Rapping and basketball are two of the most popular sports and entertainment genres in the world. Each year, both industries produce many stars and attract millions of fans. But have any rappers ever played in the NBA? Although it may seem unlikely, there have been a few rappers who have taken the court and played professional basketball. In this article, we will look at the history of rappers playing in the NBA and explore why this is such an interesting topic.
What Exactly is the NBA?
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is the most prestigious basketball league in the world. The NBA is composed of 30 teams based in the United States and Canada, and is the official governing body of professional basketball in North America. The NBA season typically runs from October through June, with playoffs and the Finals occurring in the summer.
Famous Rappers Who Played in the NBA
There have been a few famous rappers who also played in the NBA. The most notable is Shaquille O’Neal, who was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992. During his 19-year NBA career, O’Neal was a 15-time All-Star and four-time NBA champion. He also released five albums, including his 1996 debut Shaq Diesel. O’Neal is the only rapper to have won an NBA championship ring.
Another well-known rapper to have played in the NBA is Allen Iverson. Iverson was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 1996 and went on to become a 10-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion. He released his debut album Non Fiction in 2014.
Why Do Rappers Play in the NBA?
There are a few reasons why rappers might want to play in the NBA. For some, it might be the challenge of competing at the highest level of basketball. For others, it might be an opportunity to make a lot of money. And for some, it might simply be a way to gain more exposure and recognition.
Rappers Who Tried Out for the NBA
There are also a few rappers who have tried out for the NBA but didn’t make it. Perhaps the most famous of these is Snoop Dogg, who was invited to a few NBA pre-draft camps in the early 2000s. Snoop Dogg was a highly-touted high school basketball player and was expected to make the NBA, but he was ultimately not selected.
Rappers Who Own NBA Teams
Some rappers have chosen to take a more indirect approach to the NBA. Jay-Z is the most famous example, as he owned a minority stake in the Brooklyn Nets from 2004-2013. He was the first rapper to own a stake in an NBA team and he used his influence to help the team become one of the most successful franchises in the league.
The Impact of Rappers in the NBA
The influence of rappers in the NBA has been both positive and negative. On the positive side, some rappers have used their fame to bring attention to the league. For example, Jay-Z’s involvement in the Nets helped to bring the team to a new level of success. On the negative side, some rappers have used their fame to engage in negative behavior, such as trash talking and on-court fights.
Rappers Who Appear in NBA Video Games
Rappers have also had an impact on the NBA video game industry. Rappers such as Drake, Lil Wayne, and Snoop Dogg have all made appearances in various NBA video games. This has helped to bring more attention to the sport and has helped to bridge the gap between the rap and basketball communities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it may seem unlikely, there have been a few famous rappers who have played in the NBA. In addition, some rappers have tried out for the league, owned teams, and even appeared in video games. But no matter what their involvement in the league, one thing is certain: rappers have had a major impact on the NBA.