In a new mini-documentary, Lil Wayne, LeBron James and more delve into the historical relationship between hip-hop and the NBA.
As the 2023/24 NBA season kicks off on Tuesday (October 24), NBA on TNT A short film has been released about two cultural forces with a special bond over the past 50 years.
In addition to Wayne and LeBron, the nearly seven-minute video features insights from several other rap and basketball legends, including LL COOL J, TI, Jadakiss, Big Boi, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Quavo , as well as Steph Curry, Shaquille O’Neal and Carmelo Anthony.
The video opens with Kurtis Blow describing how his classic 1984 single “Basketball” became the first record to bridge the gap between the worlds of hip-hop and basketball.
Dressed-up guests also discussed hip-hop and the NBA’s shared cultural roots, how icons like Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson cemented hip-hop’s influence in the league in the ’90s and ’00s, and this “symbiosis How Relationship” evolved into what it is today.
“Most hip-hop artists want to be basketball players; most basketball players want to be hip-hop artists,” TI said with a laugh.
Watch the mini-doc below:
Basketball isn’t the only sport Lil Wayne enjoys watching. The Young Money founder recently became the owner of the Texas Ranchers, the MLB pickleball team.
Weezy announced the news in a press release on Tuesday (October 24), confirming that he will join the ownership team as a strategic advisor.
“Pickleball is about this moment, and I’m excited to be a part of the Texas Ranchers ownership group,” he said in a statement. “I enjoyed watching it and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join this team of owners.”
according to politicianOther new shareholders in Pickleball World include sports commentator and former NFL player The Kid LAROI, 8VC venture capital partner Alex Moore and The Ruia Family.
The MLB pickleball team has expanded to 24 teams for the 2023 season, with investors including LeBron James, Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.
On the music front, Lil Wayne is about to release his new album Welcome 2 Colegrove — his second full-length collaboration with 2 Chainz — out November 17th.
The Southern rap stalwart last week shared a release date and cover art, along with lead single “Presha” produced by Wayne’s “A Milli” collaborator Bangladesh.