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How to rock a basketball team song


20 Pump Up Songs for Basketball

Playing your favorite sport can be really fun, but sometimes it can be hard to get pumped up for the game. Music is a great way to get yourself psyched up and ready to play. There’s just something about music that gets you going and gets you in the right mindset.

Whether you’re an experienced player or a beginner, working out to music is a great way to get in the zone and increase your skills. Here are some of our favorite pump up songs for basketball.

Contents

  • 1. “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer
  • 2. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
  • 3. “Thunder” by Imagine Dragons
  • 4. “Monster” by Kanye West feat. Rick Ross
  • 5. “Pump up the Jam” by Technotronic
  • 6. “Hard In Da Paint” by Waka Flocka Flame
  • 7. “We Will Rock You” by Queen
  • 8. “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake, Lil Jon
  • 9. “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
  • 10. “Started from the Bottom” by Drake
  • 11. “I Believe That We Will Win” by Pitbull
  • 12. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
  • 13. “Stronger” by Kanye West
  • 14. “Till I Collapse (Remix)” by Eminem
  • 15. “The Boys of Fall” by Kenny Chesney
  • 16. “In the Zone” by David Banner
  • 17. “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled
  • 18. “The Buzz” by Hermitude
  • 19. “Levels” by Avicii
  • 20. “Blow Me Away” by Breaking Benjamin
  • Final Thoughts
    • Related Posts:

1. “U Can’t Touch This” by MC HammerM.C. Hammer – U Can’t Touch This

Starting off the list is a timeless classic. You can’t go wrong with a little MC Hammer to get you pumped up for the game. This song is sure to get you on your feet and ready to take on your opponents. It was released in 1990 and is still just as popular today.

2. “Lose Yourself” by EminemEminem – Lose Yourself [HD]

Eminem is a hip-hop legend and this song is one of his most popular. It was released in 2002 and quickly rose to the top of the charts.

It’s an inspirational song that will get you pumped up and ready to take on anything. If you need a little motivation, this is the song for you.  This track was featured in the film, “8 Mile”.

3. “Thunder” by Imagine DragonsImagine Dragons – Thunder

“Thunder” by Imagine Dragons is fast-paced and has a great beat that will get you pumped up for the ball game. The song is also empowering and will make you feel like you can take on anything.  It’s one of their most popular tracks to date with over 1.8 billion views on Youtube.

4. “Monster” by Kanye West feat. Rick RossMonster

Next on the list is “Monster” by Kanye West feat. Rick Ross. This song is sure to get you pumped up with its heavy bass and fast tempo. The lyrics are also motivating and will make you feel like a superstar. It was released in 2010 as part of his My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy album.

5. “Pump up the Jam” by TechnotronicTechnotronic – Pump Up The Jam (Official Music Video)

Up next is a classic pump-up song that is sure to get you moving, “Pump up the Jam” by Technotronic. This song was released in 1989 and is still as popular today as it was back then.

Being one of the first real club anthems, it’s no wonder that this song is still played at basketball games to get the crowd going.

6. “Hard In Da Paint” by Waka Flocka FlameWaka Flocka “Hard in Da Paint” (Official Music Video)

Waka Flocka Flame is a Southern rapper who is known for his aggressive and high-energy songs. “Hard In Da Paint” is one of his most popular tracks and it is perfect for getting pumped up before a big game.

The song features a pounding beat and Waka’s signature rap style that will get you amped up and ready to play.

7. “We Will Rock You” by QueenQueen – We Will Rock You (Official Video)

You might already have this song on your pre-game playlist, but if you don’t, it’s a must-add. “We Will Rock You” features a simple yet catchy guitar riff and some of the most motivational lyrics ever written.

When the chorus kicks in, you’ll be ready to run through a brick wall. This song is guaranteed to get you pumped up for the ball game!

