LeBron James has long been known as one of the NBA’s biggest music enthusiasts. From blasting songs in the locker room to sharing car ride sing-alongs on Instagram, the Los Angeles Lakers star has always been in tune with hip-hop culture. But in a recent interview with Complex, LeBron admitted that when it comes to today’s rap, even he sometimes struggles to keep up.
“That’s just the new s**t. The new rappers, I hear the melody, I hear the rap, sometimes they lose me, but then I can get it back.”
“Guarantee you take me back to the 90s, early 2000s, I can rap a whole song of an artist for sure, front to back, no question about it. These new rappers, sometimes they just, they lose me for a little bit. They bring me back, but they lose me for a little bit.”
Fans have noticed this before. Social media is filled with clips of LeBron vibing to tracks but clearly mumbling through lyrics, his lips out of sync with the actual words. While he always brings the energy, the accuracy has often been questionable, sparking jokes that his playlist runs deeper than his lyrical memory.
LeBron’s comments reflect a generational shift in hip-hop. In the 1990s and early 2000s, rap was more straightforward lyrically, with artists like Jay-Z, Nas, 50 Cent, and Eminem delivering rhymes that were easy to follow.
Today’s rap, led by artists such as Playboi Carti, Young Thug, and Future, often leans heavily on unconventional flows, layered beats, and experimental delivery. Even for someone like LeBron, who is immersed in music culture, it can be a challenge to keep up.
The interview with Complex wasn’t just about music, though. LeBron also touched on several personal and basketball topics. He surprised many when asked about the toughest player he’s ever guarded, choosing not Kevin Durant or Kobe Bryant, but Derrick Tarver, a childhood friend from Akron.
LeBron also shut down speculation about his retirement, making it clear that stepping away from the game isn’t something he’s considering yet.
In another revealing moment, LeBron addressed one of his most viral claims that he once predicted Kobe Bryant’s iconic 81-point game. He insisted that he really did call it, an anecdote that has often been met with skepticism online.
Finally, James spoke candidly about his marriage to Savannah, opening up about the realities of their relationship. “It’s not picture perfect,” he admitted, emphasizing that while the two have built an enduring bond, their marriage requires effort and honesty like any other.
Whether it’s basketball, marriage, or music, LeBron continues to give fans a glimpse into his life off the court. And if his struggles with today’s rap lyrics prove anything, it’s that even the King can’t always keep pace with the changing times.
