We over here at HipHopDX recently acknowledged the relative hotness of Miami Heat standout Tyler Herro and as well as reigning champ LeBron James as they, and several other NBA superstars have been immortalized on Hip Hop songs over the years.
And for this third installment (which will be the last dance for this series), it is only fitting we shut things down with the legendary Michael Jordan, who was once lyrically personified by the man that a lot of people consider to be the rap equivalent of his Jumpman impresario: Kendrick Lamar.
Kendrick Lamar f. ScHoolboy Q – “Michael Jordan”
Inspired by Lil Wayne’s prowess, Kendrick Lamar can still comfortably ride around his town blaring this anthem regardless of his Purple and Gold ties.
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Jack Harlow's 'Tyler Herro' & More Rap Songs Named After NBA Players
Chief Keef — “Kobe”
For everyone who’s ever yelled “Kobe!” while sending trash to the garbage bin, this joint is its rowdy equivalent for simulating the reckless rapper lifestyle.
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Gunna & Lil Baby – “Derek Fisher”
D-Fish was always a reliable player on the court, especially when the game is on the line. However, that’s not what Gunna and Lil Baby are talking about in their 2019 song, which centered more around Fisher’s off-court habitual line stepping. Matt Barnes probably doesn’t like this song, but he understands it. Yeah.
Skilla Baby f. Sada Baby – “Allen Iverson”
Skilla Baby and Sada Baby are hitting crossovers like the best of them, namely, former MVP and scoring champ, legend Allen Iverson.
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G Herbo – “Wilt Chamberlain”
In a moment that will likely never be duplicated, Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points in an NBA game. G Herbo’s love for hundred dollar bills made the late ladies man a no-brainer for this song title.
Gucci Mane – “Wilt Chamberlain Part 1”
Like G Herbo, East Atlanta Santa also gave a nod to Wilt’s 100, but in this case rather than money, Gucci is talking about ammunition for a different kind of shooting.
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Gucci Mane – “Wilt Chamberlain Part 2”
There is no discernible connection on this baller record, but it is worth noting that both men have claimed to have had a lot of sex, so, there’s that.
Sheck Wes – “Kyrie”
A baller in his own right Sheck Wes blew up off of the fame of his hit single “Mo Bamba,” who at the time was one of the most highly touted draft prospects. Sadly the Harlem native did not have his name called by NBA commissioner Adam Silver on Draft Night 2020.
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OJ Da Juiceman – “Julius Erving”
OJ Da Juiceman is not floating behind the backboard to complete any gravity-defying layups à la the great Dr. J, but he does claim to handle the rock with the same skill as the legendary high-flying forward. Kyrie Irving or either Is(a)iah Thomas probably would have been a better analogy, but the song still bangs.
Money Man f. Lil Baby — “24”
Georgia rapper Money Man honored the dearly departed Kobe Bryant and earned a platinum plaque in 2020 with this Lil Baby-featured three-pointer.
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Zo (Lonzo Ball) – “Melo Ball”
Lonzo “Zo” Ball is both a company man as well as a family man as he praised his youngest brother who already has Charlotte Hornets fans buzzing (get it?) as well as the embattled Big Baller Brand, founded by both the artist and the subject’s father, Lavar Ball.
Post Malone f. Lil Yachty — “Monta”
Before he was a billion-song-streaming artist, Posty dedicated his talents to the Golden State Warriors savior before a guy named Stephen Curry came to Oaktown.
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Capolow – “Charles Barkley”
Capolow does not have as much controversy to his name as the brash Hall-Of-Famer, but as a “Sixer in the 90s” he feels a connection to the current star of TNT’s Inside The NBA.
Gucci Mane – “James Worthy”
Guwop actually gives Worthy’s University of North Carolina teammate, Michael Jordan more praise in this song, but since he happened to cite his 42 bricks, “Big Game” James Worthy who donned that number when he played for the Lakers took the title. Probably best he left the most famous #42 (Jackie Robinson) alone for this particular analogy.
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Soulja Boy – “Stephen Curry”
Opinions vary on the merits of Soulja Boy’s creative contributions to Hip Hop but nobody can ever question the “Crank That” rapper’s confidence. This song is essentially an affirmation of said confidence, which he compares to that of Stephen Curry while shooting a three.
Skilla Baby f. Sada Baby – “Kobe Anthony”
The album is called Carmelo Bryant, so this single is the other side of offensive proficiency. Also, any mention of Tom Gugliotta is a big bonus.
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Yo Gotti's 'LeBron James' & Other Rap Songs Named After NBA Players
Peezy – “Magic Johnson”
Ironically, New England rapper Peezy is shouting out a Laker in his song proclaiming his baller status. Whether he is referring to his propensity for balling on the court or strictly in the business world, can’t argue the merits of this song.
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Young Mal f. Doe Boy – “Blake Griffin”
If Young Mal and Doe Boy’s claims of getting money like Blake Griffin are true, then they have done very well, as the Detroit dunksmith’s most recent contract garnered him $171 million dollars over five years. Mazel Tov!
Dorrough – “Blake Griffin”
Unlike the previous record, Dorrough’s salute to Blake Griffin pertains less to his own Forbes list status and more to Griffin’s ability to embarrass opponents and impress fans with his supernatural ability to dunk on anybody.
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Juicy J – “Lou Will”
The Three 6 Mafia legend took notice of Lou Williams embracing the Mamba Mentality circa 2016 following his first NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. Williams, a part-time rapper in his own right, flexed on a Kobe Bryant tribute this year too.
Big Yavo – “Shawn Kemp”
No direct citations of the Seattle Supersonics star forward directly, but Big Yavo does mention wetting up his opposition which could perceivably be a play on Kemp’s nickname “The Reign Man.”
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RiFF RAFF – “Patrick Ewing Freestyle”
As with most things RiFF RAFF, there’s not a ton of logic involved, but like Patrick Ewing, this freestyle was slowed down by someone in Houston.
Post Malone — “White Iverson”
Five years, five platinum plaques and 800 million streams later, Post Malone’s breakout hit channeled the relentless of Allen Iverson’s playing career — and is still going strong to this day.
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We’ll probably be back on our B.S. around the time of All-Star weekend if there is one. Look out for more living playlists from HipHopDX.
