Happy Birthday, Marc Anthony! 5 Notable Times Hip-Hop Saluted The Salsero

September 17, 2015 - 9:08 am by VIBE Viva

Feliz cumpleaños, Marc!

Mainstream America tends to remember Marc Anthony as the ex-husband of Jennifer Lopez (it's a shame those two didn't last), but to salsa lovers across the globe, Marc Anthony is a musical god. The salsa legend has impacted the lives of fans and musicians alike, not only in his native Puerto Rico, but in barrios from coast to coast. Hip-hop artists especially have showed love to Anthony over the years, a true testament to his genius. In honor of the "Vivir Mi Vida" singer's birthday (Sept. 16), we selected five noteworthy times that hip-hop saluted Marc Anthony.

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Bodega Bamz in '97 Seconds'

Bodega Bamz named Anthony his favorite salsa artist. Last year, Bodega Bamz appeared on Hot 97's "97 Seconds." During the brief segment, the Puerto Rican MC dubbed Anthony his all-time favorite Latin artist. Watch the above video clip.

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Pitbull on "Rain on Me"

Pitbull recruited Marc Anthony for "Rain On Me" In 2011, Mr. Worldwide Pitbull had been in the studio with Jennifer Lopez while working on her dance/pop album love? During that time, the Miami native felt it was only right to put Anthony on his major hit single "Rain On Me." Not only was the song on every pop station in the country, but it brought Anthony into the commercial spotlight for his music and not for his high-profile marriage.

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Cypress Hill on 'Rise Up'

Cypress Hill reached out to Marc Anthony to appear on their eighth studio album. In 2010, Cypress Hill released their eighth studio album Rise Up, which featured their stand-out single "Armada Latina." Not only did they recruit Miami rapper Pitbull, but they also requested that Marc Anthony's standout vocals be featured on the track to rock the chorus.

Conguerord

Will Smith at the World Cup

Will Smith and Marc Anthony became besties in Colombia. Last year during the World Cup, Will Smith was spotted chilling with Marc Anthony in Colombia. At the time, Anthony was on a world tour. They were seen going wild after Colombia's win over Uruguay. Smith even joined Anthony on his tour as his special guest.

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Big Pun on "100%"

Big Pun was the first MC to give props to Marc Anthony. Every Puerto Rican in NYC knows about Big Punisher's hit single "100%." In the song, Pun compares himself to hip-hop's finest "with a twist of Marc Anthony." Even Pun knew how influential Anthony was to the Latin music scene.

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