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R.I.P. Macho Man Randy Savage, wrestler, rapper, Slim Jim connoisseur

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The news of the passing of Macho Man Randy Savage launched a flying elbow drop to the skulls of American and English males, aged 20 to 35.

During his golden era of 1985 through 1992, no one outside of Big Daddy Kane or Slick Rick could match the style and flair of Savage, who was known for his flamboyant outfits, ‘Oooh yeah’ battle cry and the affections of the Lovely Miss Elizabeth, the supreme heartthrob of many an adolescent and prepubescent.

Before the word ‘swag’ was coined to describe rappers, Savage had it in spades, which may explain why he tried his hand at rap on several occasions. His first effort was 1993’s Simon Cowell-produced ‘Speaking From the Heart.’ As the wrestler born Randy Poffo said, ‘he [had] soared with the eagles and slithered with the snakes.’

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Randy Savage on ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’

Admittedly (obviously), Savage wasn’t about to replace Lil Wayne or Eminem, but he did inspire an unofficial remix that featured both Weezy and Slim Shady rapping alongside Savage’s trademark rasp. The seven-time world champion also recorded a full-length record, 2003’s ‘Be a Man,’ which most notably featured the Hulk Hogan-dissing title track. The album also featured a guest spot from the legendary DJ Kool.

Until a recent reconciliation, the pair of longtime rivals hadn’t spoken for much of the last decade. In light of Savage’s death, Hogan tweeted, ‘We miss him a lot. I feel horrible about the ten years of having no communication. This was a tough one..He had so much life in his eyes & in his spirit, I just pray that he’s happy and in a better place and we miss him. I’m completely devastated, after over 10 years of not talking with Randy, we’ve finally started to talk and communicate.’

Comical raps aside, Savage was an American icon nonpareil, pure ID and adrenaline cloaked in psychedelic clothing and supreme confidence. Blessed with a flair for the absurd and infinite charisma, he helped define the gleeful bombast of the late Reagan years. He will be sorely missed.

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-- Jeff Weiss

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