There have been more than a few forgettable NBA players (Troy Hudson) whose rhyme skills matched their middling play on the court. But with multimillion dollar day jobs to fall back on, no one was ever feeling sorry for former NBA All-Stars-slash-rappers Chris Webber or Allen Iverson.
Arguably, the GOAT might just be ex-NBA legendary centre Shaquille O’Neal, who flaunts gold records, and Toronto legend K-Cut (from Main Source) production credits. Plus, he once asked Kobe to “tell me how my ass tastes” in rhyme. Now that’s gangsta!
In honour of the NBA playoffs, which started over the weekend, here's a look at the top three active double threats rockin' long shorts.
1. Kobe Bryant
Bryant allegedly ratted out Shaq, cheated on his own wife and got caught, and has five (count ’em) NBA Championship rings. He is a thug poet.
2. Metta World Peace (a.k.a. Ron Artest)
Before the fights with fans in the stands, and name changes (Metta World Peace!), Artest was repping Queensbridge, New York City, much like Capone-N-Noreaga. Thorough.
3. Kevin Durant
Durant is the most gifted scorer in the NBA right now (sorry, LeBron, Kobe). Is he the best combo baller/rapper of today? Maybe not so much (just yet).
Bonus track (for Quebec): Tony Parker
OK, so Parker is from France, allegedly pulled a Kobe on ex-wife and Desperate Housewives hottie Eva Longoria, flaunts three championship rings with the San Antonio Spurs. And now he’s the greatest NBA MC en français of all time!
Related links:
Me Myself and YouTube: Easter bunny edition
25 Worst Athlete Rappers of All Time [bleacher report]
Before they were famous (they were actually still kinda famous)
Clip reel: Athletes rapping [ESPN]
Me Myself and YouTube: Wintry Clips from Aspektz to Wu-Tang Clan
Best (and Worst) Rap Albums Put Out By Athletes [Ranker]