Coolio Quidachay, Football
The Compton rapper's classic "Gangsta's Paradise" was one of the biggest songs of the '90s, especially on the West Coast—which happens to be home to another Coolio, a football player at Washington's Federal Way High School.
Shania Edgecombe, Basketball
A three-star recruit out of Jacksonville as a member of the class of 2018, Edgecombe was born right after Shania Twain's epic late-'90s run (including "Man! I Feel Like A Woman" and "That Don't Impress Me Much"). There's also Shania Knight, who played men's basketball for LaGrange College back in 2013.
Santana Clark, Football
As a running back for the Frederica Academy Knights out of St. Simons Island, Georgia, it's probably pretty important for Santana Clark to be...smooth. But really, the rising senior was likely born while the seminal Santana/Rob Thomas collaboration "Smooth" was reigning over radio from 1999 to 2000 on its way to becoming the second best charting song of all time—probably soundtracking many a hot one in south Georgia.
Sisquo Westbrook, Football
It's alarming to consider just how many "Thong Song" jokes Sisquo has likely had to endure during his life. Although given that the Liberty County High School (Hinesville, Georgia) defensive tackle is 6'2" and 285 pounds, he probably can do a pretty good job of defending himself.
Tupac Blanch, Football
The younger Tupac is from Florida, not California, but as a just-graduated athlete, he still manages to "get around." Blanch, a 2-star player, earned offers from schools like North Dakota State and Florida International, who recruited him without a position because of his speed. With his 100m personal best at 11.46 seconds, Blanch's 40 time must be preposterous.
Smash Lopez, Football
His given name is probably not actually Smash, and even if it is, it's probably not on account of the seminal late '90s/early aughts group Smash Mouth. On the other hand, we don't know that he isn't named after Smash Mouth, so let's not be surprised when Smash turns out to be an "all-star."
D'Angelo Russell, Basketball
The brand-new Net has confirmed that he was, indeed, named after the R&B singer D'Angelo (who himself was born Michael Archer). His mom had to have been an early adopter of the crooner's work—basketball D'Angelo was born under a year after singer D'Angelo released his first single, "Brown Sugar" on June 13, 1995. (We know what you're thinking: D-Lo was born eight months and 11 days after the single was released, so there's a tiny chance that the inspiration for the name might be...self-evident.)
"I never did the research on it," Russell told Michael Smith and Jemele Hill's His & Hers podcast. "I seen that video of him naked. I don't want nothing to do with that. I stayed away from that." Respectfully, D'Angelo—you're missing out.
Raekwon McMillan, Football
After the younger Raekwon was drafted in the second round by the Miami Dolphins earlier this year, The Chef told ESPN.com's James Walker, "I feel honored—I'm happy that I can be some kind of inspiration to somebody to pass down to their family." The Ohio State alum's mother was a big Wu-Tang Clan fan, but he says he's more into Meek Mill. Kids these days...
Jayzee Brown, Basketball/Football
Imagining a world where Jayzee gets signed by JAY-Z (to Roc Nation Sports, naturally) is enough to make you believe that maybe there's some order to the universe after all. Jayzee even has a SoundCloud already—the only track is a mix he made for his basketball team which, yes, features some bars from Hov.
Jewel Smalls, Basketball
Singer-songwriter Jewel had hits, and class of 2018 three-star recruit Jewel has hoops. In fact, she's the No. 1 shooting guard in Georgia according to MaxPreps, and has led her high school team to a state championship.
Jarule Harris, Football
There are not one but two Jarules listed on Hudl.com. Jarule Harris, the elder of the two, is a safety and receiver at Florida's Champagnat Catholic and is due to graduate in 2019. The question, of course, is whether he's "always on time" (to practice).
Mystikal McGhee, Football
The class of 2018 receiver already has an offer from Marshall University, but he needs to make it to the NFL, if only so "Shake Ya Ass" (NSFW) can become a stadium anthem. If the highlights are any indication, Mystikal is used to showing coaches what he's working with.
Beyonce Jones, Basketball
At this point, the name Beyonce comes with GOAT-level expectations. But even back in 2000, around when the 2018 power forward was born, it was a flex thanks to Destiny's Child's post-The Writing's On The Wall run at the top of the charts. Funny enough, "Jumpin', Jumpin'" hit No. 3 on Billboard's Hot 100 that year (sorry).
Prodigy Williams, Football
Prodigy is a 2019 wide receiver from Fort Worth whose parents apparently had good taste. RIP, Prodigy.
queenaaliyah

@aaliyahbabbyy
get up


https://t.co/J7B4a0ltGH
Aaliyah Patty, Basketball
Three-star center Aaliyah Patty may be 6'3" and the top-rated 2018 center in Illinois, but is she that somebody? Only time will tell.
Cam'Ron Perkins, Football
Why would anyone be a Cameron with they can be a Cam'Ron? This Cam is looking to earn the Killa moniker as a defensive tackle at North Carolina Central University, where he's heading this fall.
Celine Quintino, Basketball
The point guard signed to UC Santa Barbara this year as a 3-star recruit. Her ESPN.com scouting report says she "handles and passes with flair," which seems only fitting for the namesake of one of pop's most legendary divas.
Nasir Greer
@_kingnas3
I am BLESSED to say I'm committed to Wake Forest University!!! #GoDeacs #WAKEup


https://t.co/0U1YbieAiC
Nasir Greer, Football
There are a lot of Nasirs from the '90s and '00s, which makes sense, given that it was already a reasonably popular name. Rapper Nas just pushed things over the top. Greer is heading to Wake Forest this fall to play safety and, like Nas the rapper, has made a childhood photo part of his #brand.
Biggie Moore, Football
Class of 2020 running back Biggie may have been born five years after The Notorious B.I.G. was shot, but that's what happens when you make timeless music: It sticks with people.
Jadakiss Hendrix, Football
There is no single person more destined for greatness in all things than North Carolina class of 2018 running back Jadakiss Hendrix, for reasons that should be self-evident. Say that name aloud to yourself a few times. His parents deserve a medal.