The worlds of sport and music often collide and the cultures have become synonymous with each other. Four MLS superstars have revealed what gets them ticking before they take to the pitch to dominate.
On Thursday night (August 22), Apple Music launched The warm-up playlist curated by FC Cincinnati's Luciano “Lucho” AcostaNashville SC's Hany MukhtarLAFC's Dennis Buanga and a member of the Columbus crew Cucho Hernández.
“Music helps me release tension and lets me focus,” Acosta told Apple Music. He brings together the worlds of hip-hop and reggaeton for his pre-game jams, with selections such as 'Not Like Us' from Drake's Kendrick Lamar solo record, as well as a mix of Bad Bunny, Nicky Jam, Anuel AA and Feid.
Eminem's 'Lose Yourself' could motivate the laziest to run through a wall. Mukhtar brings the same intensity to Nashville SC as a rap lover with playlist picks including Drake, Cardi B, Lil Durk, Lil Baby, Travis Scott, Rick Ross, Meek Mill and more.
While Buanga moved to the West Coast to suit up for LAFC, the star winger still favors his French roots with rappers like SDM, Maes and Niska. He's still into American rap, with Pop Smoke, Drake, DMX, Travis Scott being some of his favorites.
“Music plays an essential role in my race preparation. It allows me to put myself in my bubble and not think about anything at all. Once the headphones are removed, there is already motivation and determination. I just have to go on the field and win,” he told Apple Music of his choices. “They make me do the 'butterfly effect', which means they make me shake my head and sing!”
With Cucho Hernández thousands of miles away from Colombia, the talented striker gets a taste of home with Colombian Vallenato on his pre-match playlist. He hits play on Anuel AA, Bad Bunny, Maluma, J Balvin and more before hitting the field.
“Music excites me,” the 25-year-old shared with Apple Music. “It helps me focus before practice, it brings us together in the locker room, it helps me focus and boost my vibe.”
Fans can catch Hernandez and Buanga in action on Sunday (August 25) when they suit up as part of League Cupwhich can be streamed exclusively on Apple TV.
Listen to the players' playlists below:
Hany Mukhtar:
Luciano Acosta:
Dennis Buanga:
Cucho Hernandez:
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/mls-warm-up-playlist-picks-1235758956/
