What kind of music does your favorite tennis star listen to? Well, if your favorite player is Ben Shelton, we have an update for you. Shelton has always been a big fan of rappers, with rap music dominating his playlists. He previously expressed admiration for artists like Julius Dubrose (better known as A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie) and British rapper Central Cee. However, he recently revealed a change in his musical tastes, stating, “I’ve gone away from rap.” But what prompted this change?
Ben Shelton once credited A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie for introducing him to rap, but it seems the American rapper is no longer at the top of his list. In a recent Tennis Channel interview, the 21-year-old tennis star shared his ‘newfound love in the music world,’ revealing that he now listens to “a lot of Afrobeats.”
What was the behind-the-scene for this sudden switch? His close friend and fellow tennis star, Frances Tiafoe, played a significant role in introducing him to a different genre of music. Shelton added, “Actually you know ‘Big Foe’ kind of helped me on and yeah I’ve gone away from rap but still listening to a little British rap as well.” When asked if he still enjoys Central Cee, Shelton nodded with a bright smile.
Frances Tiafoe’s love for Afrobeats is well-known among tennis fans. He has previously said, “I love music. Especially hip-hop and Afrobeats. Getting ready for practice and matches while vibing out to my favorite songs is a huge part of my tennis process.” Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe share a strong bond off the court. They were the first Black American male duo to reach the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam since the Open Era began in 1968. Their stories reflect the Black tennis experience in the US, which has reached new heights in the post-Serena Williams era.
“He’s kind of been a brother to me” – Ben Shelton speaks on his strong bond with Frances Tiafoe
Tiafoe’s parents are immigrants from Sierra Leone, while Shelton’s father, Bryan Shelton, is of African-American descent. This shared heritage may have contributed to their love for Afrobeats. While talking about his relationship with ‘Big Foe’, Ben Shelton once revealed, “He’s kind of been a brother to me since he’s been on tour, and a guy who’s kind of told me he believes in me from my first ATP tournament.” He added that while Tiafoe is a great guy off the court, he is a “nightmare” to deal with on the court.
This year, Ben Shelton defeated Frances Tiafoe in the first-ever all-African American men’s final in the Open Era at Houston. Shortly after clinching the title, ‘Big Ben’ praised Tiafoe for his outstanding representation of their community. Shelton said, “You’ve been such an inspiration to kids, people of color in our sport. Just an amazing representation. You’ve been that guy to always put on for us and always be selfless, thinking about others, kids younger than you so.” Tiafoe’s significant impact on young African-Americans has made him a popular figure within the community.