In a new mini-documentary, NBA on TNT explored the 50-year relationship between hip hop and professional basketball.
Released on Tuesday (Oct. 24), the footage featured insights from household names across music and sports. Lil Wayne, LeBron James, Quavo, LL COOL J, T.I., and Steph Curry are among the notable contributors.
The seven-minute video begins with Kurtis Blow, who discussed how his 1984 single “Basketball” initially bridged the worlds of hip hop and the NBA. Other parts of the film delved into the evolution of the sport’s cultural connection, highlighting the influence of ’90s and 2000s icons like Michael Jordan and Allen Iverson. Elsewhere, T.I. humorously noted that most rappers want to be basketball players and vice versa.
“It made us comfortable with ourselves as young Black men who can express [themselves],” Quavo shared.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUPgc3zIwiI\\&ab\\_channel=NBAonTNT
On the same day, Wayne announced his partial ownership of a Major League Pickleball team, the Texas Ranchers. In a statement, the rapper said, “Pickleball is the moment, and I’m excited to be part of the Texas Ranchers ownership group. I’ve enjoyed watching and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join this team of owners.”
According to the press release, “In his role as strategic advisor, Lil Wayne will provide direction for the brand to help drive national and local fandom to the sport, further strengthening the Texas Ranchers position as America’s Pickleball Team.”
Other new part-owners in the league include The Kid LAROI, Emmanuel Acho, and venture capitalist Alex Moore. Furthermore, the guild will expand to 24 teams for the 2023 season, attracting investments from athletes like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes.
In addition to his sports ventures, Wayne is also preparing for the release of his new album, Welcome 2 Collegrove. Debuting via Def Jam, the collaborative effort with 2 Chainz is set for Nov. 17. The LP’s lead single, “Presha,” came out last Friday (Oct. 20).