NBA Superstars Rap Comparisons – Volume 2

Is there any group of people that like to debate as much as fans of both basketball and rap? LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan, Tupac vs. Biggie – basketball and rap fans will debate almost anything. What better way to spark a debate than to compare icons of the biggest debaters on the planet?

These comparisons are all subjective. You might even see some of your favorite players or artists in the second volume of our newest series.

Kyrie Irving is Future

Flair, fashion, fluidity – Kyrie Irving and Future do it their own way. From flashy highlights to smooth hooks, you’ll never find another like these two. Future and Irving know how to keep a crowd entertained and their fanbases are unmatched.

No strangers to collaboration, most successes for both icons have come through partnerships – Kyrie with LeBron and Future with Drake.

Future Accolades

1. BET Awards Best Group – Future and Drake
2. BET Hip Hop Awards Best Club Banger – “Move That Dope” with Pharrell, Pusha T, and Casino
3. BET Hip Hop Awards Best Mixtape – 56 Nights
4. BET Hip Hop Awards Best Hip Hop Video – “Life Is Good” with Drake
5. Grammy Awards Best Rap Performance – “King’s Dead” with Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, and James Blake
6. Much Music Video Awards Best Hip Hop Video – “DnF” with P Reign and Drake

Much like Kyrie with LeBron, most of Future’s success has been on the “feature” end of things. While he boasts an impressive catalog of nominations, he reached new levels with his Drake collaborations.

Kyrie Irving Accolades

1. 2016 NBA Champion
2. 3x All-NBA
3. 7x NBA All Star

Much of Uncle Drew’s success has come at the hands of his stint with LeBron in Cleveland. No discredit to Kyrie, the man can obviously hoop, but since departing from King James in 2017, Kyrie has only made the playoffs twice.

Ja Morant is Lil Baby

The hottest newcomers to the game and arguably a couple of the best out in their crafts have taken the world by storm. Ja Morant and Lil Baby have come into their own over the last few years and it’s not far-fetched to say they’re at the top of their league.

Lil Baby released his crowning achievement, My Turn album, in 2020. Since then, Lil Baby has won BET Awards Best Male Hip Hop Artist, BET Hip Hop Awards Artist of the Year, and has been nominated for countless others.

Morant, potential NBA MVP candidate, has exploded in his third year in the league, averaging 27.6 PPG, 6.7 APG, and 5.7 RPG while carrying the Memphis Grizzlies to an impressive 49-23 record and second seed in the rugged western conference. Is it his turn to take the crown?

Nikola Jokic is J. Cole

Quiet legends. Humble, poised, intelligent – Nikola Jokic and J. Cole have, almost silently, taken over the world in their respective genres.

Since his all-star emergence in 2018, Jokic has averaged 23 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 7.6 APG, while shooting 54.4% from the field. The reigning MVP has been putting up eye-popping numbers, including 17 triple doubles on the season and 80 career triple doubles.

J. Cole doesn’t say much in the public eye, but he knows how to produce winning albums. Poetically laying down bars and flows, J. Cole has been at the top of his game and on a complete tear since his release of 2014 Forest Hills Drive.

There’s never been another like either of these industry forces, but somehow they’re often overlooked and forgotten about. What will it take to bring these superstars into the light?

LaMelo Ball is Jack Harlow

What’s not to love about these two? Eccentric goofballs that love to have fun in what they do. There’s never going to be a dull moment with LaMelo Ball and Jack Harlow.

An all-star in his second year, the doubters were in full force when LaMelo Ball entered the league. at just 20 years old, Ball is averaging 19.6 PPG, 7.4 APG, and 6.8 RPG while bringing the Charlotte Hornets back to relevancy. What’s not to love about this guy?

Exploding into the hip-hop game with his breakout song, “WHATS POPPIN,” Jack Harlow has taken the industry by storm with his clever punchlines, catchy hooks, and polished flow. A fan-favorite artist that connects with fans effortlessly – is there any better comparison to LaMelo?

The confidence seen in Harlow and Ball is backed up by raw skill and will soon be seen by the rest of the league, both in hip hop and basketball. Don’t be surprised if you see Jack Harlow and LaMelo Ball’s names in lights for many future years.

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