NBA superstar Kevin Durant has earned high praise from legendary rapper Lil Wayne, though the acknowledgment has nothing to do with the forward’s exploits on the basketball court. Entering his 20th professional season, the 38-year-old remains one of the league’s most formidable scorers, recently logging 15 points in 23 minutes during a preseason matchup between the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks in Macau according to Yahoo Sports. However, the latest spotlight centers entirely on Durant’s off-court creative pursuits and his hidden skills as a recording artist.
The Number One Ranking in Athlete Rap
During a recent appearance on ‘The Joint Venture Show,’ Lil Wayne revealed that he places Durant at the very top of his personal ranking of athletes who have tried their hand at rap music. The hip-hop icon confessed that he intentionally saved the top spot for the two-time NBA champion. Explaining his reasoning, Lil Wayne pointed to an unreleased collaboration between the two, which gave him firsthand insight into the basketball star’s lyrical flow and studio capability.
In securing the number one position, Durant surpassed several other notable NBA figures who have famously ventured into music. Lil Wayne’s curated list placed multi-platinum personality Shaquille O’Neal, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, former Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams, and LiAngelo Ball below the Rockets star.
Musical Collaborations and Future Potential
Durant’s musical footprint extends beyond his work with Lil Wayne. The veteran forward revealed that he has even recorded three separate unreleased tracks alongside fellow NBA icon LeBron James, though those recordings remain locked away from the public. While those high-profile sessions stay under wraps, Durant previously demonstrated his capability with the release of his track ‘Sacred Money’ in 2024, which drew positive attention for his delivery and rhythm.
Balancing a grueling 20-year NBA career with elite athletic preparation requires intense dedication, yet Durant continues to carve out time for the recording booth. Observers note that his genuine passion for music could easily translate into a regular creative outlet once he eventually steps away from professional basketball, giving fans an entirely new arena where he can excel.