8. “Turn Down for What” by DJ Snake, Lil JonDJ Snake, Lil Jon – Turn Down for What

EDM and hip-hop collide in this 2013 banger that’s sure to get any crowd pumped up. The perfect song for pre-game warmups or getting hyped before tipoff.

It’s still a popular track today and has been used in numerous sports commercials. You can find it on the album of the same title.

9. “Survivor” by Destiny’s ChildDestiny’s Child – Survivor (Official Video)

For when you need a little extra motivation, this anthemic track from Destiny’s Child is sure to inspire. It’s all about being a survivor and fighting through adversity.

It was released in 2001 as part of their third studio album, of the same name. This track is available for streaming on all music platforms out there.

10. “Started from the Bottom” by DrakeDrake – Started From The Bottom (Explicit)

Drake’s 2013 hit is all about starting from the bottom and making your way to the top. It’s a great pump-up song for any situation, whether you’re getting ready for a big game or working towards your goals. This track can be found on Drake’s third studio album, Nothing Was the Same.

11. “I Believe That We Will Win” by PitbullPitbull – I Believe That We Will Win | World Anthem (Official Video)

The next song is an upbeat track from Pitbull that is sure to get you fired up. It’s all about believing in yourself and your team and knowing that you will come out victorious.

This song was released in 2020 as part of his album of the same name. It amassed over 8 million views on Youtube and can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

12. “Eye of the Tiger” by SurvivorSurvivor – Eye Of The Tiger (Official HD Video)

Another popular song played at sporting events is “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor. It was released in 1982 as part of the soundtrack for the film Rocky III.

The song is all about being determined and never giving up, no matter how hard the obstacles may seem. This has been covered by various artists out there but the original still remains the most popular.

13. “Stronger” by Kanye WestKanye West – Stronger

“Stronger” is a song by Kanye West that was released in 2007. It’s all about using pain and adversity to become stronger and better. This track can be found on his third studio album, Graduation. It’s a popular choice for pump-up songs due to its high energy and motivating lyrics.

14. “Till I Collapse (Remix)” by EminemEminem – Till I Collapse Remix Nate Dogg, Lil Jon, 2Pac, Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy E, DMX, Method Man

Next on the list is a remix of “Till I Collapse” by Eminem. It’s about as high energy as you can get, and it talks about never giving up, even when things seem impossible.

If you’re a fan of Eminem, or just need a song to listen to when you’re feeling low, this is a great choice. You can find this remix on Youtube.

15. “The Boys of Fall” by Kenny ChesneyKenny Chesney – The Boys of Fall

Kenny Chesney’s “The Boys of Fall” is a song about football, but it’s also a song about camaraderie and working together towards a common goal.

If you’re looking for a song that will get you fired up for whatever game you’re playing, this is a great option. You can find this song on his album Hemingway’s Whiskey released in 2010.

16. “In the Zone” by David BannerIn The Zone (feat. Bj The Chicago Kid)

From the album of the same title, “In the Zone” is a great song to get you feeling like you’re ready to take on anything.

It’s got a great beat and energizing lyrics that are sure to get you moving. Warming up to this song will help get you in the right mindset for whatever sport you’re playing.

17. “All I Do Is Win” by DJ KhaledDJ Khaled “All I Do Is Win” feat. Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain & Snoop Dogg / Victory In Stores Now

Next on the list is “All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled. This song is all about, well, winning. If you’re searching for a song to get you pumped up and believe you’re invincible, this is the one.

Being confident is half the battle, and this song will give you the boost you need. You can find this song on Khaled’s album Victory.

18. “The Buzz” by HermitudeHermitude – The Buzz [Audio]

“The Buzz” is a great song to get you moving. It’s got a catchy beat and some great lyrics that will make you feel like you can take on the world. You can find it on the Dark Night Sweet Light album which was released in 2015 and can be found on all music platforms out there.

19. “Levels” by AviciiAvicii – Levels

Avicii was a Swedish DJ who sadly passed away in 2018, but his music lives on. “Levels” will give you the adrenaline boost you need to take your game to the next level.

