Amanda Knapp
There is a long history of NBA players who have taken up rapping as a side hustle, with varying degrees of success. However, the question here is about a rapper who is a fan of UK basketball. Drake, the Canadian rapper, is a huge fan of basketball and has a long history of attending games and events for the University of Kentucky Wildcats. Drake has no ties to Kentucky, but he is very close to the team's coach, John Calipari, who he considers a father figure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Drake |
| Profession | Rapper and singer |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| University of Kentucky connection | None besides John Calipari |
| University of Kentucky Wildcats merchandise | Worn by Drake |
| High school graduation | Attended by John Calipari |
| Jordan Brand sneaker | OVO Jordan 8 Calipari Pack |
| University of Kentucky basketball games | Regularly attended by Drake |
| University of Kentucky events | Spoken at by Drake |
| University of Kentucky Wildcats film room | Visited by Drake |
| University of Kentucky basketball team | Not a player |
| Rupp Arena, Lexington concert | Hosted by Drake |
| Dame's album | Big D.O.L.L.A. |
| Dame's other album | Different On Levels (The) Lord Allows |
| Dame's view on his album | Hopes fans see him as a rapper, not a basketball player who raps |
| LA Clippers player | James Harden |
| James Harden's friend | Lil Baby |
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What You'll Learn
Drake is a fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats
Drake, the famous rapper and singer, is a huge fan of basketball. While his love for the sport is evident through his support for his hometown team, the Toronto Raptors, his passion for the sport extends beyond that. Drake is a dedicated fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats and has a long history of attending their games and events.
Drake's admiration for the University of Kentucky Wildcats is notable, especially considering he has no personal ties to the state or the university itself. However, his close relationship with the team's coach, John Calipari, is well-known. Drake has credited Calipari as a source of inspiration, motivating him to complete his high school education. The rapper even attended his graduation, showcasing the impact of their mentorship.
Drake's support for the University of Kentucky Wildcats goes beyond mere attendance at games. He has been spotted wearing Wildcats apparel, proudly displaying his affiliation with the team. Additionally, he has been known to join the players before their significant events, further illustrating his dedication to the team. The rapper's influence on the team's culture and his ability to inspire young players are also noteworthy aspects of his fandom.
The University of Kentucky Wildcats hold a special place in Drake's heart, and he has expressed his enthusiasm for their success both on and off the court. His presence at their games and events has undoubtedly brought additional attention to the team. Drake's fandom extends beyond the typical, as he actively seeks to be a part of the team's community and inspire its players.
Drake's passion for basketball and his support for the University of Kentucky Wildcats are testaments to the influence of sports and their ability to inspire and unite people from all walks of life. His fandom has created a unique connection between a celebrated musician and a beloved basketball team, bringing together fans of both worlds.
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Dame is an NBA player and successful rapper
Dame, otherwise known as Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr., is a successful NBA player and rapper. Lillard is an American professional basketball player who currently plays for the Portland Trail Blazers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is a nine-time NBA All-Star and a seven-time All-NBA Team selection.
Lillard's rapping career began in 2015 when he started a social media trend called "Four Bar Friday". Participants would submit a video of themselves rapping a small verse on Instagram every Friday with the hashtag #4BarFriday. In July of the same year, he released his first full-length single, "Soldier in the Game", via SoundCloud. Lillard's debut album, "The Letter O", was released in October 2016, followed by his second album, "Confirmed", in October 2017. His third album, "Big D.O.L.L.A.", was released in August 2019 and featured guests Lil Wayne, Mozzy, and Jeremih. Lillard has since founded his own record label, Front Page Music, which includes his cousin Brookfield Duece, who was a big influence on his rapping career.
Lillard's success as a rapper is evident in his solid album reviews and multiple Billboard appearances. He has stated that he wants to be taken seriously as a rapper, separate from his basketball career. Lillard's tracks cover a range of topics, from mental health to racial injustice, all while showcasing his impressive technical ability.
The intersection between basketball and rap is not uncommon, with many NBA players expressing their passion for rap and vice versa. For example, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal had short-lived rap careers, with Shaq even going platinum with his album "Shaq Diesel".
In conclusion, Dame is not only a successful NBA player but also a recognised and respected rapper in his own right, with a passion for music that extends beyond his athletic career.
