍” and “Yeah gwot!!!! Talk to em!!!!” One of the fans highlighted her best sports achievement, saying, “World Champ at 22 will FOREVER be flex!” Another one provided encouraging words, stating, “It’s a nice start! Keep rolling champ. Put in that work get that flow tight and some different styles like boxing angles.”
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The actual segment also attracted some attention and one viewer praised the new idea for the BET show: “106 & Sports might be on to something I’m very intrigued by this keep up the good work Black Entertainment will never be denied!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” When a top athlete came across the music industry, it was quite obvious, that it was a win-win situation: not only did it spark conversations among people, but also confirmed that Claressa Shields is always a solid draw, no matter what the situation – be it with boxing gloves or a microphone. She has not yet become a rap star but her battle for acknowledgement has been ringing loud and clear and the impact on her fans is already there. Her relationship with Papoose has also been in the spotlight recently. This reminds me of Bethenny Frankel‘s recent controversies about gift-giving. The couple’s appearance on the Tamron Hall Show sparked engagement rumors. Meanwhile, Shields continues her musical journey, having recently dropped two new singles. In a recent interview, she revealed her mindset secret for success.