It won’t be easy to sit still while this song is playing. With a whopping 600 million views on Youtube, it’s clearly a fan favorite.

20. “Blow Me Away” by Breaking BenjaminBreaking Benjamin – Blow Me Away [HQ]

Wrapping up the list is “Blow Me Away” by Breaking Benjamin. It’s an oldie but a goodie, and it definitely deserves a spot on this list.

From the album Halo 2 Original Soundtrack: Volume One, this song is the perfect mix of heavy and fast-paced, with a touch of aggression. So if you’re looking for a song to get you fired up, look no further than “Blow Me Away.”

Final Thoughts

When it comes to getting pumped up for a big game, there are few things more important than having the right music to get you in the zone. Basketball is an intense and fast-paced sport, so it’s important to have a soundtrack that will help you get hyped up and ready to go.

Whether you’re looking for something to get you fired up on the court or simply want to enjoy some good pump-up tunes, these songs will definitely do the trick. So crank up the volume and get ready to dominate the competition.

27 Best Basketball Songs & Songs About Basketball Ever

Music amplifies any event, whether it's a wedding, a cookout, or your favorite sport. Basketball is the perfect case since it revolves around music and has many incredible songs that showcase the incredible sport. So, let's take a trip down memory lane and check out the greatest basketball songs ever.

Contents

“Roundball Rock” by John Tesh

Song Year: 1990

Once John Tesh woke up late at night humming the tune “Da-da-da-da-da da-da-da”, he knew he had struck gold. He didn't want to forget the song, but he didn't have a tape recorder, so he sent a voicemail to his home in Los Angeles instead. This would become the NBA's iconic theme song.

The NBA theme “Roundball Rock” lets loose a flood of memories from previous playoffs and legendary NBA moments. Whether it's Michael Jordan's three-peat or the late great Kobe “Bean” Bryant demonstrating why he was known as the Black Mamba. We will hum this song every time we watch a basketball game for the rest of our lives.

“They Reminisce Over You (T.

R.O.Y.)” by Pete Rock & CL Smooth

Song Year: 1991

If you're a basketball fan, you've undoubtedly heard Pete Rock and CL Smooth's legendary song, “They Reminisce Over You”. When you first hear that smooth saxophone sample at the beginning of the track, you are instantly transported to a time when you were younger, playing NBA Street Vol 2, one of the best basketball games of all time.

This song would automatically start playing after inserting the game disc into your game system. Ironically, you start to reminisce about the good ol’ days anytime you listen to this track.

“Basketball” by Kurtis Blow

Song Year: 1984

“Basketball” by Kurtis Blow is possibly the most recognizable basketball song ever written. This song kicks off the hip-hop-basketball connection that has led to many of the songs on this list. With just one listen, the hook will become ingrained in your mind. While Kurtis Blow's first verse's opening lines are simplistic, they are iconic and begin the popularity of basketball.

“Space Jam” by Quad City DJ’s

Song Year: 1996

Space Jam is the most popular basketball film of all time, introducing a slew of big-name players to the big screen for the first time, including arguably the best to ever grace the sport, Michael Jordan. Quad City DJ's “Space Jam” is the theme song for this iconic film.

This song appears throughout the film and is among the standout tracks from this movie’s soundtrack. Furthermore, if you haven’t noticed, this song sounds similar to Quad City DJ’s other hit, “C’mon N Ride It (The Train)”.

“Fly Like an Eagle” by Seal

Song Year: 1996

Another song from Space Jam’s soundtrack is “Fly Like an Eagle” by Seal. This song is featured throughout the film and is a cover of Steve Miller’s original version of the same name. Seal’s reiteration of the song became a top ten hit and is one of the most noticeable songs from the soundtrack.

