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We're Playing Basketball, We Love That Basketball is a line from the 1984 song Basketball by Kurtis Blow. The song is a high-spirited ode to the sport and its star players, with a catchy chorus and name-drops of basketball legends. The song has been covered and reimagined several times, including by Lil' Bow Wow in 2002 and UVA Today in 2020. It has also been referenced in popular culture, such as in the TV sitcom The Goldbergs. With its upbeat rhythm and basketball references, Basketball by Kurtis Blow has become a beloved song for many basketball enthusiasts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Song Title | We're Playing Basketball |
| Artist | Hannibal Buress, Ron Lamont, Emma Haru |
| Year | 2020 |
| Lyrics | They're playing basketball / We love that basketball / They're playing basketball / We love that basketball |
| Similar Song | "Basketball" by Kurtis Blow |
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What You'll Learn
'We're Playing Basketball, We Love That Basketball'
"We're Playing Basketball, We Love That Basketball" is a reimagined version of the 1984 song "Basketball" by Kurtis Blow, released to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the UVA men's basketball team's 2019 NCAA championship. The original song is a high-spirited ode to the sport and its star players from the 1970s and 1980s, including University of Virginia legend Ralph Sampson.
The catchy chorus of the original song, "We're playing basketball, we love that basketball", is retained in the reimagined version, with an added emphasis on the UVA community's passion for the sport and their pride in the basketball team's achievements.
The song by Kurtis Blow is a rap classic, featuring rhymed couplets and name-dropping 25 famous basketball players, including his favourite player, Julius "Dr. J" Erving. The drum sounds in the song are mixed with the sound of a basketball being dribbled on the studio floor, adding to its unique appeal.
In the reimagined version, "We're Playing Basketball, We Love That Basketball", the focus is on celebrating the UVA basketball team's success and the community's unwavering support. It captures the excitement and passion of the fans, coaches, and students, bringing to life the vibrant basketball culture at UVA.
The song's lyrics might highlight specific players on the championship-winning team, honouring their skills and contributions, while also paying tribute to the hard work and dedication of the coaches and staff. It captures the joy and enthusiasm of the student body, with perhaps a nod to the memorable celebrations that followed the NCAA victory.
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The song's catchy chorus
"We're Playing Basketball, We Love That Basketball" is the catchy and memorable chorus of the song "Basketball" by Kurtis Blow. The song, released in 1984, is a high-spirited tribute to the sport and its star players, with a particular focus on those who shone in the 1970s and 1980s.
The chorus is a celebration of the game and the joy it brings to players and fans alike. It captures the essence of the sport's cultural significance and the passion it evokes. The repetitive structure of the chorus, with its simple yet effective rhyme scheme, makes it easy to remember and sing along to, contributing to its catchiness.
The line "We love that basketball" expresses the deep affection and admiration that many people have for the sport. It speaks to the emotional connection and sense of community that basketball fosters among its enthusiasts. This sentiment resonates strongly with basketball enthusiasts, uniting them in their shared love for the dynamic and exhilarating sport.
The chorus also showcases the inclusive and accessible nature of basketball. The phrase "We're playing basketball" implies participation and engagement, conveying that anyone can join in the fun and excitement of the game. This sense of inclusivity is a core aspect of the sport's appeal, as it transcends cultural, social, and economic boundaries, bringing people together from all walks of life.
Additionally, the chorus's rhythmic flow and upbeat tone contribute to its catchiness. The rhythmic pattern and melody are designed to be memorable and engaging, often sticking with listeners long after the song has ended. This memorable chorus is a testament to the songwriting prowess of Blow and his collaborators, Robert Ford, J. B. Moore, Jimmy Bralower, and Full Force.
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Name-dropping basketball stars
The 1984 song "Basketball" by Kurtis Blow is a high-spirited ode to the sport and its star players. It name-drops several basketball legends, including:
Julius "Dr. J" Erving
Erving, who was Blow's favourite player, is the first to be mentioned in the song.
