Two players that produced much excitement on the field for the Raiders in 2019 — and are set to do the same in 2020 — are looking to create a buzz off the field, too.
Tight end Darren Waller, who just dropped the second single off of his hip-hop album, “Wall Street,” has a like-minded teammate in defensive end Maxx Crosby, who was a rapper while in high school.
The two plan to collaborate in the future, according to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur. Crosby initially spoke of the possibility while on the Keeping it 300 podcast in October last year.
“I sent Maxx a whole bunch of beats, so hopefully when he puts something out he will be using one of mine,” Waller told Tafur. “He is a busy guy, and whenever he is ready to lock in, I am here for him.”
Waller’s beat library is likely deep. He’s been known to get lost in his musical production while on the team plane, and he’s working on an in-house studio in his new Las Vegas home, according to Tafur. You can listen to his album via his YouTube channel as well as his Instagram account.
Crosby’s talent was on display for all to see on HBO’s “Hard Knocks.” As a rookie, he had to perform for the entire team, and instead of getting roasted for poor performance, as is the idea, Crosby actually had a few heads bobbing in approval.
Crosby had this to say about his rap exploits when The Raiders Wire’s Levi Damien inquired, during Crosby’s initial conference call as a member of the Raiders.
“We used to do it for fun. We would stay out of trouble and make music instead of doing all the other crazy stuff other people were doing. We just liked to stay at the house and make music.”
Waller’s passion for hip-hop likely helps him stay on the straight and narrow track, as it did for Crosby. Waller overcame opiate and cocaine addiction early in his career and rebounded with the Raiders in 2020, amassing 90 catches, 1,145 yards and three touchdowns at just 27 years of age.
Crosby impressed as well, notching 10 QB sacks as a rookie. Both Waller and Crosby figure to be foundational blocks for the Raiders for years to come as they attempt to win championships in their new Las Vegas home.
But prepare for them to entertain off the field, too, and they might as well — they don’t call Vegas the entertainment capital of the world for nothing.
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