“My Main Aim” by MC Lyte

Song Year: 2004

Returning to video games, we must include NBA Live 2005’s standout song by MC Lyte, “My Main Aim.” This song comes from one of the best basketball video games to ever grace our television screens as kids. When you first start the game, a cutscene plays with this song playing over the top of flashy dunks and jaw-dropping maneuvers.

This song, and the intro as a whole, made basketball look even more fun than it already was. It also had every kid in the room rapping along with MC Lyte at the time. This is just one of the songs from the soundtrack that we will be talking about.

“Playin’ The Game” by Lil Bow Wow

Song Year: 2002

If you're a basketball fan, you must have seen “Like Mike” back in the day. Similar to Space Jam, this film featured some of the best NBA players of the time, including Allen Iverson, Dirk Nowitski, Steve Nash, and others.

This song, featuring Jermaine Dupri, is one of the most memorable from the Like Mike soundtrack. This song immediately reminds you of the paint fight scene near the end of the movie, which cements Calvin and Tracy's friendship.

“Blow the Whistle” by Too $hort

Song Year: 2006

This is a go-to song for many arenas in the NBA today. This track is about making a mistake, and when that happens in sports, the referee usually blows the whistle, like in basketball.

This is one of Too $hort’s most popular tracks and is a hit down in Oakland, where the artist is from. This song is in basketball video games and even had Damian Lillard, an Oakland native, dancing along to it when he hit a three-pointer in “the bubble”.

“Sweet Georgia Brown” by Brother Bones and His Shadows

Song Year: 1925

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters and their jaw-dropping maneuvers come to mind when you hear the first whistle on this track. The Globetrotters are a professional basketball team with a worldwide reputation for excellence, and Brother Bones' rendition of the song perfectly captures their essence.

This song encapsulates the comedy and effortless brilliance of this team. The Harlem Globetrotters, who started as the Chicago Globetrotters in 1926, popularized the sport and are older than the NBA. The Globetrotters' lineup has changed numerous times since 1926, but the magic has remained.

“Sirius” by Alan Parsons Project

Song Year: 1982

This song became the opening track for the Chicago Bulls in 1984. The Bulls' announcer, Tommy Davis, heard the instrumental of this song in a theater. The very next day, Tommy began practicing player introductions over it, and it quickly became their intro song.

This song struck fear into fans and players alike during the incredible 1991–1998 championship run. This was the perfect song to energize Bulls fans far and wide and do the opposite to their opponents.

“The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco

Song Year: 2011

This song isn't a sample from Alan Parsons' Sirius, but it sounds strikingly similar to the beginning. This vibe is one of the many reasons why this song is so popular and fits in so well with the start of a basketball game. From the horns in the background to the lyrics in the foreground, this song is truly inspirational.

This is such a great motivational song that it's not just for basketball or sports; it's for any time you're struggling and you need that extra push. It demonstrates how the world is your oyster and how you should always put your best foot forward.

“Jump Around” by House of Pain Is Another Basketball Song

Song Year: 1992

This is another hit song that gets basketball audiences hyped for game time. Since 1992, this has been one of the go-to songs to get basketball fans excited and is still played to this day. The song may be simplistic, but it has an infectious way of moving the crowd.

In addition to being played in arenas, this song was also featured in the basketball movie “Rebound”, starring the hilarious Martin Lawrence.

“Basketball” by Lil Bow Wow

Song Year: 2002

Returning to the soundtrack of the iconic Like Mike film, this cover of Kurtis Blow's “Basketball” has a more modern take on the legendary song, at least for 2002. In the middle of the song, this track takes on a similar vibe to the 1980s version as well.

This is the film's most well-known song, and it sets the tone for the rest of the soundtrack.  Fundisha's hook will stay with you for weeks and make you want to play basketball right away. Fabolous even jumps on the track to show off his skills and pay tribute to legends such as Dikembe Mutombo and the Harlem Globetrotters.

