Music and sports have always had a close relationship, with musical artists often contributing to the hype and excitement around various sporting events. The NBA, in particular, has seen its popularity skyrocketed over the years due to the support of some of the most talented artists in the music industry. Even the current games in the NBA playoffs bracket may be featuring appearances from popular music artists. From rap stars such as Jay-Z to pop icons like Justin Timberlake, there are many artists who have contributed to making the NBA one of the most popular sports leagues in the world.

 

Hip hop and the NBA

Hip hop and the NBA have had a long-standing relationship since the early 1980s. The two cultures have been intertwined in many ways, from fashion to music to lifestyle. In recent years, hip hop has become an integral part of the NBA experience, with players often wearing hip hop-inspired clothing on and off the court. Music is also a big part of pregame rituals for many teams, with rap songs playing over loudspeakers as players warm up before games. Additionally, some teams even feature live performances by hip hop artists during halftime shows or other special events. This connection between hip hop and basketball has only grown stronger over time, as more players embrace hip hop music and culture as a strong aspect of their life.

 

Involvement of musical artists in NBA games

Musical artists have been known to perform live at halftime shows, and also provide pre-game and post-game entertainment. Some teams have even gone so far as to incorporate musical elements into their team’s branding, such as having a specific artist or genre associated with them. For example, the Golden State Warriors are often associated with hip hop music due to their partnership with the rapper Drake. Music can also be used for promotional purposes, such as when teams use popular songs from certain artists in commercials or other marketing materials.

 

Popular crossovers between NBA and music artists

There have been many popular crossovers between NBA and music artists over the years. One of the most iconic collaborations was between the rapper Drake and Toronto Raptors player Kyle Lowry. The two have become close friends, with Drake even attending some of Lowry’s games and cheering him on from the sidelines. Another popular crossover is between the rapper Travis Scott and Houston Rockets player James Harden. The two have collaborated on several projects, including a special edition shoe line for Nike. These crossovers show that there is a strong connection between basketball and music, which has only grown stronger in recent years.