Key Insights

• Nia Long's Influence: Nia Long has been frequently referenced by various rappers throughout her career.
• Notable Mentions: Ye’s lyric in “Touch the Sky” is among the most recognized references to her.
• Recent Interview: In a recent interview, she discussed her favorite lyric about herself and her hopes for a potential sequel to Michael.
• Iconic Video: Long highlighted the iconic nature of the music video she starred in with Kanye West.

Nia Long has been name-dropped a ton by rappers during her TV and film career, thanks to being associated with classics including Boyz n the Hood, Friday and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

Everyone from Phife Dawg to FERG to Juicy J to Webbie to Chingy to Lil Wayne to Ghostface Killah have all mentioned her in their music in one way or another. However, the most notable mention has to be attributed to Ye (formerly Kanye West) on the song “Touch the Sky,” in which he raps, “Couldn’t keep it at home, thought I needed a Nia Long.”

The actress, who also starred in the music video alongside Tracie Ellis Ross, recently sat down with BlackTree TV to promote her latest role as Michael Jackson‘s mother, Katherine Jackson, in the biopic Michael and was asked what her favorite lyric about her was.

“I’m going to go with Kanye’s because I was in that video,” she said. “That video was iconic. I just think Kanye is such a visionary with his music, his visuals. He’s a very talented artist, so I’mma go with that one.”

Elsewhere in the interview, she was asked what she would like to see in a Michael sequel (if it ever happens), and she said that she hopes they tackle how his relationship changed with his mother as he became “more independent in his manhood and how he works through certain challenges; personal and professionally.”

You can watch the full conversation below.