“Hit ‘em High” by Busta Rhymes, Coolio, LL Cool J & Method Man

Song Year: 1996

Another song from the Space Jam soundtrack is this hard-hitting track. This is the Anthem of the Monstars, the antagonists of the film. To dominate the game, they steal the basketball skills of some NBA stars.

Each verse depicts the Monstars’ ferocity and willingness to go to any length to win on the court. This song is still as haunting and powerful as it was when it was first recorded, even after more than two decades.

“Remember the Name” by Fort Minor

Song Year: 2005

If you ever played sports as a kid, particularly basketball, you'll recall the song “Remember the Name.” This has been the anthem for sports since 2005, whether it's biddy ball or the NBA.

This is another motivational song on the list that gets the players amped up for a game of basketball. This track demonstrates that with dedication and hard work, you, too, can make a name for yourself in this sport, or whatever endeavor you pursue.

“All of the Lights” by Kanye West

Song Year: 2011

“All of the Lights,” by Kanye West, had to be on this list. This list includes a couple of Kanye West songs, and this one fits in nicely with the overall message of many of these basketball songs.

This isn't necessarily a basketball song; rather, it's about Kanye's celebrity life. However, this track has been used in sports to represent stepping up when the spotlight is on you. This has appeared in many playoff promo packages, during basketball games, and even in NBA 2K14.

“Basketball Jones” by Barry White & Chris Rock

Song Year: 1996

“Basketball Jones” is the final song from the Space Jam soundtrack that we'd like to include.  This song immediately brings to mind the predicament that NBA players faced when their basketball skills vanished in Space Jam.

The legendary scenes in which Charley Barkley couldn't even play with some kids and had to seek help from a therapist, or when other stars, such as Patrick Ewing, went to see a doctor, are priceless. This song will make you want to dance right away.

“Kick, Push” by Lupe Fiasco

Song Year: 2006

The second track from Lupe Fiasco, and quite possibly the most well-known, is the legendary “Kick, Push”. This track follows a skateboarder from their childhood to their adulthood.

This song was released in 2006 and is still played today, even during the Finals. “Kick, Push” isn't officially a basketball song, but some have interpreted it as such. This song is practically made for playing basketball and will work well in any of the older basketball games, such as NBA Street Vol. 2.

“Ride Wit Me” by MC Lyte

Song Year: 2003

Speaking of NBA Street Vol 2, we had to showcase one of the most memorable songs from the soundtrack. In “Ride Wit Me,” MC Lyte graces us with her presence again.

You can't help but think of all the insane game breakers and trick dunks you've done in the past when this song starts playing. MC Lyte rapping about how she's a high scorer makes you want to fire up your old PS2 and play the game immediately.

“New Level” by A$AP Ferg

Song Year: 2016

A$AP Ferg’s “New Level” sounds like it fits perfectly with sports because he intended to do so. This song was a labor of love for all the incredible athletes that aim to be the best.

He even wanted his music video to look like a sports commercial. He did so because he knew that professional athletes, such as those in the NBA, listened to his music before games, and he wanted to add another song to their playlist.

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

Song Year: 2003

“Seven Nation Army” is a song that epitomizes game day. Since its release in 2003, this has been used in sports to energize fans and players before a game. Whether it’s football or basketball, this song will get everyone pumped up and ready to put everything on the line.

This song has been played in the NBA huddle before games on numerous occasions, including during the 2013 NBA Finals. This song even made a crossover to sports entertainment in Wrestlemania.

“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled & T-Pain

Song Year: 2010

“All I Do Is Win” is one of the more well-known songs on the list. Some might argue that this song has overstayed its welcome since its release in 2010, but some still believe it is the best hype song of all time. Either way, this song has made its mark on sports and can still be heard in preparation for game day even today.

“The Best” by Stat Quo

Song Year: 2004

The last track from the historic NBA Live 2005 soundtrack is “The Best” by Stat Quo. “The Best” is one of the more underrated tracks from this list and this soundtrack, but it is perfect for amping oneself up. This song would be perfect for any Gatorade or sports commercial.

