Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and more: 10 NBA superstars who have been referenced in rap songs

#5 Magic Johnson

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson

Artiste: Kanye West

Song title: Can't tell me nothing

Lyrics:

“No, I already graduated

And you can live through anything if Magic made it

They say I talk with so much emphasis

Ooohh…they so sensitive”

The song referenced NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson and shed light on his ability to strive despite being HIV positive. Kanye West portrayed a positive message, saying that if Magic made it despite contracting the deadly disease, then one can make it through any life problems.

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#4 Steph Curry

Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors

Artist: Drake

Song title: 0 to 100

Lyrics:

“I been Steph Curry with the shot,

Been cookin’ with the sauce, Chef Curry with the pot, boy”

From 0-100, Drake considered himself to be just like the Golden State Warriors guard, Steph Curry. With Curry being arguably the best shooter in the league, Drake equates himself to him as he has consistently churned out hits. In his 2014 song, Drake started the Chef Curry nickname and it stuck.

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#3 Shaquille O'Neal

NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal

Artist: Notorious B.I.G

Song title: Gimme the Loot

Lyrics:

“I’m slamming niggaz like Shaquille,

Shit is real,

When it’s time to eat a meal, I rob and steal.”

With Shaquille O'Neal being known for slamming the rim, the line was a no-brainer coming from Biggie Smalls, aka Notorious B.I.G., who was a prominent rapper at the time of its release.

At the time of his release in 1994, Shaq was already a Rookie of the Year award recipient and an NBA All-Star and was a leading candidate for the MVP, which he ended up winning in 2000. Both parties later made a song together titled, "Can't Stop The Reign."

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#2 LeBron James

LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers

Artist: Drake

Song title: Nonstop

Lyrics:

"Catch me 'cause I'm goin' outta there, I'm gone

How I go from 6 to 23 like I'm LeBron?"

In a track called "Nonstop," Drake referenced LeBron James. The line denoted how far he has come in his career, coming from Canada (The 6) to be the greatest rapper of his time.

The bar is in line with Bron wearing jersey number 6 with the Heat, owing to number 23 being retired in honor of Michael Jordan. Thereafter, he returned to the Cleveland Cavaliers to wear the number 23, which was a pivotal moment as he embraced his greatness. He led the small-market team to a championship title, putting a stop to the doubts by the naysayers.

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#1 Michael Jordan

NBA Hall of Famer and arguably the all-time greatest player, Michael Jordan

Artist: Jay-Z

Song: The Return

Lyrics:

"Losers lose, so when we does what we do, we win

And win again, like deja vu

Then we win again, like M.J. do

Three-peat, then we retreat to waters that's blue"

With Jay Z and R. Kelly releasing their second collaborative album, "Unfinished Business," Jay Z insinuated that he and Kelly were synonymous with winning, just like Michael Jordan.

In reference to Jordan coming back from his first retirement and securing a second three-peat with the Chicago Bulls (1995-98), having secured the first before his retirement (1991-93). Jay Z predicted that the second album would do just as well as the first.