Music Blogs

 (Play Playlist)

Unless you've been completely oblivious to the modern world over the last couple of weeks you're well aware that Michael Phelps is at the very pinnacle of Olympic sport. His name will be etched in the minds of billions for generations to come as are names like Carl Lewis, Mark Spitz and Nadia Comaneci.

His record-breaking gold medal streak at the 2008 Summer Olympics has been breathtaking to watch and his face is getting more airtime than either of the US presidential candidates. In many of the candid Phelps shots gracing our television sets, he is seen with the ubiquitous iPod earbuds stuck in his Obama-like ears. For music fans across the world the image of Phelps with his headphones on begs a seriously burning question.

What's on Michael Phelps' iPod?

I have my official request into Michael's PR person, but as I stand in line behind thousands of more important press I did some digging.

This playlist contains 5 tracks that Michael picked exclusively for Rhapsody as a "celebrity hot mix" and 4 tracks by artists he has admitted listening to in recent interviews.

Phelps has publicly stated that he listens to different songs before each swim meet, so a complete list may be dependent on his memory and willingness to disclose. But we know one thing for sure -- Michael Phelps is a huge hip-hop fan. Although he's on record as listening to techno occasionally, it's mostly hip-hop that gets him ready before he swims.

So check these tracks out and see if you dig them as much as our new Olympian-hero.

The Michael Phelps' Playlist

1. "Overnight Celebrity" - Twista   
2. "Burn" - Usher   
3. "Roses" - Outkast   
4. "Till I Collapse" - Eminem   
5. "Smile" - G Unit   
6. "A Milli" - Lil' Wayne   
7. "Hustlin" - Rick Ross   
8. "Hello Brooklyn 2.0" - Jay-Z (featuring Lil Wayne)  
9. "I Got What It Takes" - Young Jeezy