Rap and the NBA collide
Rappers and Athletes often have a few things in common. more often than not they are both rich and young and mingle in the same circles because of that. Rappers are always looking for things going on in pop-culture to reference in their songs and it often leads to shouting out athletes or their favorite teams. Here are a few Rap songs that I feel are the best when it comes to mixing lyrics and the NBA.
Ron Artest- Champions
Most Notable Lyrics: I love the 4th quarter, I love the 9th inning, I love Game 7, Bring on the competition, Cause in my heart, can’t nobody do it better, Can’t slow me down, Won’t stop me never/ I’m so Cassius Clay
I’m Tyson in 5th round, You don’t leave with it, I’m Barry Bonds with mine, I beat the buzzer, baby
The reasoning behind the lyrics: Ron Artest or as he goes by now Metta World Peace has always been a polarizing figure in the NBA. Most notably known for his role in Malice in the Palace and also for his game-clinching shot versus the Boston Celtics in game 7 of the 2010 NBA finals. So of course he recorded a song to let us know of his accomplishments and it’s great.
Drake- Thank me now
Most Notable Lyric: I can relate to kids going straight to the league
When they recognize that you got what it takes to succeed And that’s around the time that your idols become your rivals. You make friends with Mike. But got to A.I. him for your survival. Damn, I swear sports and music are so synonymous. Cause we want to be them, and they want to be us
The Reasoning Behind the Lyrics: Drake is known to make multiple references to NBA and NFL players and this song from his earliest days of rapping is proof. Allen Iverson grew up idolizing Micheal Jordan but that didn’t stop him from using his deadly crossover when they matched up against each other. As we’ve seen drake is often photographed with the best athletes in the NBA and NFL and this next song on the list is a reference to that.
Drake – Free Smoke
Most notable lyrics: I know the question rhetorical. I took the team plane from Oracle. Mama never used to cook much Used to chef KD. Now me and Chef, KD
Reasoning Behind the Lyrics: Very recently Steve Kerr let us know that drake was in fact telling the truth that he flew on the Golden State Warriors team plane as Stephen Curry’s guest. Drake has close ties to many professional athletes across the NFL and NBA and never hesitates to let us know about them.
Jevon Alexander – Mamba Mentality
Most notable Lyrics: Mamba mentality, Momma they mad at me, Night after night I would plan out a strategy to end up greater than anyone after put up the numbers I did it so casually how is you winning, n**** quit asking me, I just keep moving ain’t nobody catching meImma give everything, Til nothing left of me
Reasoning Behind the Lyrics: Jevon in his Song dedicated to Kobe Bryant goes on to talk about his dedication to making it big with his rap career comparing himself to Kobe Bryant dedication as a player. Kobe was one of the hardest working players that’s ever played in the NBA and his extreme work ethic was given the nickname mamba mentality.
Kendrick Lamar- Blood Sport
Most Notable Lyrics: I am Dwyane Wade of recording
You more like Kobe Bryant with no endorsements
That’s like Shaq at the free throw, pointless
I’m equivalent to an Earl Boykins, Spud Webb, Muggsy Bogues I suppose I handle the rock well
You washed up like Nick Van Exel.
Shawn Kemp, Robert Parish, John Salley whole career on the bench
My team something like the retro Celtics
Which means consecutive championships
Which means I’m Larry Bird’s equivalent
Reasoning Behind the Lyrics: This Kendrick Lamar rap freestyle makes so many references in this song from Current superstars to the players of the past. If I included them all we would be here all day you’re just gonna have to listen in for yourself.
Bonus song – Notorious B.I.G – Victory
Most Notable Lyrics: Real sick, brawl nights, I perform like Mike
Anyone – Tyson, Jordan, Jackson Action
Reasoning behind the lyrics: One of rap’s greatest artists gives a shoutout to one of the NBA’s greatest players Micheal Jordan. In the rap song titled Victory which Micheal Jordan laid claim to winning six NBA championships across his legendary and victorious career
