?Would Know How Michael Felt?: 22-Time Grammy Winner Kanye West Once Paid Tribute to 23-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Phelps With His Song

Both Kanye West, and Michael Phelps, are legends in their own respective fields. While Phelps is the most successful Olympian ever, Kanye always seems to find his way into the headlines. West is a veteran and has won 21 Grammy awards. That’s almost as many Grammy awards as Michael Phelps’ 23 Olympic golds. In 2012, West gave a shout-out to Phelps in one of his songs.

One may think that the rapper paid tribute to Phelps’ incredible achievements. While this was true, there’s more to it than that. The pair have a lot more in common than simply being legends at their craft.

Kanye West paid tribute to the Olympic legend

Kanye West is an extremely popular hip-hop artist. Michael is a legend, and it’s not surprising to think that the ‘Flying Fish’ inspired West as well. However, what casual fans might not know, is that Kanye West once gave a shout-out to Phelps in one of his songs. West released the song, “The One,” in 2012. At around 1:30 minutes into the song, Kanye sings,?“If you ever held a title belt you would know how Michael felt; Tyson, Jackson, Jordan — Michael Phelps.”

The song is from Kanye West’s 2012 album, “Cruel Summer”. “The One,” is the ninth track and chorus contains the lyrics, “The storm is on the horizon, I’m standing here alone.” Furthermore, the lyrics goes on, “If you want it then bring it on… I’mma be here till it’s done.”

The chorus seemed to have indicated toward qualities like perseverance, and the spirit of never giving up. Maybe that’s why Kanye hails the champions like Michael Phelps in the first place. In 2019, Kanye revealed he suffered from bipolar disorder and has been vocal about mental health issues. Interestingly, Phelps is also a mental health warrior who raises awareness from time to time.

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Kanye also mentioned few other names in his lyrics, “Tyson, Jackson, Jordan.”? With Tyson and Jordan, Kanye was surely refering to Mike Tyson, and Michael Jordan. While Tyson is an all-time great boxer, Jordan is a basketball legend. However, with Jackson, Kayne might have referred to NFL and MLB all-star, Bo Jackson.

Michael Phelps is an advocate for mental health

Michael Phelps has etched his name in the history books. The ‘Baltimore Bullet’ won 28 Olympic medals. However, Phelps’ also suffered from depression and ADHD. Since retiring from competitive swimming the Olympic legend is raising?awareness?of mental health issues. He is a voice for athletes who suffer from these issues. The Michael Phelps Foundation prioritizes both mental health and water safety. Phelps has spoken about mental health in various international seminars.

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Michael Phelps’ began swimming when he was a child and retired when he was 31. Phelps won over 100 medals throughout his career. He is the most decorated Olympian of all time, who also won against mental health issues. It’s no wonder that Kanye West would also find inspiration in Michael’s story.