Answer Man: Joe Mauer talks rhyming, acting and the ’87 Twins
Answer Man: Joe Mauer talks rhyming, acting and the ’87 Twins
By David Brown
He does not come off as straight outta Compton (he’s from St. Paul, Minn.) but reigning AL MVP Joe Mauer(notes) enjoys listening to music about the thug life — to the point that he’s put down actual hip-hop beats with pals in a home studio. During a recent session with Answer Man, the game’s best catcher tried to explain his musical taste, along with what sours him on fantasy football and how to beat bowling great Ron Gardenhire at his natural sport.
David Brown: What was the first hip-hop song that grabbed your attention?
Joe Mauer: Jeez, you’re starting off with some pretty tough ones, huh? Oh, I dunno. I’ve been listening to it my whole life so I couldn’t pick just one. Mostly [I listen] because of the beats and not necessarily the words. Just the way it sounds.
DB: You have a favorite artist?
JM: I’ve got a few. T.I. is one of my favorites. Among the older ones, Tupac and Biggie and Snoop. I like Lil Wayne. … It’ not rap, but ever since I was younger, the only concert I ever really wanted to go to was a Michael Jackson concert.