STREAM EXCLUSIVE ORIGINALS

LeBron James Explains Why He Relates So Deeply With Kendrick Lamar's Music

He says he hasn't stopped listening to "DAMN."

Considering LeBron James was one of the lucky ones (if not the only) to first get his hands on Kendrick Lamar's new album, DAMN., it doesn't come as much of a surprise to hear that he really, really is enjoying spending time with the project so far.

In fact, during a recent interview, the NBA champion admits that he hasn't stopped listening to the album since he got his hands on it, further elaborating that, in addition to keeping DAMN. on repeat, he truly relates to Kung Fu Kenny's music on a personal level.

During the conversation, King James offered the Compton rapper high praise, explaining why its material resonates with him so much.

"I haven’t stopped listening to it since he sent it to me," James explained. "I don’t even know if that was last week or not. Before it came out. And the guy is an unbelievable talent. His wordplay and his lyrics is unbelievable."

He then goes on to explain that it's more than just dope music to him personally.

"And it hit home for me at times because I was a kid that grew up in the inner city," the basketball legend continued. "And his story of the notion of you either play basketball or sell drugs or that’s it. There’s no out. You become a statistic. And as an African-American kid growing up in the inner city, they don’t believe that you can get out and become something. So, that’s why I’m able to relate to a lot of his lyrics. And relate to a lot of his stories."

In addition to receiving the highest co-sign from LeBron James imaginable, Lamar's "HUMBLE." is also currently being included in a promotional commercial for the 2017 NBA playoffs.

Take a listen to LeBron James discussing the influence Kendrick Lamar's music has on him in the clip below.

Latest News

Subscribe for BET Updates

Provide your email address to receive our newsletter.


By clicking Subscribe, you confirm that you have read and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge our Privacy Policy. You also agree to receive marketing communications, updates, special offers (including partner offers) and other information from BET and the Paramount family of companies. You understand that you can unsubscribe at any time.