There are few things I love more than jiu-jitsu and hip-hop.
I’m not going to both making a comparison between the two art forms (although similarities, truth be told, abound between them). I will say that this started with me trying to explain to someone why Jean-Jacques Machado was such a badass, and the best comparison I had handy was “if he was a rapper, he’d be Erick Sermon — great on his own, great in a team, overcame obstacles, never made excuses and had staying power in a game where that’s hard to come by.”
With that start, I came up with 9 other examples. Do I want to hear yours? Obviously. That’s what comments are for.
Last note: If I were to add an 11th, more timely name, I’d compare Erberth Santos to Tekashi 6ix9ine: both will probably end up in witness protection and everyone will know who they are anyway. Plus, 6ix9ine’s rainbow hair is less embarrassing than the Santa Claus beard Erberth rocked a few years back.
Without further ado:
Roger Gracie and Rakim
The safe choice for the GOAT. Consistent excellence over many years. Old school that never seems dated. Perfect technique, which you should never sweat. Many imitators, none like the original.
KRS One and Renzo Gracie
Renzo live-tweeted his beatdown of a mugger, and left the dude with “raccoon eyes”; after a perceived slight, KRS bumrushed the stage and threw PM Dawn off and then performed “I’m Still Number One” on their stage at their show. Both are all time greats whose cultural impact is as large or larger than their considerable skills. Plus, if anyone other than Kris deserves the nickname “The Blastmaster,” it’s Renzo.
Michelle Nicolini and Lauryn Hill
Both versatile (Lauryn Hill put out classic albums solo and as part of a group, Michelle won top grappling honors gi and nogi to go along with a successful fight career). Both timelessly righteous.
Leticia Ribeiro and Queen Latifah
Leticia is probably the most successful woman competitor ever. Plus, Studio 540 is a little like that time Latifah organized an all-star complement of musicians to close out the Arsenio Hall Show. Both royalty.
Jean-Jacques Machado and Erick Sermon
Jean-Jacques was born with only the thumb and the little finger on his left hand but became an elite, legendary figure in jiu-jitsu. Erick Sermon was born with a lisp and became a legendary figure in hip-hop. Jean-Jacques, if you’re reading this, being compared to the Green Eyed Bandit is a supreme compliment.
Dominyka Obelenyte and Dessa
Among the best of the new school. Both possess artistic talents beyond what we primarily know them for (Dom visual art, Dessa traditional poetry). Both succeed as individuals and as part of crews (Dessa with Doomtree, Dom with Rag Doll Camps and more).
Leka Vieira and Monie Love.
Critically important, deeply slept on. Get familiar if you aren’t.
Rolles Gracie and Big L
One was a free spirit who trained multiple martial arts and brought techniques back to jiu-jitsu; one was a freestyle king who made his mark young. Both still loom large today despite their untimely deaths.
Eminem and Fernando Terere
All-time greats who each struggled with addiction but overcame it and returned to their art. Stylistically, both are known for setting a frenetic pace but also do basically everything technically well. Plus, both do admirable community work.
Fabio Gurgel and Jay Z
If you’re of a certain vintage, you remember each of these men as a towering figure of the art, out-competing almost all comers. Now, if you Google Hova’s name, the first suggested searches are “Jay Z team” and “Jay Z net worth.” Similarly, though Fabio Gurgel should be on anyone’s list of all-time greats, he’s now mostly known as the General for his dominant-for-years Alliance team. He’s not a businessman; he’s a business, man.
