6 Songs with References to NBA Players

In honor of the NBA season coming to an end, here are six songs that reference an NBA player.

1. 2 Chainz on “Bounce“

Lyric: “Verbal attackin’, I’m showing passion/Know what I mean, see I’m the king like I’m from Akron”

Although LeBron James name isn’t said, it’s clearly about him as 2 Chainz mentions his nickname “king” and his hometown Akron.

2. Lil Pump on “D Rose”

Lyric: Listen to the hook and look at the title of the song.

It is the nickname of 2011 MVP Derrick Rose and Lil Pump isn’t the first rapper to shout him out in a song.

3. Fat Joe on “Warning“

Lyric: “Ma you a pleasant surprise like Porzingis”

Kristaps Porzingis became a “pleasant surprise” by becoming one of the best players in his draft class despite many doubting he would succeed in the NBA.

4. Chief Keef on “Kobe“

Lyric: He compares himself to Kobe Bryant throughout the song. Near the end of the second verse, he also mentions Dirk Nowitzki.

According to a genius annotation on the hook, Chief Keef is part of the gang Black Disciples and they are normally associated with the numbers 2 and 4, hence why he “feels like Kobe.”

5. Royce da 5’9″ on “Streets at Night“

Lyric: “Well endowed in God’s image, never smile, Kawhi Leonard”

Besides his play on the court, Kawhi Leonard is known for being one of the most stoic personalities in the NBA.

6. Kurtis Blow on “Basketball“

Lyric: Kurtis Blow mentions tons of NBA legends, which isn’t surprising for a song called “Basketball.”

If you’re a Hip-Hop listener that enjoys references to basketball players, you should definitely listen to this song if you haven’t already.