NBA/ Rap

I thought it would be cool to compare NBA players to Rappers, vice versa. I will take into account accomplishments, attitude, age, and skill level in relation to their particular game. Please note, this is my opinion, I could care less about what you think. Some people may have their own comparison and say things like "Is he crazy?" Write you own article then. Moving on.

Starting with the most obvious, this one was already done for me.

Jay-Z - Michael Jordan.

Jordan for now is the best player to ever live taking in to account personal accomplishments, team accomplishments, and his contribution to the game of Basketball. Jordan won 6 rings, made Scottie Pippen, and every one of his teammates the players that they became. I even give him a little credit for making Phil Jackson the coach he is. Jackson is by no means the best coach ever, but thats how he's viewed, largely due to Jordan. Jordan retired, tried something new, and came back.

Jay-Z, say what you want about Biggie, 2 Pac, Slick Rick, anyone. Whats the quote, "Men lie, women lie, numbers dont." Jay-Z has the most number 1 albums of all time. Not just in rap, in all of music. That huge for a rapper in a genre that is still very young and may be struggling with an identity crisis. Little fact, Jay-Z has never had a number one single. I know, weird right. It just means people respect the body of work. Both MJ and Jay-Z talk more shit than anyone in their respected professions. Jay-Z also retired. tried something new, and came back. Jay-Z makes everyone around him better as well. He made Kanye West. Whats the quote about Cam'ron? "The only time you went plat, my chain was on you neck and thats a natural fact." So since Jay-Z has shaped his career like Jordan, and talks about it all the time, it's only fair we give him the comparison.

Slick Rick - Jerry West

You know that little NBA logo your used to seeing, yea, thats Jerry West. If rap had a logo, I think it would be Slick Rick. If you listen to a lot of new rappers lyrics, you can tell they listened to Slick Rick. If you watch new NBA players, you can tell their game is modeled from Jerry West.

Lupe Fiasco - Rajon Rondo

Both very young, both very far from their prime. Both smooth operators. Lupe has a nice, ride that beat flow, and his voice almost sounds like a part of the beat. Rondo, what can we say about how smooth he is. Rarely turns the ball over. Both have been mentored by legends of the game. Lupe-Jay-Z, Rondo-Kevin Garnett. Both are very young. Both could rise to the top and be the best in their respective professions. One has a grammy, the other has a Ring. I'm looking forward to Lupe's next album, as I'm looking forward to Rondo's next playoff appearance.

Nas - Paul Pierce

I know I'm using Celtic comparisons a lot, but that doesn't mean they are wrong. Nas is arguably the smartest rapper we've ever witnessed. Some say Paul Pierce is the smartest basketball player in the NBA. He's known as a "crafty veteran." Pierce will always take the charge, and draw the foul. Grind out the win and not try and beat you by himself. Nas will always touch the topics no one else will touch, and he did beat Jay-Z in that battle. Nas has never been a sell out. Paul Pierce stayed with the Celtics when they were the worst team in the league. Both are extremely bad ass. Finals MVP, and a grammy. Both Hall of Famers.

Eminem - Kobe Bryant

Sorry but it had to be done. You can't ignore the body of work for either player. Eminem has done what no other rapper has done. Kobe has done the same. Both had mentors, Dr. Dre, and Shaq. Neither of them give a fuck what you think. Kobe is known as the best closer in the NBA. I'd say the same goes for Eminem. This guy, if he tried, would be the best. But he'll never try because he doesn't care. And he did murder Jay-Z on his own shit. Both are close to the end of great careers, but yet still riding out their primes. I'd say the longevity translates well for these two players.

KRS One - Magic Johnson

Both have done as much for their respective professions after retirement, same when they were in their primes. KRS may be the best lyricist ever. Magic may be the best ball handler ever. Both are still good even though they are old. KRS is better than 50% of the rapper right now, I'm willing to say the same for Magic.

Kanye West - Allen Iverson

This one is obvious. Attitude mostly links these men. Both my favorite of all time in both games. Kanye West sells a lot of records. Allen Iverson sells a lot of tickets. Kanye West found the way to make a huge impact in the game when Back Pack Rap, was not cool. Iverson found a way to impact the game being under 6 foot. Both have memorable press moments. Kanye and Taylor Swift, Iverson and his "Practice" press conference. Neither of these two can be team players. Both are fan favorites. Both are underrated and overrated at the same time. Both have made there "Idols" look stupid. Iverson crossed Jordan, Kanye did it on "Point Out the Bounce" with Jay-Z. Both need to shut their fucking mouths and do their jobs.

