NBA/Rapper Dopplegangers

Rappers want to play in the NBA and NBA players want to be rappers. This has a been a consistent theme since like the 90’s when the first generation of kids raised in the hip-hop culture became adults and entered the NBA. If you think about, there are a lot of parallels between the two professions from it being always looking for the next big thing, the style influence, competiveness, the stans, etc. We’re going to see just how similar the two are.

Kendrick Lamar – Steph Curry

These two are at the top of their profession today. Just when you think Steph and Kendrick have reached their respective peak, they always improve in the subsequent season or following album. Oh you thought, Steph was a just a 3 point specialist. He said “nah let me work on my handle and finishing at the rim” (actual quote). Oh Kendrick is an underground sweetheart and can’t break into the mainstream, “let me drop anthems in HUMBLE and DNA and let these guys know I can do it all.” Kendrick can out rap anybody, compose songs with the best of them, craft albums that are amazing from start to finish, and he can put together an amazing show. Let’s see what Steph can

do: make anybody look silly, elevate the play of everyone around him, and when he goes off, everybody’s eyes in the NBA world are on him. Both seem like long lost cousins off the court as well. Steph and Kendrick give off the perception as humble dudes, love their families, men of faith, but if you mention someone is better than them, they’re coming for the

neck. For those saying Curry isn’t the best player on the NBA, I can see that argument but at the same time the man is single handedly changing how the game is being played. Not many people you can say have done that.

James Harden/Drake

I feel like I have to mention these two but don’t really want to but at the same time I do. Everyone know what they bring to the table so let’s see the cliff notes version of the pro/cons

- Harden/Drake Pros

o Great talents

o Can put a show on

o Elevates their crew

o At the top of their respective professions

- Harden/Drake Cons

o Coming up small in big moments (Harden in the playoffs, Drake not going after Kendrick)

o Can’t see myself being inspired by either guy

o Purists don’t rock with either

o Soft

Look at their faces and tell me they can give an inspirational speech.

LeBron/Jay Z

Say what you want about LeBron but the man is not only one of the greatest players to lace them up (I personally have MJ as the only one who is better) but he has become a mogul whose second career could be even more successful than his first. He is always been able to improve his game while adapting to whatever the new trend that is taking over the league. This is Year 15 for LeBron. Let’s see how this year compares to his near unanimous MVP season in Year 10 (fell 1 vote shy of collecting all the votes). Year 10 per game: 26.8 pts, 8 rbds, 7.3 assists, 56.5 fg%, and 37.9 mins. Year 15 per game: 28.1 pts, 8.1 rbds, 9.1 assists, 56.5 fb%, and 37.4 mins. I mean I haven’t done any research on this but I can’t imagine anyone in the history of the game have put up these kinds of number in Year 15 much less 5 years after a historic MVP season.

On to Jay Z. Now I admit I didn’t listen to latest album, 4:44, but most outlets that did listen say it is one of his best works so I’ll take their word for it. This is something like Year 25 for Jay in the rap game. He was just great at his profession. I wouldn’t say Jay brought anything new to the table but he perfected the craft while always being able to adapt to new trends and stay relevant. Jay doesn’t even have to make music anymore because his second career as a businessman has been so successful. Jay Z is worth something like $800 MILLION. LeBron and Jay know exactly what they are doing on and off the court.

Demar Derozan/Big Sean

Now here are two under the radar guys that surprised me with how similar they are. Demar is an underrated All Star. He gets his buckets and is one of the best in the league at what he does. Demar knows his role and plays it to perfection. It isn’t the most fun to watch but is has proven to be successful (at an individual level). Now Big Sean always has the same formula. He’ll make some radio hits and get love but he aint nothing special. Personally, I find his sings boring but he obviously knows how to tailor his sound to get a bunch of plays on the radio/Spotify so I can’t hate on him for that. Now both Demar and Big Sean probably can really improve and take their game to the next level but at the same time, they’ve both been in the game for so long you would have figured they should have already made the necessary upgrades. Until some improvements happens, they’ll always be in that second tier when talking about the elites. And guess what, nobody going to argue that.

Migos/Wall-Beal-Porter

This might have been my favorite. Two successful dynamic trios who have made significant noise but I still believe either has not reached their potential. The trios have shown flashes of having solo success but undoubtedly these guys work much better together. Quavo and John Wall are the leaders. They get the most headlines and would be considered the All Stars of their respective trios. Offset has shown he can make news on his own whether it be

through shenanigans with fiancee Cardi B or by dropping a project without his two amigos. Bradley Beal showed potential over a 9 game stretch in which John Wall was out by averaging 24 pts a game which included a 51 point game. Both just need to stay available, Beal seems to always be hurt and Offset has had his troubles with the law. Finally, we come to the forgotten members, Takeoff and Otto Porter. Both are most assuredly the third most popular members of their respective trios. They’ll make their headlines whether it be a Takoff verse on Y.R.N (from the YRN mixtape) or becoming a meme “Dooilooklikeiwasleftoffbadboo.” Otto Porter has had moments in the sun as well by playing well enough to earn a $106 million contract but also has been a part of a few memes whether it be his uncanny resemblance to Wilt Chamberlain or his awareness on defense. These trios will always make noise but still have another to get to in order to be on top of the game.

After this I have to up my knowledge on the young kids making a name for themselves in rap because I sense a part 2 for this coming. I have no idea who to compare Tekashi69boi to and I would love to see the rap equivalent of Lonzo Ball.

Peace ✌🏽