Thursday, August 16, 2007

"Life Ain't Nothing But Bitches and Money"

Growing up on the mean streets of Compton, California, Randy Couture probably never envisioned himself an elder statesman. But time, and a career spanning two platinum records and a multitude of shiny UFC belts, has made "Easy-C", a.k.a. "the Natural" one of the most recognized and respected persons in both gangsta rap and mixed martial arts. From the time his seminal rap group N.W.A. released their controversial single "Straight Outta Compton", Couture seemed destined for greatness - a greatness soon realized when he captured his first heavyweight championship title. Fast forward nearly ten years to August 25th, when Couture will once again be stepping into the Octagon a champ, defending his crown against upstart Gabriel "Ice Cube" Gonzaga. Yet win or lose, the UFC Hall of Famer's place in history could not be more secure. For the man who gave us "Fuck tha Police", and who crushed the likes of Tito Ortiz, Chuck Liddell and Tim Sylvia, it's about "legacy" - and Easy-C's legacy is an enduring and impeccable one. Word.