Ron Artest: Balancing the Love

To those familiar with Ron Artest, there are probably many images that come to one’s mind when the topic of discussion is turned towards the Houston Rockets forward.

Whether it has been from his talent on the hardwood floor during his ten-year NBA career or the controversies that always seem to follow him, Artest has left an undeniable imprint on the league.

When taking further time to get to know the Queens, New York native, many other facets of Artest’s persona shine through.

On the surface, he represents the image of a talented but troubled professional who has still found a way to remain immensely relevant through his undeniable abilities. But there are several aspects to Artest's life that often go unmentioned, from his involvement in music to his love for his family.

Growing up in the Queensbridge projects, music is something that Artest was always around and something he will always associate himself with. As his career in basketball took off, his love for music was less relevant but still within him.

Artest would go on to not only experiment himself as an artist, but also release his own CD, My World, in the fall of 2006—with notable artist Mike Jones being featured in the album’s single "Get Low."

As more information is revealed, it becomes evident that Artest’s association with music is much more than a hobby—indeed, it is a true passion. While basketball may define him, music is also part of what drives him.

Wanting to get a deeper perspective of his love for music and basketball, I took a look at two different sides of Artest. Whether on the court or in the studio, this is Ron Artest.

Music in Moderation

“I remember always playing basketball when I was younger,” Artest recently told 24 Hour Hip Hop. “I ran around a lot when I was younger and I was definitely interested in music as well. I remember my early influences were Mobb Deep, Nas, Jay-Z, and I was also a bandwagon Biggie fan. I familiarized with a lot of the rappers coming from my neighborhood and that’s where my interest in music started.”

As a youth, basketball was something that Artest truly loved and it has consumed his life for as long as he can remember. Music, however, was something that Artest took in moderation. He may not have loved it at first, but when you’re around something for so long, it can’t help but become a part of you.

“I was always about basketball first,” Artest says upfront. “Music was never my first love. Music wasn’t something that I wanted to do my whole life; it was just something I was around my whole life.

“It grew on me over the years I just always loved basketball and there just came a time when I really became attached to music and it was something that I really wanted to pursue. I started experimenting myself and I admit it has been a lot harder than what I expected it to be.

“Initially I found out just how hard it is to be a star if you are in music. I realize now that I don’t have to come out with a great album to be successful. I can still love music without being successful.”

Currently Artest is spreading the word on his recent single, ‘Georgetown Girl’ under his very own Tru Warrier Records. While being quick to point out his involvement as an artist, Artest is almost confused when asked to summarize his own style as a rapper.

“I don’t even know what style I have,” Artest explains. “I just speak whatever comes to my mind and try to convey whatever melody is on my mind. I just try to do that the best I can. I guess my style is somewhat basic and there is nothing too complex about my style. The beats are my main focus and I’ve realized it’s the beats that make the artist.”

Through music Artest has found an outlet where he can vent his frustrations and speak his mind. While having claimed in the past to represent his culture like no other, Artest’s lyrical endeavors seem like a natural fit for his complex psyche. One thing Artest didn’t expect, however, was the daily grind of the industry itself.

“One thing that surprised me was that in order to make it you have to really put your time in,” Artest says.

“It’s not something that is just going to come naturally or overnight. There’s more to it that just making good music. Having a good record is half the battle. You have to really find ways to promote yourself and get your name out there. You have to put in your time and establish relationships that will help you get to the next level.”

When assessing what his future in the industry has to offer, Artest is both honest and genuine. It’s as if he almost sees his own limitations and has decided to spread his love on to the next generation.

“I think I will be involved in music for a good while and right now I am developing my kids in the music game. Right now we are in stage one, and I am developing them slowly without trying to force anything upon them.

“I just want to spread the love on to them. Wherever it takes them will be fine with me. I just want to show them what everything is about.”

Hopes and Dreams through Basketball

Growing up in the Queensbridge projects, Artest will be the first to tell you that life wasn’t easy. Many hardships were thrown his way but he found a way to overcome them all while still eyeing the big picture. As bad as it was, Artest knows it could have been much worse.

“It was a good environment for me growing up and I had a lot of fun,” a reflective Artest states. “It was definitely the ghetto but it wasn’t as bad as other places in the world such as Africa.

“Believe it or not there are always worse places than American ghettos. I really learned a lot from the people around me. That made me very proud to be from my neighborhood.”

At first glance, Artest may come across as a hardened individual who is often reckless. Regardless of his actions, Artest is quick to point out that his mentality is something that wasn’t molded by his upbringing, and instead offers up an optimistic response when looking back on his younger days.

“My childhood didn’t give me a harder outlook on life,” Artest insists. “It just gave me an appreciation of how I grew up. It’s something that I am proud of because it gave me the understanding of how life is.

"It makes me realize that the world is so big and sometimes the struggles that go on in our life are on a much smaller scale. I can never say that I have had a horrible life because it’s really been a cakewalk compared to what other people have experienced.”

As a teenager Artest played on the same AAU team as Philadelphia 76ers’ Elton Brand and the Los Angeles Lakers’ Lamar Odom.

Artest also gained notoriety for playing in some of New York City’s high profile summer basketball tournaments at Nike Pro City, Hoops in the Sun at Orchard Beach, Bronx New York as well as Dyckman Park at Washington Heights.

Along the way, Artest earned such nicknames at ‘Tru Warrier’ and ‘The New World Order’ and it became increasingly evident how realistic it could be for him to transform his love of basketball into something truly great and meaningful.

