Kendrick Lamar’s fourth studio album DAMN. has not merely been making waves, it has created a tsunami across the industry, and it seems the NBA has caught the vibe. “HUMBLE.,” the single from the recently released LP that debuted at the Billboard Hot 100’s No. 2 slot, has been selected as the theme song for the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
READ: VIBE’s Staff Reacts To Kendrick Lamar’s Album, ‘DAMN.’
The intro video (seen above) features glimpses from the track’s music video cut together with game footage of players such as LeBron James, Stephen Curry and James Harden. The chorus “Be humble/ sit down” is repeated throughout the ad to drive home that although there are past NBA Champions in the playoffs, anyone can rise up from the shadows and snatch the title. The foreshadowing claims by the voice-over reinforce the importance of players staying at the top of their game: “There are schemes to modernize the recent history, to shove aside all the hype and dictate the limelight.”
READ: Kendrick Lamar’s ‘DAMN.’ Album Receives LeBron James’ Stamp Of Approval
Compare the NBA’s video above with K. Dot’s “HUMBLE.” below.