Michael Jordan
Jordan is mentioned in the outro of the original song.
Willis Reed
Reed was a 7-time NBA All-Star and NBA 75 team member.
Tiny Archibald, Earl "the Pearl" Monroe, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West
These players are mentioned in the second verse of the song, which describes the narrator taking a date to watch them play.
Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Bernard King
Blow expresses his admiration for these players, as well as for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who wore the number 33.
Clyde, Rick Barry, and Pistol Pete
These players are recalled as "old legends" who "could never be beat".
More Recent Legends
Some recently retired legends mentioned in the same breath as the old greats include Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Garnett.
Honourable Mentions
Other players who receive honourable mentions include Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis, James Harden, Dwight Howard, Russell Westbrook, and Kawhi Leonard.
The song's lyrics also refer to players with cool nicknames, such as "Tiny", "Earl the Pearl", "Dr. J", and "Chocolate Thunder".
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The drum sounds mixed with basketball dribbles
The drum sounds and dribbles create a dynamic and energetic backdrop for the lyrics, which celebrate the game and its iconic players. The drumbeats, with their steady and powerful rhythm, are intertwined with the distinctive bounce of a basketball being dribbled on the studio floor, adding a layer of creativity and innovation to the song's production.
This fusion of sounds sets the tone and atmosphere, evoking the excitement and action of a basketball game. The drums provide a strong and vibrant foundation, while the dribbling sounds bring a sense of movement and agility, capturing the essence of the sport. The result is a catchy and memorable rhythm that has helped make the song a beloved classic for basketball enthusiasts and music lovers alike.
The drum sounds and basketball dribbles also serve as a creative way to incorporate the theme of the song directly into its musical arrangement. By including actual sounds from the sport, the producers added a layer of authenticity and originality to the track. This unique production element showcases the creativity and attention to detail that went into crafting the song, ensuring that it stands out and leaves a lasting impression on listeners.
The combination of drum sounds and basketball dribbles in "Basketball" by Kurtis Blow is a testament to the song's innovative production and its enduring appeal. This fusion of sounds has undoubtedly contributed to the song's popularity and its status as a tribute to the sport and its stars.
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The music video
Despite this, the NBA later took an interest in Blow's song, playing it at games and creating a video featuring clips of every player mentioned in the song. The song also gained popularity through its inclusion in popular culture, such as in the TV shows American Dad! and The Simpsons, as well as the video game NBA 2K12.
The song "Basketball" is a high-spirited ode to the sport and its star players from the 1970s and 1980s, including University of Virginia legend Ralph Sampson. It was written by Blow, Robert Ford, J. B. Moore, Jimmy Bralower, and Full Force, and released in 1984 from Blow's fourth album, Ego Trip. The catchy chorus, "We're playing basketball, we love that basketball," and the name-dropping of basketball stars made the song a hit among basketball fans.
The song's lyrics showcase Blow's passion for the sport and its iconic players. He raps about his favourite players, moves, and teams, showcasing his extensive knowledge and love for the game. The song's upbeat and energetic vibe captures the excitement and fun of playing and watching basketball.
Overall, the music video for "Basketball" effectively captures the song's energetic and playful spirit, paying homage to the sport and its stars, despite the challenges of obtaining footage of the players. The song's popularity and impact extended beyond the music video, finding its way into various forms of media and popular culture, solidifying its place as a beloved tribute to the game of basketball.
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Frequently asked questions
The song is called "Basketball".
The song was written by Robert Ford, Kurtis Blow, J. B. Moore, Jimmy Bralower, and Full Force. It was recorded and released by Kurtis Blow in 1984.
The song is from Kurtis Blow's fourth album, "Ego Trip".
Twenty-five famous basketball players are mentioned in the song.
Yes, Lil' Bow Wow covered the song in 2002 featuring Jermaine Dupri, Fabolous, and Fundisha.
