From Biggie to Kendrick: Rappers Who’ve Repped Zig-Zag in Their Own Way

Hip-hop doesn’t just shape culture, it stamps it. From the clothes artists wear to the brands they shout out, everything means something. That’s why when a rapper drops a brand name in a track, it’s never random. 

For decades, we’ve seen Zig-Zag show up in bars, beats, and music videos. We’ve become a marker of street respect, a background player in rap’s evolution, and a quiet constant through every generation of artists doing things their way.

If you’ve heard us in a track, spotted our logo on a poster, or noticed our gear in music videos, that’s no coincidence. We’ve been around for over 140 years, and hip-hop took note. So let’s look at how some of the most iconic rappers paid homage to Zig-Zag in their own style.

If you want to understand our full background before getting into the bars, check out Zig-Zag’s history. It goes way back, and hip-hop is only one chapter.

Rap Icons Who’ve Name-Dropped Zig-Zag

When your brand gets name-dropped in songs that span decades, cities, and styles, you know you’ve made a mark. For us, these shoutouts are receipts of respect. Rappers have brought Zig-Zag into bars that live on playlists and vinyl forever. Here's a rundown of some of the most iconic Zig-Zag mentions in hip-hop:

The Notorious B.I.G. – “Juicy”

Lyric: “Smokin' weed and Bambu, sippin' on Private Stock / Way back, when I had the red and black lumberjack…”

Sure, he mentions Bambu. But don’t miss the bigger point, Biggie’s verse is a snapshot of a time when rolling papers weren’t just an accessory, they were a lifestyle. Zig-Zag was part of that era’s DNA. While Big never name-checked us here, he lived in the same world where Zig-Zag was everywhere.

Afroman – “Crazy Rap (Colt 45 & 2 Zig-Zags)”

Lyric: “Colt 45 and two Zig-Zags, baby that’s all we need.”

This one? Iconic. You couldn’t walk through a college dorm, corner store, or house party in the early 2000s without hearing this song on repeat. Afroman’s casual reference helped engrain us deeper into pop culture, and honestly, it still hits.

• The track’s chorus turned into a cultural moment

• It was a go-to anthem for house parties and skate sessions

• "Two Zig-Zags" became shorthand for chill and simplicity

Young Dro – “Ugh”

Lyric: “I’m Snoop Dogg smokin’ on a Zig-Zag.”

This is what we call layered respect. Young Dro uses our name to link himself with Snoop Dogg, who’s practically royalty when it comes to West Coast identity. That kind of mention says a lot. It’s like saying, “Yeah, I know what’s classic.”

Roc Marciano – “Zig Zag Zig”

Roc’s track isn’t just titled after us, it leans all the way in. “Zig Zag Zig” is gritty, poetic, and raw. The phrase almost becomes a code, a symbol of dodging expectations and staying sharp. Plus, the collab with The Alchemist gave it underground legend status.

• The track’s title and theme speak to individuality

• “Zig Zag Zig” becomes a rhythm and a statement

• It reflects the kind of legacy storytelling that defines real hip-hop

Eazy-E – “No More ?’s”

Lyric: “I want money, beer, and a pack of Zig-Zags.”

Classic line from a legend. Eazy-E captured the everyday realness of his world, and Zig-Zag was right there in the mix. Just a nod to what mattered to him in a moment that stuck with listeners.

Eminem – ““The Way I Am”

Lyric: “I sit back with this pack of Zig-Zags and this bag of this weed...”

This was early Eminem, raw and unfiltered. He used us as part of a visual that matched his no-holds-barred approach to everything. For someone constantly pushing against the norm, it makes sense he reached for something classic. Something real.

Snoop Dogg – “Gz and Hustlas”

Lyric: “'Cause Doggy Dogg is all about the Zig-Zag smoke.”

Of course Snoop said it. West Coast culture and Zig-Zag go hand-in-hand, and Snoop’s always made that clear. This line reminded everyone that we’re woven into the laid-back energy he’s known for.

Cultural References and Symbolism

Some shoutouts come through lyrics. Others? Through visual cues, style choices, and cultural nods that go way beyond the mic. Zig-Zag has been referenced in poems, shown up on iconic album covers, and even inspired fashion choices by some of hip-hop’s most authentic voices. Here’s where else we’ve popped up in the culture:

Charles Bukowski – “The Shoelace”

Even Bukowski couldn’t ignore us. In his poem “The Shoelace,” he drops the line:

“...and plenty of zigzag but no pot, except maybe one to piss in...”

