“He Doesn’t ‘Meet’ People”: Michael Phelps Recalled His Failed Attempt to Meet Millionaire Rapper Snoop Dogg in 2005

Many athletes have various pre-game rituals. Some use them to ensure good luck, while some use these rituals to hype them up before a big match. One athlete on the list is Michael Phelps. The swimmer was often seen with headphones on as he geared up for a race. Phelps once revealed the notable artists on his playlist, which included the likes of Eminem, Young Jeezy, and Eric Church. He has also admitted that he is a fan of Dr. Dre and Notorious B.I.G.

Evidently, the retired swimmer is a big fan of rap and rap artists. Back in 2005, the swimmer went to attend a concert by a famous rapper, but things didn’t go as planned.

Michael Phelps wanted to meet with a famed rap artist

Coming off the 2004 Athens Olympics, Michael Phelps made a name for himself. The young American swimmer won six gold and two bronze medals as he gave the world a trailer of what was to come. The following year, Michael attended the concert of rap artist Snoop Dogg and also expressed a desire to meet him.

Phelps even went backstage after the event for a chance to meet the artist. But the swimmer had to leave after facing disappointment. Michael said he could not meet Snoop Dogg. “I didn’t get to meet Snoop. He doesn’t ‘meet’ people.” Michael described the concert as “amazing.” Although he could not meet Snoop, Phelps met with another rap artist- The Game.

READ MORE: Michael Phelps’ Savagery Had Kevin Hart Reeling In Front of Snoop Dogg

Phelps’ love for hip hop doesn’t stop with admiration of the artists. He once donned the attire of Eminem for a celebrity lip sync battle. The great ‘Swim Shady’ sent the audience into a frenzy with his outfit and approach to the performance. Apart from listening to music, Phelps would play on his Xbox or PlayStation to relax.

Phelps was grateful to Snoop Dogg for his efforts

Apart from being a celebrated swimmer, Phelps is also known as an active advocate for mental health. He has made tremendous efforts to normalize talking about mental health issues and lay down the importance of therapy. Michael was once thankful to Snoop Dogg for furthering the cause.

Snoop once uploaded a video on his Instagram that caught Phelps’ attention. In the video, a person drops a tissue in a sink full of water. The tissue carried a message that read, “Please normalize checking on people instead of…” As the tissue got wet, the rest of the message was revealed. It read, “just checking their IG!!!!” The mental health activist within Phelps was grateful for this as he commented, “Love this, thx homie.”

WATCH THIS STORY: Michael Phelps’ Mother Fought With Teachers to Save Him from Health Disease Insecurities

It is pleasing to see more and more people coming forward and supporting the fight against mental health taboo. All of us can do our part in the fight by coming forward and normalizing talking about our issues. To know more about the same, visit www.mhanational.org.