Over-the-top luxury homes have long been essential in rap music, and with hit songs like Flo Rida’s “My House,” the desire to sing about (and live in) tricked-out houses is still going strong. These nine homes for sale from New York, NY, to Los Angeles, CA, are serious eye candy — we’ve matched amenities like wine cellars, indoor pools, and multicar garages to a few of our favorite rappers.
Mediterranean marvel: $2.2 million, 5197 Brandywine Lane, Frisco, TX 75034
We’re thinking LL Cool J (who in addition to his music prowess pulls double duty as the star of NCIS: Los Angeles and the co-host of Lip Sync Battle) would enjoy watching his hit TV shows in the state-of-the-art media room of this 7,767-square-foot Starwood Village home. The rapper — whose greatest hits include “Mama Said Knock You Out” and “Going Back to Cali” (lest we forget the impact James Todd Smith has had on rap over 30-plus years) — can relax in the massage and steam rooms after he hits the exercise room, pool, or spa. The five-bedroom estate has plenty of space for Smith’s wife of 21 years and their four children.
High on the hilltop: $4.295 million, 13211 Mulholland Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Cars have long played a role in rap songs, from “Maybach Music” by Rick Ross to the Lexus in Jay Z’s “Can I Live,” but this 4,300-square-foot, five-bedroom spread is truly an automobile aficionado’s paradise, with separate three-car and one-car garages as well as covered parking for six more cars when you’re throwing a party (which is most nights, obviously). We could see The Game (who once covered his Ferrari in leather) feeling right at home in this Mulholland Drive estate. The home sits 1,300 feet above sea level and maximizes the views, with a rooftop deck with spa and wraparound balconies that have 300-degree vistas. Want to really impress your guests? Host dinner in the formal dining room: Its French doors open onto views of the city and infinity pool.
Contemporary Colonial: $4.3 million, 238 Solomon Drive, Slidell, LA 70458
New Orleans, LA–born Lil Wayne (who wrote his first rap song at age 8) would love this uber-private six-bedroom, 7-acre estate less than an hour from his home city. The property captures the best of quiet Southern living with an outdoor kitchen, saltwater pool, and three docks for the boat-obsessed. When Lil Wayne, one of the best-selling artists of all time, needs some space, guests can crash in the separate guesthouse. The main home has 12,454 square feet, including a dramatic foyer with a hand-painted dome ceiling and a master suite overlooking the water. Lil Wayne will never be far from lyrical inspiration — or a yacht.
Zen den: $5.995 million, 24359 La Masina Court, Calabasas, CA 91302
It’s no secret the Kardashians are the unofficial ambassadors of Calabasas, having lived and owned clothing stores there for decades, but we think this five-bedroom home would be perfect for Kylie Jenner’s on-again, off-again love, Tyga. The tatted-up rapper might be in an odd love triangle with Jenner and her brother Rob (he’s marrying Tyga’s ex, Blac Chyna), but this property with a state-of-the-art 2,000-square-foot recording studio will get the whole family singing together. We can already imagine friendly rap battles in the recording studio between Tyga, Kanye West, and Blac Chyna. The 9,991-square-foot home has a chilled-out vibe with an indoor spa, wine room, home theater, and an atrium with a retractable roof, so everyone can pop champagne under the open sky.
Private palace: $19.888 million, 1000 Flamingo Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Speaking of Kanye, he and wife Kim Kardashian West are tight with the Kardashian clan, most of whom live in Calabasas, CA, but perhaps they’d consider this five-bedroom getaway a few hours south in Laguna Beach. The 10,200-square-foot mansion with a luxury-resort feel also has a recording studio (perfect for when Kanye has Jay Z and Rihanna over for collaborations) as well as two kitchens. Kanye reportedly purchased Kim a few Burger King franchises for their wedding (no, really), and he previously owned some Fatburger locations — so a caterer’s kitchen makes perfect sense for this foodie family. Best of all, when they aren’t in the recording studio or in the kitchen, Kanye and Kim can grab a bottle from their wine cellar and relax in the saltwater pool with attached swim-up bar or the 10-person hot tub. The gated driveway makes the home ultraprivate and a perfect haven from any pesky paparazzi.
Key-ed up in Florida: $21 million, 7 Harbor Point, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
Flo Rida, the artist behind such hits as “Whistle” (2012) and “Low” (2008), loves his native state so much, it inspired his stage name. We can see Flo in this seven-bedroom, 10,776-square-foot estate overlooking Key Biscayne. Flo Rida, who is rumored to spend a lot of his time yacht-hopping, just might love the private dock and beach, and the infinity pool with a two-story cabana. Guests are welcomed into the seven-bedroom home through an impressive double-height atrium, setting the tone for an impromptu “My House” dance party.
Beautiful views in Bel Air: $48.5 million, 864 Stradella Road, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Rapper Nicki Minaj is known for her eye-catching hairstyles, wardrobe, and song lyrics — “Anaconda,” anyone? — so perhaps she’d feel right at home in this 14,716-square-foot Bel Air estate with panoramic views of Los Angeles. The seven-bedroom home has multiple fireplaces, a home theater, and glass walls that seamlessly open onto the pool area. Nicki’s extensive luxury car collection, including a Range Rover, Lamborghini Aventador, and Bentley (all in her custom shade of pink), would fit perfectly in the home’s garage. Bonus: This estate will only gain in value, as it’s next to what should become the most expensive home in North America, with a reported price tag of $500 million.
Hadid design on the High Line: $50 million, 520 W. 28th St. #PH37, New York, NY 10001
We can imagine Degrassi actor-turned-megafamous-rapper Drake inviting over friends like Rita Ora, Jamie Foxx, and Alicia Keys for epic parties in this 6,853-square-foot Zaha Hadid–designed penthouse on the High Line in West Chelsea. The great room alone has more than 1,250 square feet, with a fireplace and private balcony. After his guests leave, Drake can take some alone time to write songs in the library or the master suite before going for a dip in the 75-foot indoor saltwater swimming pool. The penthouse’s location in the city makes it perfect for a young rapper always on the go.
Peace penthouse: $70 million, 50 United Nations Plaza #DPH4243, New York, NY 10017
Jay Z is no stranger to fine spirits and frequently mentions them in his music. From popping bottles of champagne to sipping on Remy Martin, his affinity for fine wines and top-shelf liquor hasn’t ebbed in his lyrics or his personal life. So perhaps Jay Z and his better half, Beyoncé, would be happy in this 9,704-square-foot duplex penthouse at the United Nations Plaza. It boasts two outdoor spaces, including one terrace holding a 30-foot pool. The property also comes with the option to buy one of the wine cellars in the building, perfect for Jay Z and his reported full ownership of Armand de Brignac champagne. Designed by The Pritzker Architecture Prize–winning Foster + Partners, the penthouse has floor-to-ceiling windows framing views of the East River and Manhattan, the Chrysler and Empire State buildings, and the United Nations. With gated entry, this dream duo won’t have to worry about security.
