On the first episode of AUX MONEY, the Houston Texans rookie quarterback offers a sneak peek of his game-day rituals and his favorite pregame tracks.
CJ Stroud reps the West Coast all day. The Houston Texans QB may only be 22 years old, but he vibes with the old-school sounds of Easy E, Tupac, and Snoop. But one LA rapper reigns supreme.
“For me, Nip is my favorite artist ever,” he told DJ and producer Chase B in the debut episode of AUX MONEY.
The vibes of the classic West Coast rappers transport him back to growing up. The familiar beats made up the soundtrack provided by the most influential people in his life, including his dad, his uncles, and his coaches. His love for the game of football is rooted in the music.
When asked for his Mount Rushmore of Cali rappers, the answer comes a little more slowly. “That’s tough, man. I gotta go Snoop at No. 1 … Nip, Kendrick Lamar, I think Mozzy’s really slept on …
“But legendary-wise, Tupac and Snoop are the greatest.”
Like many athletes, Stroud’s pre-game routine includes a steady mix of his favorites. Of course those West Coast staples are in the rotation, but his palette has a sophisticated range. Among the favorites on his oversized headphones: Rylo, Lil Baby, and Boston Richey.
While his music tastes have remained consistent, Stroud reports that he’s been able to shake the weighty superstitions that he locked in during his college years.
“I used the same urinal. Only look in this mirror. Only tied one shoe before the other” he recalled laughing. “But for me … thinking too hard about other things is losing your focus on the task at hand.”
These days, he’s locked in on the game. But the music will forever be a part of his process.
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