In 2018, Denny Hamlin said something no one saw coming during a simple interview. He made a bold choice that mixed the world of racing and music. His words brought a spotlight not just to his driving, but to his personal views. While many know Denny Hamlin for his strong NASCAR career, this moment added another layer to his story. What he said—and who he praised—still raises questions about his outlook and influences.
Key Highlights
- Denny Hamlin named Lil Wayne as his favorite rapper, calling him the “best rapper alive.”
- Hamlin emphasized Lil Wayne’s natural talent over Jay-Z’s historical impact in hip-hop.
- NASCAR fans were surprised by Hamlin’s strong endorsement of Lil Wayne.
- Hamlin acknowledged Nas’s views while affirming Lil Wayne’s continued relevance in rap.
- The declaration occurred during a 2018 interview, generating unexpected fan reactions.
Denny Hamlin Names Lil Wayne His Favorite Rapper
In a revealing moment during a 2018 interview with Jeff Gluck, NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin shared his admiration for Lil Wayne, naming him his favorite rapper.
When prompted in Gluck’s 12 Questions segment, Hamlin confidently declared Lil Wayne as the best rapper alive, emphasizing natural talent as the defining criterion.
While acknowledging Jay-Z’s historical impact and undeniable skill in the hip-hop landscape, Hamlin distinguished Lil Wayne for his unique artistry and prolific output.
“Alive? Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive. I would just say Jay-Z — you can talk about, great history, fabulous rapper. He’s amazing. But I just feel like as far as natural talent, Lil Wayne is the best alive.” – Denny Hamlin
He alluded to Lil Wayne’s ability to maintain relevance and creativity in an evolving music industry.
Hamlin further referenced Nas’s sentiment about hip-hop’s transformation, as expressed in the 2006 album “Hip Hop is Dead,” yet asserted that Lil Wayne, affectionately referred to as “Lil Weezy,” continues to excel.
“Nas said rap was dead many years ago (the 2006 album Hip Hop is Dead) and I just believe that it’s different now than what it used to be. But Lil Weezy can still kick it.” – Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin’s Winless 2018 and Career Overview
Denny Hamlin faced a challenging season in 2018, marking his primary winless year since his rookie season. Despite the lack of victories, Hamlin exhibited resilience with 10 top-five finishes and 17 top-tens over 36 races. His consistent performance secured him a place in the playoffs through points, though he was eliminated in the Round of 16, concluding the season 11th in the standings.
Beginning his career with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2006, Hamlin immediately highlighted his potential by becoming the inaugural rookie to qualify for the playoffs. His career highlights include finishing runner-up in the 2010 championship with a remarkable eight victories.
23XI Racing and Michael Jordan Partnership
Although Denny Hamlin had already established himself as a formidable presence in NASCAR, his collaboration with Michael Jordan in 2021 marked a notable milestone in his career. This tactical alliance birthed 23XI Racing, a team that quickly captured the attention of both the motorsports and broader sports communities.
Leveraging Jordan’s unmatched brand influence and Hamlin’s racing expertise, the team aimed to redefine excellence within NASCAR. The partnership’s vision was not merely about competition but also about nurturing talent.
Hamlin’s role extended to mentoring drivers such as Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, fostering an environment where skill and planning could flourish. Wallace, in particular, became a focal point, breaking barriers and emphasizing diversity within the sport.
With a shared commitment to innovation and success, 23XI Racing emerged as a dynamic force, poised to drive impactful change and secure a legacy that transcends the racetrack.
Denny Hamlin on Kyle Larson’s Versatility at Bristol 2025
Amid the high-speed drama of the 2025 Food City 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson’s performance stood out with remarkable dominance.
Larson’s adept handling of the track secured him a commanding victory, leading 411 laps and expertly steering through traffic. Denny Hamlin, who was pursuing his consecutive win, found himself outmatched by Larson’s adaptability.
“The traffic, you know, I think Larson was just a little bit more versatile than what I was and could navigate the traffic a little bit better. I felt like the bulk of my speed was made on the top, that was kind of the preferred lane during the race. Wasn’t quite good enough and needed a little bit more speed, that’s just kind of all we had.” – Denny Hamlin
Hamlin recognized Larson’s proficiency in managing the complex dynamics of the race, particularly his versatility in navigating through lapped cars. He conceded Larson’s tactical superiority during a post-race interview on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
After falling one spot short of a third consecutive win, @dennyhamlin breaks down his runner-up result from @ItsBristolBaby on Sunday for @JoeGibbsRacing,
🗣️ “I think @KyleLarsonRacin just was just a little bit more versatile than what I was.” pic.twitter.com/77vob3dR6E
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) April 14, 2025
“I had my moments, where I kind of got out of it as well. But I felt like he was in control of the pace, and just was more versatile. I was gonna need him to get boxed in, in some kind of way to make a run at him. I got close but just not close enough.” – Denny Hamlin
News in Brief: Denny Hamlin’s Rap Revelation
In a surprising twist, Denny Hamlin’s admiration for Lil Wayne as the “king of rap” left NASCAR fans buzzing. While Hamlin’s 2018 season was winless, his career remains notable, especially with the formation of 23XI Racing alongside Michael Jordan. As the NASCAR community looks to the future, Hamlin’s comments highlight the intersection of sports and music. Meanwhile, his praise for Kyle Larson’s versatility at Bristol 2025 emphasizes the constantly changing dynamics of the racing world.
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