Quavo and Jack Harlow's thorough stomping of 2 Chainz and Lil Baby in the Open Run 2 on 2 during the NBA All-Star events this weekend gave life to an age-old debate: who's the best hooper musician? A lot of entertainers in the rap game had a lot to say after Quavo and Harlow went viral, blocking shot and sinking jumpers all night. Lil Baby went viral as well, but moreso for his god-awful free throw attempts. Apparently, you can have the number one record in the country and still not be able to play ball. I guess watching Quavo raise that trophy after their win goes to Chris Brown. While he didn't play in the game, he had plenty to say on social media, going as far as to claim he would have "cooked" the Migos star on the court. While that remains to be seen, Brown does have some impressive skills with the ball, this definitely isn't a Lil Baby situation.
Hoopers want to be entertainers and entertainers want to be hoopers, its a tale as old as time. Over the past 20 years, we've seen as many rappers try to play ball as ballplayers who tried to rap. So, the debate returns. We picked out our top ballers in the music world, tell us we're wrong.
Drafting Class: Lil Durk, G Herbo, Ludacris, Russ, Quavo, The Game, Chris Brown, Master P, Sheck Wes, Nelly, J.Cole, Drake, Lil Dicky, Sada Baby, Camron, and 2 Chainz
Jake's picks:
Quavo: The Migos frontman seems to have been on a mission lately to assert himself atop this list. Generously listed at 6'2, the 2018 NBA Celebrity Game MVP has some nice guard skills and a smooth jumper to top it off. A star quarterback growing up in Georgia, he's grown into one of the best rappers on the court.
J Cole: Cole's ability with the ball in his hands is well-documented. While he didn't play in college, Cole still harbors some professional dreams, going as far as teasing an attempt at the NBA. While the jury is still out on that move, Cole's got a nice game and some ups at 6'2, everyone remembers that alley-oop from Kevin Hart.
2 Chainz: At 43, Tity Boi still has it, as evidenced by being the only viable player wearing white in the 2 on 2 challenge. 6'5 former Alabama State small forward has a pretty smooth skillset and even got an injury report from Kenny Smith just before the All-Star Weekend.
Sheck Wes: Sheck Wes kicked off his rap career by celebrating his close friend in song. "Mo Bamba" was a hit and raised the profile of the budding Magic star. Last year though, Sheck bet on his own skills, declaring for the 2020 NBA Draft before being signed to a French pro team. Maybe he still has a path to the league.
Mighty's picks:
Lil Durk: One of the best rappers out right now. Word is Lil Durk has a project with Lil Baby on the way. He's repping O-Block and Chicago is his stomping ground. With a jump shot like butter, Lil Durk might just be the real MVP.
Dave East: If you didn't know the Harlem MC Dave East played ball in college. He received a full scholarship but later dropped out. East played AAU basketball with Kevin Durant and later got signed by Nas.
Master P: He's a No Limit Soldier I thought I told ya! Yeah, Master P actually made it to the NBA. Played for the Hornets, and the Raptors. Master P is the only rapper to ever pull this off.
Chris Brown: If he can dance anywhere, he can ball anywhere. Chris Breezy aka Chis Brown will break-dance on your face and shoot a three-pointer. He's standing at 6'2 and ready to show off his jump shot.
Below is the 2on2 challenge that started it all. Who would you like to see participate next year? Also, don't forget to pick Team Jake or Team Mighty for Elevator's Mock Draft League.