Everyone should strive to be the best and work to become it, which is what this song is all about. It even mentions the sport of basketball and how well they handle the ball before dunking it in their opponents' faces.

“POWER” by Kanye West

Song Year: 2010

Another song from Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” has joined the conversation. “Power” is yet another track on the list that isn't directly related to basketball but is used in basketball repeatedly.

One of the many cases is when the Miami Heat's fans sang this song during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. When it was clear that the Heat would be crowned champions, the crowd came together to show that the Heat had “all that power.”

“Superstar” by Lupe Fiasco

Song Year: 2007

Apparently, Lupe Fiasco has a lot of motivational songs; he is pretty inspirational. “Superstar” is one of the three songs on the list, and it is as thought-provoking and inspiring as they come.

This song has many layers, which is why it has been interpreted in many different ways. It can show that any dream can come true, even being an NBA superstar. It can also showcase how the spotlight isn’t all glitz and glamor. It also aligns perfectly with the character Michael Young History’s story.

“WIN” by Jay Rock

Song Year: 2018

For the past four years, this has been an anthem for everyone who aspires to win in life. If you want to listen to a song that makes you want to win more than ever, then this is your new jam.

According to Jay Rock, the trumpets even sound like you're ready for the playoffs, and, coincidentally, they were used during the 2018 playoffs. This song shows that nothing can get in your way when you are determined.

“The Choice is Yours” by Black Sheep

Song Year: 1991

This list would not be complete without another classic from NBA Street Vol. 2. Black S

If basketball had a soundtrack, this song would be at the top of the list. When those who grew up with the game hear this song, the first thing that comes to mind is dunking on your friends and family on NBA Street. That wave of nostalgia is why this song will complete the list.

Top Songs About Basketball, Final Thoughts

That's our list of the greatest basketball songs of all time. This list includes songs from some of the best basketball video games and songs that define the sport. Take a trip down memory lane by listening to some of the tracks above.

P.S. Remember though, none of what you've learned will matter if you don't know how to get your music out there and earn from it. Want to learn how to do that? Then get our free ‘5 Steps To Profitable Youtube Music Career' ebook emailed directly to you!

Top 5 hits about the best ball game

Sportbox.ru presents a short but significant selection of tracks that are inextricably linked with basketball.

Basketball often acts as a source of inspiration for a variety of musicians, so songs united by this theme can be collected for a double album. Here you will find representatives of pop music Michael Jackson ("Jam") with R Kelly ("I believe I can fly"), and alternative rockers Five for fighting ("Michael Jordan"), powerful pillars of the modern scene, for example, Kendrick Lamar ( "Michael Jordan"). So there are enough worthy representatives, but we decided to focus on those songs that are not only dedicated to basketball as such, but are also an important part of its history. We honor - listen?

Kurtis Blow - "Basketball"

https://twitter.com/EllwangerSee98/status/848203352978722818

And that says it all. In 1984, one of the pioneers of the rap movement recorded an unpretentious, but such a sincere song that it is now often played in NBA arenas. No wonder - without dirt and swearing, Curtis Walker (the rapper's civil name) confesses his love for basketball, not forgetting to provide the text with thousands of references to the game and no less than the names of cult figures.

Dr. Jay, Bill Russell, Pete Maravich, Wilt Chamberlain and a whole host of basketball characters get along in a timekeeping of 3 minutes and 50 seconds. Thanks to the unpretentiousness of the text and the recognizability of the names, the composition turns into an entertaining puzzle, which is a pleasure to assemble for anyone who is breathing unevenly towards the orange ball.

Later, the song was reworked several times, the most famous cover version was started by the cunning boy Lil Bow Wow, who rewrote the motive in his own way for the soundtrack to the basketball comedy Like Mike, where he himself starred. It turned out bright, cheerful, but a classic is a classic to stay out of time.

