Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has earned a reputation as one of the best rappers in the NBA, and pretty much like his professional basketball career, he also wants to be taken seriously as an artist.

In an appearance on the Rap Radar, Dame opened up about how gaining respect as a rapper is different from gaining a huge following in the NBA, adding that not all basketball fans are music fans. With that said, he wants to be consistently good at what he's doing in order to get the best of both worlds.

Lillard has made it clear he's dedicated to his career as a rap artist in the same way that he is as a basketball player. Aside from winning a championship with the Blazers, Dame is also hopeful that he wins a music award someday.

Article Continues Below
More Trail Blazers News
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Darius Garland (10) drives against Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons (1) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Magic rumors: Anfernee Simons, Darius Garland must be on trade radar, says insiderJulian Ojeda ·
image thumbnail
3 players Portland Trail Blazers must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftCameron Zunkel ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) drives to the basket during the second half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) at Moda Center.
NBA rumors: Lakers insider drops eye-opening Blazers intel on potential trade candidateJulian Ojeda ·
Michael Porter Jr. photoshopped in Trail Blazers jersey (number 1)
Trail Blazers trade proposal for Michael Porter Jr. after postseason strugglesBailey Bassett ·
Austin Reaves (number 15) photoshopped in Trail Blazers jersey
Trail Blazers trade proposal for Austin Reaves lands Lakers a centerBailey Bassett ·
Malik Beasley playing basketball. Pistons logo in background.
Ranking 4 best Malik Beasley free-agency destinations if he leaves PistonsBailey Bassett ·

The Blazers are coming off a successful season where they made it to the Western Conference Finals. Even though they were swept by the Golden State Warriors, they still consider their 2018-19 campaign as a step in the right direction.

Right after last season ended for Portland, Dame immediately shifted his focus on his second album. And after it was officially released last month, it garnered a lot of praise from his fellow NBA players.

In reality, there's really that not much of a difference between both paths for Dame. Pretty much like how his NBA career started, his journey as a music artist is just beginning. He's already being recognized here and there, and there's no doubt he has the potential to be great artist as well.