It’s a gritty nod from a literary legend known for keeping it raw. Zig-Zag wasn’t just in the streets, it was in the pages of underground poetry, too.

Rampage ft. R.A. The Rugged Man – “Zig Zag Zig”

This track is a statement. Rampage and R.A. The Rugged Man go hard with bars like:

“I’m like, zig zag zig, I flip it to zag zig zag...”

The repetition turns into a rhythm, a mantra, a badge of authenticity. It’s about standing out, moving differently, and owning your path.

Dr. Dre – The Chronic Album Cover

You’ve seen it. The gold-framed portrait, paired with the crisp white background, is a direct homage to our classic packaging.

Dre crafted a visual tribute that tied his legacy to ours. That cover? It’s iconic because it taps into something timeless.

Wiz Khalifa – Kush + Orange Juice Aesthetic

Wiz brought back the laid-back, retro feel with his 2010 mixtape Kush + Orange Juice, and its 2025 sequel, Kush + Orange Juice 2.

His style blends skate culture, high-end fashion, and vintage elements, aligning with Zig-Zag's retro appeal. It's a modern twist on a classic vibe.

Run the Jewels - “Run the Jewels”

“Smoke till the planet erases, build a white flag out of Zig-Zags, wave it.

Kendrick Lamar – Subtle Homages to West Coast Roots

Kendrick doesn’t name-drop us, but his aesthetic choices speak volumes. From vintage-style tees to nods in his music videos, he channels the essence of West Coast authenticity.

Kendrick's grounded, Compton-influenced style often leans into nostalgic West Coast themes, reflecting a deep connection to his cultural roots.

The Style Factor: Clothing & Streetwear

Zig-Zag has become a staple in hip-hop fashion. Our apparel, graphic tees, hoodies, and caps have been embraced by artists and fans alike, symbolizing authenticity and a connection to the culture.

Zig-Zag in Streetwear

Our clothing has made appearances in:

• Underground rappers’ Instagram posts: Showcasing Zig-Zag gear as part of their daily fits.

• Hip-hop fashion blogs: Highlighting our apparel in style roundups and trend reports.

• Festival street style roundups: Capturing attendees sporting Zig-Zag merchandise.

Limited-Edition Drops

We've released exclusive apparel collections that resonate with the culture:

• Collaborations with artists: Partnering with musicians to create unique pieces that reflect their style and our brand's heritage.

• Vintage-inspired designs: Drawing from our rich history to produce clothing that pays homage to classic styles while appealing to modern tastes.

Our limited-edition merchandise continues to make waves in the fashion world, reinforcing Zig-Zag's place in hip-hop culture.

Music Videos, Backdrops & Poster Culture

Zig-Zag's influence extends beyond lyrics and fashion; it's deeply embedded in the visual elements of hip-hop culture. From music videos to posters, our brand has been a subtle yet powerful presence.

Zig-Zag in Music Videos

In numerous homegrown or low-budget rap videos, Zig-Zag posters or branded wall hangings are visible, serving as subtle cultural nods. These visual elements maintain Zig-Zag's presence in the hip-hop scene without overt product placement, reinforcing its iconic status.

For instance, Afroman's "Crazy Rap (Colt 45 & 2 Zig-Zags)" music video showcases the laid-back, storytelling vibe that aligns with our brand's image.

Zig-Zag Posters and Visual Art

Our iconic logo and packaging have inspired various forms of visual art:

• Concert Posters: The Zig-Zag man has been featured in psychedelic concert posters, symbolizing the brand's connection to music and counterculture.

• Street Art: Artists have incorporated Zig-Zag imagery into murals and graffiti, highlighting our brand's influence on urban art scenes.

• Vintage Advertisements: Reproductions of classic Zig-Zag ads are popular among collectors and fans, showcasing the timeless appeal of our branding.

Final Thoughts

Zig-Zag has been manufacturing the world's most iconic rolling papers for over 140 years. From the streets of Paris to the heart of hip-hop culture, we've remained a symbol of authenticity and creativity. Artists from Biggie to Kendrick have repped Zig-Zag in their own ways, embedding us into the fabric of music, fashion, and art.

As we've evolved, so has our connection to the culture. From our classic rolling papers to limited-edition apparel and collaborations, we're part of the story. Whether it's a lyric, a music video backdrop, or a vintage poster, Zig-Zag continues to inspire and be inspired by the ever-changing landscape of hip-hop.