Artest played his high school ball at LaSalle Academy—and by this time, basketball had fully consumed his life. He began his freshman year at college playing for St. John’s and helped to reestablish the University as a national force to be reckoned with.

As a sophomore Artest would lead the Red Storm deep into the NCAA Men’s tournament, where they would lose an epic encounter to the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Elite Eight.

Artest would forgo his final two seasons at St. John’s and declare his eligibility to the NBA shortly thereafter. He was selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 1999 NBA draft and had an immediate impact, as he was selected to the All-Rookie Second Team after posting averages of 12.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

“When I was 19 I was drafted and that became a main focus of mine,” Artest says looking back nearly ten years. “As I got older and got into the NBA I noticed that all my friends were still trying to make it either through basketball, rapping, or trying to go to school. I felt blessed being where I was at.”

As a professional in the league, Artest’s career has been quite the rollercoaster ride. He gained respect for his versatility as a player but he was known just as much for the controversy surrounding him as he was for his play.

From his infamous brawl at the Palace of Auburn Hills in which he was suspended for nearly all of the 2004-2005 season to his brash personality and on the court theatrics, watching Ron Artest has always been intriguing. Despite painting an image of himself that some don’t understand, Artest doesn’t have any regrets.

“My career has been everything I have dreamed of and everything I have wanted it to be,” Artest says without any doubt in his voice. “Being in the NBA I have experienced all of the ups and downs and all of the challenges and adversities and it has made me into more of a man. I’ve gotten a lot of accolades and it’s been everything that I wanted it to be.”

Up until the end of the 2007-2008 season, Artest’s time in the league had been divided between his initial venture with the Chicago Bulls, his time with the Indian Pacers thereafter, and a two-and-a-half year stint in Sacramento.

During this past summer, however, news broke that Artest was being dealt to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Bobby Jackson, Donte’ Green, and a future first-round pick.

His move to Houston was one that had some excited and others curious. The Rockets were already a talented team before Artest arrived—but it is without question that he brought a new dimension to the club.

Despite Tracy McGrady having to recently sit out the remainder of the season due to upcoming microfracture surgery on his left knee, the team has still managed to stay strong as a unit and are currently giving the Los Angeles Lakers all they can handle in the Western Conference semifinals.

“I think we have a major chance this year and people are starting to slowly understand the type of team we have this year,” Artest says with a hint of pride in his voice.

“We really believe that we can beat anybody and we have a team of guys who are all extremely competitive. On any given day, I think we compete against anybody. I never expected it to be easy but I have really loved the way this season has played out.”

While some were critical of how Artest would fit in with the Rockets’ due to his past antics, Artest has claimed to have meshed well with his new teammates. When opening up further, it’s obvious that a change has taken place in Artest’s demeanor over the years.

“I think this is the best year I have had as far as being a team player,” Artest claims. “When I first came into the league I was very stubborn and I was more of headache for my teammates to deal with.

"I wasn’t always arrogant as a player but for some reason when I got to the NBA I became very cocky and I had a lot of different situations that woke me up. It’s kind of like I was given a second chance and I don’t want to ruin any more; I just want to have a nice, successful finish to my career.”

Artest got off to a poor shooting start to his season but he has since found his groove within the Rockets’ and has amassed averages of 17.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

With the Rockets fresh in the thick of things, Artest loves where he is at in his career and doesn’t take for granted what playing in the league means to him.

“The best thing about playing in the NBA is just evolving as a player and watching your friends from back in the day also make it in the league,” Artest states.

“Just being successful and playing against the best competition like Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and playing on ESPN and national television is pretty incredible. To think that this is how you cash your checks means everything.”

Despite being a millionaire and living a life of luxury on the surface, at the end of the day Artest is still just another human and his day to day life doesn’t come without it’s share of trials. Elaborating further, you sense a truly genuine and humble side of Artest coming out as he talks about his outlook towards the future.

“I think what keeps me motivated in my life are all of the challenges and new experiences I have to face,” Artest says. “Just being a part of something great like the NBA is one thing but being around my family and other kids really humbles me.

"Seeing them grow up is something is something that really pushes me forward me and keeps me focused. That really helps me bypass all of the negativity and distractions in my life because it makes me realize so many other good things are happening in my life.”

As an NBA player, Artest insists that the most strenuous thing about the league isn’t what takes place on the court, but is instead all of the traveling from place to place that he must go through. He also cites that working with past nemesis and current Rockets’ teammate Shane Battier is something that he truly appreciates while also keeping him humble.

While these are the thoughts Artest has regarding his time in the league, he switches gears when asked what he’s like when he’s not focused on basketball.

“I would say I am a family man and I am also very down to earth and real,” Artest says when assessing his qualities as an individual.

“I’m 29 years old and my oldest boy is eleven years old. I was very young when I had my first baby, and that really helped me mature. I also have a nine-year old, a seven–year old, and a five-year old, and they are the most important things in my life.”

At the end of the day, Ron Artest will always be somewhat of an enigma, and the method to his madness is something not everyone will fully understand. Whether being a caring father, an aspiring rapper, or a tenacious presence on the court, Artest has left an image of himself that won’t easily be forgotten.

Along the way people might have their say on Artest, but these days he doesn’t give it nearly as much thought and speaks with a newfound maturity when speaking about his life.

“I’m not really the type of person to worry to much about what people think of me and I can’t say that people have misconceptions about me either. Whatever people think of me, it is just their opinion, plain and simple. I don’t make excuses for anything.”