The NBA and rap are a part of each other's culture. These two have been inseparable since the sport grew and have gone hand in hand with one another. Everyone's favorite players have their own most-loved rappers and vice versa. Some of them showed up to express their support for one of the hottest stars right now, Kendrick Lamar. Who exactly was there at ‘The Pop Out'? It was LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and many more.
It has been a while since Kendrick Lamar had a public performance. After his Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers tour, everything became relatively quiet for the icon out of Compton. This held true until he lashed back at Drake by being featured on Like That by Future and Metro Boomin. Since then, he went track-for-track against the renowned Toronto Raptors fan. He released hits like Euphoria, Meet the Grahams, and Not Like Us.
Each of these songs was played by Kendrick Lamar. It had everyone bopping and singing, including LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers legend and four-time NBA champion was very near the stage. Notably, he and Stephen Curry were namedropped in ‘Meet the Grahams'. Lamar told the two to keep their families away from Drake due to the allegations surrounding the rapper from Toronto.
Another NBA legend who was at ‘The Pop Out' was James Harden. The Los Angeles Clippers guard and 2018 NBA Most Valuable Player hung out with Rick Ross. They were also relatively close to the stage and towered over everyone during the show. More importantly, these two were very hyped to hear Lamar perform his diss tracks and even got to see Dr. Dre say the iconic lines to start off ‘Not Like Us'.
Kendrick Lamar brings out NBA legends from Los Angeles
Perhaps the pair who had the most fun during KDot's concert were DeMar DeRozan and Russell Westbrook. These two Los Angeles natives got invited to go on stage with Lamar. The former college stars out of USC and UCLA got to dance around to the tune of ‘Not Like Us'.
When these two West Coast legends got up there with KDot, fans went absolutely feral.
“Kendrick Lamar bringing out Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan and the whole west coast on stage while performing Not Like Us at The Pop Out Concert. A Moment In History #ThePopOut”
“Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan being on this stage got me HOWLING”
“DEROZAN & WESTBROOK ON STAGE BROOOO!!!! WHOLE GANG ON STAGE!!!! KEN & FRIENDS!!!”
Some were even recalling the beef. They marveled at how star-studded Lamar's fans were and how they supported him.
“Drake gonna f*** around and diss Russell Westbrook, Demar Derozan, Amazon, YG, Schoolboy Q, collard greens, sweet peas, green beans, Jay Rock, The Rock, Los Angeles Clippers, Chicago Bulls, Universoul Circus, and everybody else”
KDot surely brought out the Avengers of current West Coast basketball. This just proves how great the ties are between rap and the current state of the game. Hopefully, it will continue to grow and leave a positive influence on everyone around the culture.
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