Blackjack in Rap: Symbolism of Wealth and High Stakes

Why Blackjack Is a Perfect Match for Rap’s Love of High Stakes and Big Wins

The Thrill of the Deal

There’s nothing more closely associated with casinos all over the world than the game of blackjack. It’s been a casino staple forever, luring the player to the table as he/she challenges the dealer in a game of 21. This is a game that’s both easy and challenging since just playing the percentages offers no guarantee of success.

The “bad beat” scenarios abound, with countless tales of a player’s seemingly unbeatable hand getting rolled by the dealer pulling a card out of his/her “backside.” Despite tortuous results such as those, blackjack is a game that attracts both the high roller and the novice because it offers one of the best long-term monetary RTP (return to player) among all the offerings.

Whether you enjoy being just one “seat” in a full table or going head-to-head against the dealer, blackjack is a game that can be both frustrating and rewarding,

Here’s a bit of a primer when it comes to blackjack and its nuances…

Why is Blackjack So Popular?

Blackjack casino games are as popular as any, whether it’s a modern, bells-and-whistles online casino or a traditional brick-and-mortar venue.

Blackjack isn’t hard to learn or hard to play. Winning, however, is another story. It’s a constant mind game of the player against the dealer, all the while scanning the table and working the percentages. There are moves a player can make to (theoretically) increase his bankroll, including splitting a pair of identical-value cards and doubling down to draw a single card.

To be successful at blackjack starts with luck, and then includes playing the percentages.

So, after seeing what “hand” you’ve been dealt, take a look at the rest of the table, starting with the dealer. Remember that the dealer is generally required to ‘hit’ on a hand of 16 or less, and “stand” on all 17’s.

If you’ve been dealt a blackjack (10 or any picture card with an ace), you’re a winner, provided the dealer hasn’t dealt himself a blackjack as well. In that case, it’s a push (draw), so just mutter while awaiting the next hand.

If you’re dealt a good-to-very-good hand to start (17-thru-20), there’s no reason to draw a card and risk busting/breaking.

If you’ve been dealt a lousy-to-marginal hand (12-thru-16), see what card to deal has shown. If he/she has a low card (2-thru-6), play your hand as if the dealer has a 10 or picture card underneath and is forced to draw a card with the potential to break.

Again, just because someone plays those percentages does not guarantee a profit. Hence, as with any game of chance, there’s a need to have a strong stomach and a decent-sized bankroll.

Are Casinos a Common Setting in Rap Music Videos?

Casino games have a language all their own. Music has a language all its own. That doesn’t mean the two can’t interact.

Obviously, the glitter of Las Vegas, both on the Strip and inside the casinos continues to lend itself as a backdrop to all types of music as well as music videos. It doesn’t take more than a few keywords to see that the internet is flush with the marriage of music and casinos.

Rap isn’t alone, as there are videos featuring big scores while gambling at a casino. Who among us doesn’t break out in song when that happens?

Is Gambling Common in Hip-Hop Culture?

The blackjack game has indeed been as popular as any “take a chance” seat in a casino. Having the player compare his “hand” to that of the dealer, figuring out his next move, and hoping to maximize his investment is unique to this game.

The hip-hop industry has long embraced all sorts of gambling, notably the casinos and the sportsbooks. The latter has partnered with hip-hop to entice players with gambling-themed music and other crossover promotions with sports leagues across the globe.