LeBron James, Kevin Durant Reportedly Collaborated on Hip-Hop Song in 2011
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James and Golden State Warriors star Kevin Durant, currently battling in the NBA Finals, reportedly recorded a hip-hop song together during the 2011 lockout, according to Chris Haynes of ESPN.com.
The recording session came about while the pair were working out together in Akron, Ohio:
"Both players are music junkies, and in between workouts they decided to kill some time by writing their own lyrics and heading to the booth, sources told ESPN. One person who has heard the song says he recalls Durant rapping the first verse, James hopping on for the second and then Durant finishing it off. The song's title and theme are unknown, as are its whereabouts. Durant, who produces beats in his spare time, is believed to have provided the instrumentals."
Haynes reported that Durant and James have confirmed, "to a moderate extent," the track's existence, both laughing while doing so. The song is reportedly good, however.
"I heard the track years ago during post production for Thunderstruck," agent Eric Goodwin told Haynes. "It was very good. I suggested submitting it to Warner Brothers for the movie soundtrack, but KD wanted to keep it private."
Were it to be released publicly, it would join a long list of rap songs produced or performed by NBA players. Stars such as Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Damian Lillard, Tony Parker and Metta World Peace all tried their hand at the hip-hop game, to varying success.
For now, however, Durant and James are doing anything but collaborating, as each is seeking a title. Durant's Warriors lead James' Cavs 2-0 in the NBA Finals, with Durant averaging an insane 35.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.5 steals in the series.
James has been otherworldly as well, averaging 28.5 points, 13.0 rebounds, 11.0 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.5 steals. The series returns to Cleveland for Game 3 on Wednesday night.
