Introduction
Dave East is an American rapper, actor and entrepreneur from Harlem, New York. He began his career in 2010 and has since become one of the most successful and influential hip hop artists of his generation. But what is not as well known is that Dave East was once a basketball player. This article will explore his basketball career, his transition to rap, and his influence in hip hop.
Early basketball career
Dave East grew up in the Harlem neighborhood of Manhattan, New York and was an avid basketball player from a young age. He played basketball in high school and was scouted by several college teams. He eventually chose to attend the University of Richmond in Virginia, where he played for their Division I basketball team. During his time there, he was able to showcase his skill and athleticism on the court.
Transition to rap
In 2010, Dave East began to focus more on his rap career and eventually left the University of Richmond before graduating. Since then, he has released numerous mixtapes, albums and singles and has become one of the most successful rappers of his generation. His talent and skill has been recognized by hip hop icons such as Nas, Jadakiss, and Fabolous, who have all praised his work. He has also collaborated with a number of established artists, including G-Unit, Trey Songz, and Busta Rhymes.
Influence in Hip Hop
Dave East has become a major influence in hip hop, both as an artist and as an entrepreneur. He has used his platform to speak out on social justice issues and has been a vocal advocate for the Black Lives Matter movement. He has also become a successful businessman, launching his own record label and clothing line. His style has been described as “street wise” and “hard-hitting” and his music has been praised for its authenticity and realism.
Legacy
Dave East’s legacy as a basketball player is often overlooked due to his success as a rapper. However, his time on the court has had a major influence on his life and career. His athleticism and determination have been an important part of his success as an artist and entrepreneur. He has used his basketball background to motivate himself and inspire others.
Basketball Skills
Dave East was known for his athleticism and skill on the basketball court. He was a versatile player who could play multiple positions and was an effective rebounder and defender. He was also an excellent shooter, particularly from the three-point line. He was able to use his basketball knowledge and understanding of the game to help him in his career as a rapper.
Freestyling on the Court
One of Dave East’s most unique talents is his ability to freestyle rap while playing basketball. He has been known to play a game of pickup basketball while rapping his own music. This has become a popular sport amongst hip hop fans and has helped to spread the word about Dave East and his music.
Mentoring young players
Dave East has also used his basketball background to mentor young players. He has been a coach for youth basketball teams in Harlem and has used his experience to help the next generation of players. He has also spoken out about the importance of education and using basketball as a tool to help young people achieve their goals.
Conclusion
Dave East is a hip hop icon who has been successful in both basketball and rap. His basketball background has had a major influence on his life and career and he has used his experience to mentor and inspire young people. He is an example of how a person can use their passion and skill to achieve success and make a difference in the world.
References
- Dave East. Biography.com. Accessed May 14, 2021. biography.com/personality/dave-east.
- Dave East. Wikipedia. Accessed May 14, 2021. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dave_East.
- Dave East. Vibe. Accessed May 14, 2021. vibe.com/2015/03/dave-east-interview-rapper-breaks-down-his-style-influences-and-more.
- DeMarco, L. (2018). The Story of Dave East, from College Basketball Player to Hip-Hop Star. Complex. Accessed May 14, 2021. complex.com/music/2018/10/dave-east-college-basketball-player-hip-hop-star.
- Gutierrez, E. (2017). Dave East Talks Working With Nas, The Importance Of Education & His Harlem Basketball Career. XXL. Accessed May 14, 2021. xxlmag.com/dave-east-interview/.