Kid Cuddi - Derrick Rose

I have high hopes for both of these little guys. Kid Cuddi has held his own with every feature his done, and I like he first album. He has a modern feel, while staying true to hip hop, very hard to do. Rookie of the year. Derrick Rose was already rookie of the year, and no doubt if his stays healthy will be a force. Both have impressed me with their body of work so far. A lot of work to go.

Young Jeezy - Josh Smith

Both guys have a lot left in them. Both scare the hell outta me. Both represent power. I like both of them and have no idea why. Jeezy can make you dance and think at the same time. Josh Smith with pull a jumper in your face, block the shit outta out, then power dunk in your face while you foul him. Both have the potential to be hall of famers, neither are close to being there yet.

T.I. - Carmelo Anthony

I have grown to love both of these guy in the past year. I thought T.I. was one of those club rappers that never said anything. I was wrong. The man says a lot, and does it very smoothly. I'd say he's the smoothest rapper since Biggie. Melo, I bought his shoes. I thought he was overrated and a ball hog. No and No. This guy is as smooth as they come. Both theres guys have the world in front of them, both will be in the hall, both are at the top of their game. T.I. may be in jail but his last album was his best. Melo just had his best season and his doing it again this year. Both are sure in's for grammy's and MVP's one day.

Drake - Anthony Randolph

Simple, everyone thinks they will be great, both are busts...simple as that. Both are having great starts, I don't think it will pan out for either one.

Jadakiss - Kevin Durant

Both are the most underrated in their games. Durant will grow out of it because he's young, I'm afraid it's Jada's fate. Both of these guy have the tools to be the best. They are both the complete package. Jada, makes hits, is deep, sells records, sick flow, not afraid of anyone, gets respect from his peers. Durant, takes it to the hole, shoots jumpers, play hard D, fast, strong, respected and is known as the leader of his team. Both are on shitty teams. Both have the tools to make their teams not so shitty.

50 cent - Shaq

Sorry Shaq. Really. Sorry. But you both scare me. You both dominated in your primes, and now you both need to hang it up. Shaq slows down every team he is on. 50 just can't do it anymore. Shaq's numbers have been falling, 50's sales have been falling. Quit, now. Please. Both will be in the Hall.

Ludacris - Chauncy Billups

Both hall of famers. Both are very versatile and creative. Both have a long body of work they can be proud of. Both are on their last few years. Both have paved their own way. Both are ugly as shit.

Andre 3000 - Steve Nash

Andre has been called the most creative and best rapper ever. Steve Nash has been called the most creative and best point guard ever. Both have huge resumes. Both can carry your team. Both seem to get better with age. I never get tired of watching Nash, or listening to Outkast. Both will be in the hall of fame. Both have 3 years left of greatness. Both are very crafty. Both could become the face of their respective games, but never will.

Mims - Stephen Curry

Both came in with a bang. Both have a lot of potential. Both are over looked. You look at Mims for " This is Why I'm Hot." Don't do that. Go buy the album "Guilt" then judge him. The guy is very talented, a personal favorite of mine, and misrepresents himself with his dumb ass singles. Mims is a back pack rapper and more lyrical than most rappers today. Stephen Curry is getting no attention because Brandon Jeninnings is taking it all. As well he should. Curry has game. Serious game. Watch him play. He's the total package. He will have a great career but I'm afraid his rookie contract will be wasted in Golden State, he will be on another team in a few years and thats when we can see the real Stephen Curry.

Talib Kweli - Ray Allen

The textbook. Kweli sticks to the book of rap, his gift and curse. Love him. But he's not exciting unless your a fan. Same goes for Ray Allen. Best shooter of all time hands down no question. But to some that is boring. Not to me. Both are hall of famers. Both had a great career. Both are close to the end. Both get respect from everyone. Both are stand up guys. Both have class. Both are great mentors. Both are still a threat for greatness even though they are older. Both are loved by most, and forgotten by the rest.


Thats it. Sorry if I left anyone out. Lil Wayne was left out on purpose because I hate him and wouldn't insult any NBA player by comparing then to him. So I didn't forget him, I just hate him and his fucking lolley pop.

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