8 Rappers Who Should Be Music Directors For U.S. Men’s Basketball

August 7, 2014 - 4:57 pm by Terrence Watson

Remember that time America caught World Cup fever? Tim Howard became a household name. Twitter went crazy with every goal. Lupe Fiasco curated music for the U.S. National Team. No, don’t quite recall the last one? Well, it happened.

With the FIBA (basketball) World Cup running from the end of this month through the middle of September, we got to thinking about which rappers would be a good fit to hod it down musically for America’s best ballers. Take a look at our list by clicking the arrows above and let us know if we got it right.

Pharrell Curator might be one the most overused buzzwords of the moment, but if there was anyone qualified to fit the description it’s Pharrell. The man with the Midas touch does so many things outside of music, simply by telling stories. Since he killed it at the 2014 NBA All Star game, would be interested in seeing how he hyped the country about our ballers in blue.

Common With Nike’s World Basketball Festival being held in Chicago this year, we had to put an emcee from the Chi on this list. Common, a long time friend to the NBA, would have made it anyway. Especially with Yeezy so busy with Kim K. and North, Common could handle the duties with some ill lyrics and musical stylings.

Fabolous The Brooklyn born rapper is used to making mad NBA references. He’s good friends with Carmelo, LeBron and more often than not, shows lyrical love to the hottest players of the moment. If the U.S. Men’s team tapped him to tackle and anthem or two, the Young O.G. would definitely do them justice.

Jay Z Jigga man is such an obvious choice. While he might be on the run with Bey and Blue, he has done a show for Team USA before. He’s also been the musical director for NBA 2K series and this isn’t that far off from that. Jay is masterful at knowing his audience most of the time. Creating new music and curating songs for Team USA would be light work for Sean Carter.

Juicy J Juicy J is the king of the turn-up. From verses on songs to simply producing, the man from Memphis can’t miss. Mr. Stay Trippy has leant his talents to the likes of Wale, Katy Perry and countless others. He could definitely come up with something ratchet for Team USA to turn out to on the court.

50 Cent 50’s back at it again. He and the G Unit crew came through and smashed the summer anthems 0 to 100 and Cuffin Season. 50 said himself that sports sometimes inspires him to create music, saying the energy behind the scenes is something that raises the bar. If bestowed with the honor of making music to rep his country, there’s no doubt 50 would crush it.

2 Chainz Is there a rapper more exciting right now than 2 Chainz? If there was an award for rapper we listen to the most in the gym, the True Religion aficionado would certainly win with little contest. He’s the current king of the party anthem verses, but could he create/curate national anthem versus? You bet your “BOATS” he could.

Rick Ross Have you seen the bawse lately? He’s looking slim enough to try out for Coach K and Team USA. If he doesn’t make the squad with his wicked jump shot, Rozay could at least come up the proper track list for fans to rock out to. The Mayor of M-I-Yayo’s music is already a favorite in the locker room. Imagine how ill a Team USA themed mixtape from Ross would be.

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