Though Ozzy Osbourne’s name might conjure images of leather jackets, dark eyeliner, and flying bats, his heavy metal influence stretches far beyond rock and metal. From Travis Scott to Ice-T, the late “Prince of Darkness,” who passed away Tuesday (July 22), rubbed shoulders with Black artists — especially in hip-hop — in ways that may surprise you.
Suggested Reading
Here’s a look back at some of the moments where Osbourne and his band Black Sabbath collided with the culture.
T‑Pain covers “War Pigs” (2023)
The “Buy U a Drank” musician blew everyone away with his gut-busting cover of Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” during a live performance in 2023. Chile, the cover was so good, Osbourne himself reposted it to his page, and went on record calling it “The best cover of ‘War Pigs’ ever.” He put some respect on T-Pain’s name!
Post Malone & Ozzy Osbourne Collab “Take What You Want”
This chart-topping emo‑rap/rap‑rock collaboration made hip-hop history — for Osbourne — marking his first Hot 100 top 10 in over 30 years. And if you thought we’d ever forget the fiery performance that went with it, you’re dead wrong.
Ozzy Osbourne, Post Malone, and Travis Scott’s American Music Awards Performance
Osbourne, Malone, and Scott took the stage — engulfed in smoke and flames — during the 2019 American Music Awards to perform the “Take What You Want.” This moment was heart-stopping for emo-rap fans.
Sharon Osbourne Gave 50 Cent The Nickname ‘Fiddy’
While doing promo for Power Book III: Raising Kanan, 50 Cent revealed that Sharon Osbourne gave him the nickname, Fiddy. “You know, Sharon changed my name — Sharon Osbourne,” 50 clarified. “She said, ‘Fiddy Cents… Is it 50 or Fiddy?’ and I was like, ‘Whichever one makes you happy,’” the Power exec joked.
‘The Osbournes’ on MTV
“The Osbournes” had Black folks in a chokehold when it aired on MTV for four seasons between 2002 and 2005 — thanks to its perfect lineup alongside Black-adjacent staples, like “Cribs” and “Making the Band.”
Ice-T Admits to Being Inspired by Black Sabbath
During a 2017 interview with Metal Injection, Ice-T admitted he was inspired by Black Sabbath, Slayer, and Suicidal Tendencies when he became the frontman of his 90s metal band, Body Count. This edgy metal band released “Cop Killer” in 1992.
Hip-Hop Samples of Ozzy/Black Sabbath
A Tribe Called Quest sampled Black Sabbath’s “Behind the Wall of Sleep”(1970) for their track “We the People…” (2016), per WhoSampled. Osbourne reportedly re-recorded his “Iron Man” vocals for Busta Rhymes’ “This Means War!!” (1998).
Lil Wayne Performs to Black Sabbath During 2011 VMAs
Metal heads gave Lil Wayne hell over his 2011 VMAs performance, dragging the “Best rapper alive” for rapping over Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man” riffs. That said, the rapper’s attempt to give listeners something amazing by channeling Black Sabbath, wasn’t overlooked.
Ozzy Osbourne Reacts to Trick Daddy’s “Let’s Go” (2004)
Osbourne was left speechless when he heard how his “Crazy Train” hit was sampled in Trick Daddy’s “Let’s Go.” “I think Ozzy is pleased,” Lil John wrote on Twitter.
The “Rap Sabbath” That Almost Was
Apparently, Black Sabbath briefly flirted with making a “rap Sabbath” record during production of their 1995 album “Forbidden.” They even brought on Ice-T and his Body Count bandmate Ernie C. It never came to pass, as BS bandmates felt the shift was “bizarre” and much of the group was left uninspired by the dynamics of the project, per Sleaze Roxx.
Rock Stars, Real Struggles
After losing the tips of two fingers in an accident, Tony Lommi didn’t stop playing guitar — he adapted. Ozzy Osbourne was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003. For Black folks, it echoes a familiar truth: Nobody knows better than us how to overcome obstacles.
Black Sabbath and Rebellious Rap
Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” and “Children of the Grave” took aim at war and government corruption in the early 1970s. Meanwhile, our rage was found in N.W.A.’s “Fuck tha Police,” Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” and Killer Mike’s “Reagan,” throughout the 1980s. Same vibes, different outlet.
Ozzy’s Swag Had Hip-Hop Energy
So many rap stars today refer to themselves as “rockstars,” and the connection is clear. From Run-D.M.C x Aerosmith, to emo rappers such as Juice WRLD and Trippie Redd, Ozzy’s vibes and hip-hop will always collide effortlessly.
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