From Hoops to Hip-Hop: 5 Rappers Who Traded Basketball for the Mic
Today (Sep. 17) marks the 25th anniversary of hip-hop mogul Master P signing a non-guaranteed contract with the Toronto Raptors, a pivotal moment in his professional basketball journey.
Though he’s the only rapper ever to make it to the NBA, having played for the Charlotte Hornets and the Raptors, he never got a chance to play a regular season game. Still, Master P’s legacy as a baller-turned-rapper remains legendary.
He isn't the only emcee with deep basketball roots. J. Cole's recent stint in the Basketball Africa League and 2 Chainz’s college ball days at Alabama State highlight the fluid crossover between courts and mics. Even legends like Cam’ron and Ma$e prove that hoop dreams often intersect with hip-hop hustle.
In honor of Master P's historic signing, a day in hip-hop history, check out these five emcees who traded basketball for the mic.
2 Chainz
Known for his witty lyrics and Southern swagger, 2 Chainz was once known for his moves on the court. A standout high school player, he earned a scholarship to Alabama State University, where he played for two seasons as a forward.
Though basketball wasn’t his final path, it’s clear that the emcee’s competitive spirit helped shape his work ethic in hip-hop.
Stalley
Kyle Alfonso Myricks, better known as Ohio-born rapper Stalley, started his basketball journey playing for his high school team in Massillon.
He ultimately left Ohio to pursue Division 1 basketball at Michigan, but an early injury cut his time short. He later moved to New York to play for LIU, but after suffering a second injury, he shifted his focus from sports to music.
The Game
Before turning his sights to rap, The Game was a standout high school basketball player. Graduating in 1999, he received several scholarship offers from various colleges and chose to attend Washington State University to pursue his basketball career.
However, his time there was cut short after he was dismissed from the team due to a drug-related incident.
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Dave East
Before becoming a lyrical heavyweight, rapper Dave East was an aspiring basketball star. After high school, the "Keisha" emcee briefly attended the University of Richmond before transferring to Towson University, where he continued his basketball career.
However, during his time at Towson, East faced ongoing issues with the coaching staff, eventually leading to his decision to leave the university.
Cam’ron
Harlem’s own Cam’ron was a basketball star at Manhattan Center High School, playing alongside future emcee, “It Is What It Is” co-host and friend Ma$e.
Cam’s hoop dreams were cut short after he could not take advantage of scholarship offers due to his poor academic standing.
