The Rap Lyrics That Immortalized Zig-Zag: A Legacy Written in Bars

Zig-Zag rolling papers have been name-dropped in rap for decades. The music might shift with the times, but our brand’s reputation stays firm. You’ll find it referenced in tracks from the '90s to now, acting as a nod to history, legacy, and street-level credibility.

In this blog, we’re breaking down why rappers still shout us out. We’re highlighting the exact lyrics from legends like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Curren$y and Wiz Khalifa, plus what those references say about our connection to craft, culture, and legacy.

Zig-Zag Rolling Papers: More Than a Smoking Accessory

What makes Zig-Zag so iconic isn’t just the paper. It’s the history behind it, the artists who’ve mentioned us, and the way our brand has stayed relevant across generations. Our Originals and Kutcorners didn’t become staples overnight; they earned that spot, one reference at a time.

Our legacy starts with the details

Here’s what helped turn Zig-Zag into a cultural icon:

• 140+ Years in the Game:We’ve been around longer than hip-hop itself. Our roots go back to 1879, and we’ve stayed consistent since. You can read about it onour official brand history page

• Original Zig-Zag Papers: The Original Papers have shown up in countless lyrics. They’re the classics, easy to recognize and trusted by people who know what they’re doing.

• Kutcorners for the Win: Artists and fans alike have been reaching for Kutcorners thanks to how smooth and simple they are to roll. The corners aren’t just cut for looks; they make your setup faster and more consistent.

• Visual Identity That Sticks: Our packaging stands out. That iconic orange, the mustache guy, yeah, people know. We’ve even seen it pop up in music videos, album covers, and streetwear collabs. It’s more than branding, it’s visual street DNA.

• Availability That Matters: You’ll find Zig-Zag wherever people are doing real things. From convenience stores to merch booths, and even online in our best-selling collection, we’ve made sure we’re accessible to the culture that helped carry us.

The Lyrics That Cemented the Legacy

Zig-Zag papers didn’t just appear in hip-hop; they earned their spot bar for bar. When a rapper names us, it signals authenticity. These aren’t casual mentions. Their statements. From ‘90s boom bap to modern streaming hits, Zig-Zag keeps showing up as shorthand for heritage and respect.

Below are some of the standout artists and tracks where Zig-Zag earned its lyrical stamp of approval:

Dr. Dre - “The Roach (The Chronic Outro)”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Utx6fkgiUI 

“Now get me a motherfucking Zig-Zag and we straight”

At the climax of The Chronic album, this line (voiced by Lady of Rage on Dr. Dre’s track) bluntly demands a Zig-Zag to roll the next. It underscores the craftsmanship of rolling a Zig-Zag as the proper capstone to a smoking session. 

Snoop Dogg - “Gz and Hustlas”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PqQW6Vq4ic&pp=0gcJCdgAo7VqN5tD 

“Cuz Doggy Dogg is all about the zig-zag smoke. See, it’s a West Coast thing, where I’m from.”

At the height of the G-funk era, Snoop proudly declares his preference for Zig-Zag, distinguishing West Coast smoking culture. This line oozes authenticity, as Snoop aligns himself with the laid-back counterculture of California smokers.

Curren$y - “Power Button”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z16fUoHMHzI 

“All large, I roll up like zig-zag papers”

In this track, Curren$y (a.k.a. Spitta) cleverly uses Zig-Zag as a simile to brag about how he rolls up on rivals smoothly. The phrase carries a double meaning: literally invoking the craft of rolling with Zig-Zag papers, and metaphorically describing his large-scale, effortless approach to anything.

Wiz Khalifa - “You Can Put It in a Zag, I’mma Put It in a Blunt”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTZbvqJja-c 

“Uhh, zig-zag how I roll mine, you could tell I be a G how I hold mine”

Wiz Khalifa built his brand on being a master roller and avid smoker (his debut album was even titled Rolling Papers). Wiz’s verse lines above put him firmly in the Zig-Zag camp: he touts “zig-zag how I roll mine”, implying he consistently uses Zig-Zag papers. This line showcases craftsmanship, as Wiz takes pride in how he rolls neatly in papers, as a mark of being a “G” (a true gangster) in smoker culture.

Why Rappers Choose Zig-Zag

Rappers don’t co-sign just anything. When they name-drop Zig-Zag, it means something. We’re part of their routine because we’ve been dependable, easy to find, and unmistakably present. There’s no guesswork when you grab a pack with the orange packaging; you already know what you’re getting.

So what keeps Zig-Zag in the mix after all these years? Let’s break it down.

Consistent availability in the right places

• We’ve been everywhere artists and fans hang out: gas stations, corner stores, studio sessions, and tour stops.