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Kobe Bryant had a short-lived rap career
Kobe Bryant, one of the greatest basketball players ever, had a short-lived rap career in the late 90s and early 2000s. In 1999, he signed with Sony Entertainment and recorded his debut album, 'Visions', which was set to be released in 2000. The album featured appearances from young 50 Cent, Nas, and model Tyra Banks. However, his debut single with Tyra Banks, "K.O.B.E.", received negative reviews, and the album was shelved. Despite the failed album attempt, he made prominent guest appearances, including on Destiny's Child's "Say My Name" remix and Brian McKnight's "Hold Me". He also joined his Lakers teammate Shaquille O'Neal on his song "3X's Dope".
Bryant's love for rap music began in his youth when he was a member of an underground rap group called 'Cheizaw'. He was passionate about the purest form of hip-hop and wanted to challenge himself by battling against professional rappers. On one such occasion, he teamed up with Cheizaw member Broady Boy to take on Punch and Words. During the battle, Bryant maintained his composure and delivered lyrics such as, "I quantum leap into the future and battle myself." Unfortunately, Broady Boy ran out of lyrics, and the battle came to an end.
Bryant's album "Visions" remained unreleased until 2021 when it leaked online and gained renewed interest. The album, now considered a collector's item, showcases Bryant's collaboration with prominent artists of that time. It also highlights his desire to be recognised as a rapper separate from his basketball career, similar to other NBA players who ventured into rap.
While Bryant's rap career did not reach the same heights as his basketball success, it demonstrates the intersection between sports and music, especially within the NBA culture. His brief musical endeavour adds another layer to his multifaceted legacy, showcasing his willingness to take on new challenges beyond the basketball court.
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Shaquille O'Neal is a successful rapper and DJ
Shaquille O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion, having played for six teams over his 19-year career in the National Basketball Association. He is also a successful rapper and DJ.
O'Neal's discography includes five studio albums, two compilation albums, two soundtracks, one unreleased album, and 19 singles. His first album, Shaq Diesel, went platinum, and his second, Shaq Fu: Da Return, went gold. Shaq Diesel produced four singles, two of which peaked in the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100.
O'Neal is also an electronic music producer and a touring DJ, known as Diesel. He first discovered electronic dance music at the TomorrowWorld festival in 2014, where he saw DJs such as Steve Aoki and Skrillex. He has since released several major bass records with acts such as Aoki, Riot Ten, and NGHTMRE. O'Neal's passion for music began at a young age, and he bought his first set of turntables at 14.
In addition to his music and basketball careers, O'Neal has appeared in numerous films and starred in reality shows such as Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs. He has also hosted The Big Podcast with Shaq and Upload with Shaquille O'Neal, which aired for one season on TruTV.
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LiAngelo Ball's song Tweaker was a viral hit
LiAngelo Ball, the American basketball player and rapper, released his debut single "Tweaker" on January 3, 2025, under the stage name Gelo. The song was produced by Kunica and Glockie Cheez and served as the lead single for his debut studio album, "League of My Own."
"Tweaker" immediately gained traction online and became a viral sensation. Fans and music critics compared the style to popular rap music of the 2000s, specifically Southern hip-hop from New Orleans. The song's beat, with its bouncy and "Mouse on tha Track-style" rhythm, along with its catchy "whoa" hook, contributed to its popularity. It evoked memories of the early 2000s sound, appealing to the nostalgia of listeners who grew up during that era.
The song's success can also be attributed to its catchy and irreverent sound, which some likened to the Louisiana bounce. It became a phenomenon in the sports world, with NBA and NFL teams playing it in their locker rooms. "Tweaker" received mixed reviews from music critics, with some praising its catchy and fun nature, while others found the verses underwhelming. Despite the varied reactions, "Tweaker" marked a successful musical debut for LiAngelo Ball, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and solidifying its place as a viral hit.
The song's impact extended beyond the sports world, with various celebrities, including prominent rappers, expressing their appreciation. Rappers like Cam'ron, Cardi B, Drake, Eminem, Joe Budden, Lil Yachty, Mase, Meek Mill, and T-Pain, praised the song. Additionally, Moneybagg Yo and Boosie expressed interest in appearing on a remix. The song's popularity led to a remix featuring American rapper Lil Wayne, further propelling its success.
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Frequently asked questions
Drake is a fan of UK basketball, specifically the University of Kentucky Wildcats.
Drake has attended games, spoken at events, and posted photos on Instagram wearing Wildcats apparel.
Yes, Drake is close friends with the Kentucky coach, John Calipari.
