Top Five Athlete-Rapper Team-Ups

Give an NBA player a mike and he'll give you one of the worst performances of all time. Put the same athlete in the company of a decent rapper and the result might surprise you. If you're still haunted by the bitter taste of our worst rapper-athlete collaborations, here's a roundup of the best to help cleanse your palate.

5. C.Webb (Chris Webber) & Kurupt, "Gangsta Gangsta (Tell Me How Ya Do It)":

It's a delicate balance between art and skill, this rapper-meets-athlete business. Kurupt takes the driver's seat on "Gangsta Gangsta," while ex Kings baller Chris Webber keeps pace. The former No. 1 pick is also noted for his hip-hop production. Check out Nas' "Blunt Ashes" for a sample of his C-Webb's board work.

While celebrating his first NBA title with the now legendary shoutout to his therapist, Ron Artest did something even his therapist couldn't explain. He plugged a new single called "Champions," which he had written long before joining the Lakers. The triumphant smash may be the most important song in Ron Ron's so-called music career.

Word on the street, though, is that Ron employed the services of a ghostwriter for "Champions." If it's true, he should consider retiring his pen entirely. Seriously, "Champions" makes everything else in his catalog sound like dog poo.

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Following in the steps of Mike Tyson and Canibus, boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ludacris joined forces on 2008's "Undisputed." The Ludameister owes one of his best songs to Don Cannon's cinematic production and the Mayweather appearance.

2. Dana Barros & Cedric Ceballos feat. AG, Grand Puba & Sadat X, "Ya Don't Stop":

Dana Barros will forever be remembered for dropping 50 on the Houston Rockets in 1995. Cedric Ceballos will be immortalized in history books for literally winning a dunk contest with his eyes closed. Both deserve props for "Ya Don't Stop," a collaboration with Brand Nubian and AG.

Few songs combined hip-hop and hoops better than the Diamond D-laced standout from the shockingly impressive compilation B-Ball's Best Kept Secret.