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Drake stated it greatest when he rapped, “Rattling, I swear sports activities and music are so synonymous. Trigger we need to be them, and so they need to be us,” on “Thank Me Now” on his debut album, Thank Me Later. Hip Hop tradition has at all times been infused throughout the NBA for the reason that style’s rise to prominence within the mid-’90s.
The NBA has spawned just a few musicians in numerous genres, however most of those that resolve to present it a shot attempt to change into rappers. Whereas there are profitable outcomes, like Damian Lillard and Shaquille O’Neal, there are others who, regardless of their notoriety throughout the league, discovered it laborious to achieve traction on DSPs like Spotify and Apple Music. Even cultural icons like Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson struggled to legitimize themselves throughout the music enterprise.
Rap-Up compiled an inventory of the seven greatest NBA gamers who additionally rapped in honor of the 2025 NBA All-Star Sport. We highlighted their social affect on and off the court docket, streaming/music gross sales, and total abilities. See who made the reduce under!
1. Shaquille O’Neal AKA Shaq
Shaquille O’Neal is without doubt one of the most profitable basketball gamers who additionally hung out within the recording sales space. His illustrious profession on and off the court docket is well-documented. Whereas he was one of the crucial dominant basketball gamers on the planet, he additionally used his larger-than-life character on wax. He has a number of RIAA certifications, together with his smash hit “You Cannot Cease The Reign,” that includes The Infamous B.I.G., and continues to be lively within the house with a latest verse on Meek Mill and Rick Ross’ “SHAQ & KOBE” Remix. Whether or not or not it’s DJing, appearing, or massive model endorsements, the 4-time NBA champion will get to the bag.
2. Damian Lillard AKA Dame D.O.L.L.A
Damian Lillard, also called Dame D.O.L.L.A., could possibly be essentially the most proficient bar spitter and rapper on this record. Whereas he and Shaq are among the many High 75 gamers on the all-time record, Lillard has the sting over Shaq relating to lyricism. The dynamic level guard has persistently launched music since he dropped within the league and has labored with numerous A-list stars, together with Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, DDG, and Jeremih. The EMPIRE-signed artist has constructed up a robust resume off the court docket that has helped followers view him as a legit rapper and never only a hobbyist. He’s additionally repeatedly gone viral for his rap abilities throughout his “Bars On I-95″ and “Sway In The Morning” freestyle performances.
3. LiAngelo Ball AKA GELO
One ball player-turned-emcee success story is LiAngelo Ball. His early 2000s-inspired trunk thumper “Tweaker” unfold like wildfire throughout the airwaves and social media. Whereas GELO has but to drop a second single, he’s already getting booked for main occasions, together with the Detroit Lions playoff sport, NBA All-Star Weekend, and even vital festivals like Rolling Loud. Whereas artists like Moneybagg Yo, Boosie Badazz, and extra reached out to hop on his viral smash, he opted for southern rap legend Lil Wayne, who drew blended opinions from followers of the favored tune. Though the Def Jam Data signee is new to his rap profession, he’s maintaining with numerous the stereotypes properly after catching main flack on social media for allegedly abandoning his former companion, Nikki Mudarris, and their two kids to begin one other household with another person.
4. Grasp P
Grasp P’s NBA profession might not have lasted lengthy, however nobody can doubt his contributions to Hip Hop. The impartial rap celebrity constructed an empire together with his New Orleans-based No Restrict Data imprint. The militant-style emcee helped create a label that boasted artists like C-Homicide, Romeo Miller, Mack 10, Soulja Slim, and most notably, Snoop Dogg, at a time. Grasp P typically developments on social media for dwelling each “Black Man’s Dream” as a result of he made it to the league and was a profitable Hip Hop artist. To at the present time, he’s nonetheless constructing era wealth by creating corporations like his ultra-successful line of potato chips, Rap Snacks. The corporate has collaborated with artists like Lil Child, The Migos, Rick Ross, and extra.
5. Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant has been vocal about his love for music since he entered the NBA. The Phoenix Suns lead star has lengthy supported numerous artists, notably Drake. This opening to his podcast is a Drake tune, and he just lately hit the blogs for sharing that Kendrick Lamar’s Tremendous Bowl LIX efficiency of “Not Like Us” did nothing for him. Whereas many individuals praised Durant for his viral unreleased monitor alongside LeBron James, his verse on Stalley’s “Scared Cash” was the primary time we may take heed to official bars from the Slim Reaper. Social media commentators in contrast his rap model to Jay Electronica.
6. Allen Iverson AKA Jewelz
Allen Iverson is simply as Hip Hop as shell-toe adidas, throwback jerseys, and jewellery. The cultural icon impressed many throughout his time within the league based mostly on his unabashed nature. NBA officers couldn’t management him, and his vogue decisions completely mirrored and embodied every part thought of “hip” on the time. When he wasn’t on the court docket dropping buckets, he was “working towards” completely different abilities on the mic. The Corridor of Fame hoop legend glided by Jewelz whereas he was on wax. Plus, many notable Hip Hop songs have talked about the Virginia-bred ball participant, together with Submit Malone’s breakout smash, “White Iverson.”
7. Iman Shumpert AKA IMAN
Iman Shumpert is an NBA Champion, actor, podcast host, and bar spitter. The highflyer on the court docket, with even increased vibrations on tracks, has been identified for his poetic lyricism. Below the stage title, IMAN, he has launched numerous tracks, together with collaborations with artists like DC Younger Fly and his estranged ex-wife, Teyana Taylor. Shumpert has broadened his horizons and change into a staple on Showtime’s hit present, “The Chi.” The Lena Waithe-produced sequence, sadly, ultimately killed off his character, however followers are extremely more likely to see him in additional reveals and movies sooner or later.
Honorable Mentions: Lou Williams, Miles Bridges, Lonzo Ball, Stephen Jackson, and Kobe Bryant.