• You didn’t have to search to find us. That kind of reach matters when you’re living fast and moving between cities.

• Now we’re even easier to find online, with essentials available in our best-selling collection.

Long-standing reputation and trust

• Our name has been in the game for more than 140 years, and that type of track record stands out.

• For many artists, we weren’t just the first paper they used; we were the only one they stuck with.

• You don’t need hype when history speaks for itself.

Rolling ease, especially with Kutcorners

• Zig-Zag Kutcorners papers are built for smoother, faster setups.

• The corners are trimmed to make tucking and rolling cleaner, something artists in a rush or in session definitely appreciate.

• That detail made Kutcorners a go-to, especially for creatives who roll as part of their routine.

Papers that deliver consistency

• The paper quality has always been reliable, firm enough to hold shape, thin enough to handle precisely.

• Artists don’t want surprises when they roll, and our products stay steady across batches.

• It’s that consistency that builds loyalty, not gimmicks.

A look that resonates in visuals

• Our packaging shows up well in music videos, merch tables, and behind-the-scenes studio shots.

• The orange and white box has become more than a product; it’s a design that’s instantly recognizable.

• It complements hip-hop’s focus on aesthetics without trying too hard. That’s why it lands in album art and Instagram posts alike.

Zig-Zag and Hip-Hop: A Natural Pairing

What we’ve built over generations lines up with what hip-hop represents: self-made progress, cultural pride, and the ability to turn everyday experiences into a legacy.

This isn’t about branding, it’s about shared values. We’ve always shown up for communities that built something out of nothing. That’s why so many artists relate to us. They see themselves in our story.

Individualism matters in both worlds

• Hip-hop thrives on originality. Artists want tools that match their personal style, and we’ve always let people do it their way.

• Zig-Zag rolling papers aren’t one-size-fits-all. We’ve offered options without telling people how to use them.

• That kind of flexibility speaks to artists who carve their own lane.

We both came from the ground up

• Hip-hop started with block parties, bootleg tapes, and raw energy. We’ve been stocked in corner stores and carried in jacket pockets long before “lifestyle brands” became a thing.

• Neither of us waited for mainstream approval. We earned our stripes where it mattered first, on the streets.

• Our timeline runs parallel: built from scratch, carried by community, and eventually recognized on a global scale.

Creativity and consistency built our name

• Just like hip-hop beatmakers rely on solid drum loops, artists rely on rolling papers that don’t complicate the process. Ours have stayed consistent, quietly doing the work while letting creativity take center stage.

• You’ll never see us try to outshine the culture. We support it without getting in the way.

Our evolution didn’t forget our roots

• Hip-hop evolved from cassette decks to streaming apps. And we moved too, but without ditching what made us stand out.

• Today, you’ll find Zig-Zag not just in stores, but on zigzag.com Zig-Zag Wraps, and even reimagined through collaborations, apparel, and drops inspired by art and music.

• We didn’t just adapt to stay current. We adapted to stay connected.

Products That Keep the Legacy Alive

We’ve been around for over 140 years, but we’re not just looking back; we’re still part of what’s happening now. Our products continue to play a role in today’s culture, both on shelves and in scenes that matter. From day one, fans to new generations discovering Zig-Zag through music, we’ve made sure there’s always something that fits.

Here’s a closer look at the products that continue to carry our legacy forward.

Kutcorners 1 1/4 Rolling Papers

Kutcorners are all about ease and reliability. The cut edges make rolling faster and neater, especially for people who like to get it done without fuss. Artists love them for their simple efficiency; they’ve got just enough structure to keep the process smooth. This design became popular with creatives who roll regularly as part of their setup, whether it’s between takes or before hitting the studio.

Original White Papers

Our Original Papers are what most people think of when they hear “Zig-Zag.” You’ve probably seen them referenced in rap lyrics, videos, or even old magazine spreads. The white booklets have stayed consistent for decades, and that’s exactly why people still reach for them. When something works, you don’t mess with it. These are the ones that gave us our name in the first place, no gimmicks, just time-tested performance.

King Size Cones

Our King Size Cones were made for those who prefer more space to work with. Pre-formed and easy to fill, they save time while still offering that same Zig-Zag feel. They’re ideal for group hangouts, long sessions, or anyone who doesn’t want to stress about shaping. Rappers and producers who are in and out of sessions all day appreciate anything that simplifies their routine without compromising on quality.

Zig-Zag Inspired Apparel and Merchandise

Our influence doesn’t stop at papers. You’ll find apparel and limited-edition merch that reflect our connection to music, street style, and classic design. These pieces are inspired by the same legacy that shows up in lyrics; they’re wearable nods to culture.