The mythical status of Kobe Bryant in hip-hop culture was well-earned through how he inspired many people to demand more from themselves and always have the ‘Mamba Mentality’. Bryant is exceptionally popular in rap music, with many songs dedicated to him for his achievements on and off the court.
In recent times, we have seen the likes of Lil Wayne, Travis Scott, Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Meek Mill, Rick Ross, Polo G, and many others name-drop Kobe. Kanye West had a choir sermon in his latest album paying tribute to Bryant. His impact is felt deeply across the community of fans that both exist in music and basketball.
Kendrick Lamar is releasing his first album since 2017 and shared the first single off the project titled ‘Mr. Morale And The Big Steppers’. The released single, titled ‘The Heart Part 5’ pays tribute to various cultural figures like Kanye, Will Smith, O.J. Simpson, Nipsey Hussle, and most critically, Kobe Bryant.
Kendrick Lamar has always released an iteration of ‘The Heart Part X’ before releasing a single, with a Kobe Bryant namedrop in ‘The Heart Part 2‘. Lamar uses a Bryant deepfake over his face while rapping the following lyrics:
Consciousness is synchronized and crystal clear. Euphoria is glorified and made His
Reflectin’ on my life and what I done. Paid dues, made rules, change outta love.
Them same views made schools change curriculums
Kobe namedrops are nothing new, but ever since Bryant’s tragic passing in 2020, the tributes from the music world have come glowingly. The 2020 Grammy Awards were held at the STAPLES Center a day after Bryant’s passing, creating a deeper link between both the athlete and the music world.
Kendrick Lamar’s new album is expected to be released on May 13. This is his first project since 2017’s critically-acclaimed ‘DAMN.’.
