It’s no longer uncommon for rappers to make sports activities references of their lyrics, nonetheless in “Licensed Lover Boy,” Drake took it to a entire diverse stage.
After the Milwaukee Bucks had been crowned the 2021 NBA champions this summer, it modified into the season of Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he at last lifted that trophy after years of dominance.
With the glory also comes some recognition from Drake.
In a single of the extra straight in style songs off his new free up, “7AM On Bridle Direction” — making a reference to his Toronto deal with — the Toronto Raptors megafan confirmed some recognition and abilities by being in a speak to fall a rhyme with the champion’s last name.
“Don’t transfer cherish a puto / Can also on the very least befriend it a Buck cherish Antetokounmpo.”
The road most truly references Antetokounmpo’s new contract signed earlier than his championship, which is able to withhold him in Milwaukee by the huge majority of his occupation, all whereas he could even like long past and performed for a better market under brighter lights.
Drake isn’t fully including the two-time MVP in his lyrics, nonetheless Antetokounmpo’s nickname because the “Greek Freak” is popping up on Licensed Lover Boy merch produced by Nike as smartly.
This total absorption of the 2021 NBA champion into the marketing and lyrical vow of his extremely anticipated album is causing fans to transfer wild on social media.
Clearly, that is no longer the principle time an athlete’s name has been dropped correct into a rap lyric — even Antetokounmpo earned a dwelling earlier this week in Kanye West’s new album “Donda.”
Considered one of the ultimate names to consistently place that is without misfortune Jay-Z.
The Fresh York rapper went from referencing NBA myth Scottie Pippen in his 2011 be aware “By no diagram Alternate” by announcing “If we halt solid, we can procure paper longer than Pippen’s hands” to stating then Miami Heat teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in “Empire Express of Mind” and evaluating their numbers: “If Jeezy’s payin’ LeBron, I’m payin’ Dwyane Wade.”
Consistent with Genius, there modified into a entire of 936 references to athletes in rap. No longer basketball nonetheless reputable wrestling leads all sports activities with a entire of 226 — although basketball isn’t a ways within the reduction of with 218.
It’s truly an historical tactic, nonetheless there must no longer any signs of the references slowing down. Especially if Drake is able to rhyme “Antetokounmpo” and elevate that bar of jam for all people.
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