Alan Parsons Project - "Sirius"

https://twitter.com/voidrock/status/856797452719988736

In a good way, this song should have been put in the first place, since it remains the most famous topic to this day introduction of a basketball team to the NBA. No aggressive recitative or bravura of the March of the Empire.

Alan Parsons/Eric Pulfson, a shaggy instrumentalist rock duo from London, recorded in 1982 a penetrating, mysterious, intriguing melody whose first notes prepare you for a meeting with something great, extraterrestrial and frightening. At least that was the intention, according to the authors. And, damn it, it fully came to life, because "Sirius" has become an integral soundtrack of the home games of the Chicago Bulls.

Throughout the dominating Michael Jordan era, the Bulls would appear on home court to the chilling chords of "Sirius". It's no wonder that every such outing looked like part of a small rock concert, in which Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin did not hesitate to take part.

Brother Bones and his Shadows - "Sweet Georgia Brown"

If you ask what tune symbolizes the joy of playing basketball, maybe not 9 out of 10, but seven people will definitely call you "Sweet Georgia Brown".

This is not about a competitive spirit, the desire to trample an opponent into the floor or achieve the highest goals. It's the simple, pure, unadulterated pleasure of basketball. This song is whistled on the street playgrounds of New York, it sounds in the barbershops of poor neighborhoods, where sports is the number one topic for discussion, and for almost 100 years (91 years since the team was founded) it has preceded every Harlem performance. Globetrotters."

https://twitter.com/noise_lost/status/828104186785042432

From a mere show, the Globetrotters have evolved into a cultural phenomenon, basketball ambassadors who try to change the world through play. Head players in NBA history played for the Globetrotters: Wilt Chamberlain, Connie Hawkins, Chuck Cooper. And each time they were accompanied by "Sweet Georgia Brown".

It also sounded under the arches of the then Central Stadium named after V. I. Lenin (Luzhniki), when in 1959 the Globetrotters arrived in the USSR, blinded from the rest of the world. Wilt Chamberlain and company played 9matches and melted the hearts of an audience unaccustomed to such shows, for which they were collectively awarded the Lenin Medal for achievements in sports and physical culture.

"Sweet Georgia Brown" may not be as famous as today's NBA anthems, but its importance to the game is undeniable.

Public Enemy - He got game

https://twitter.com/Bass_Shillan/status/855135975550464000

Rap's main political rebels have always been able to both talk head-on about their protest (for example, "Fight the Power"), so and find elegantly veiled metaphors for it. “He got game” is one of the latter, and thus fits even more organically into the soundtrack to the film of the same name, the range of topics of which, of course, is much wider than just basketball.

As in the film, where the religious motifs of father and son, forgiveness and redemption are intertwined, in the song, the leader of Public Enemy Chuck D turns basketball into one of the metaphors of life, asking the age-old question - who knows how to play / who knows how to live in modern society. Maybe he, she, they?

Under the minimalist sample of Buffalo Springfield "For what it's worth", it would seem that an ordinary street reader slowly comes to the conclusion that life has depreciated to the level of a game, while the game itself has ceased to be entertainment and has acquired a sacred meaning.

Africa Bambaata - Freestyle

True artists elevate even a hack to the rank of art. Africa Bambaata would not be himself, one of the three fathers of hip-hop, the leader of the Zulu Nation and the progenitor of cosmo-electrofunk, if he was just concocting music for a Nike commercial.

Instead, Bambaata created a melody that breathes, sounds and lives like basketball, because it is completely assembled from the sounds of the game. The creak of sneakers on the floor, the sound of the ball, the lazy trash talk, referee whistles - all this turned into a basketball symphony, which had to match the image. In the Nike commercial, they created a whole choreographic performance, in which, along with professional basketball freestylers, NBA stars Paul Pierce, Vince Carter, Rasheed Wallace, Jason Williams, Baron Davis are involved.

https://twitter.com/timelesssports_/status/828821172091514880

Penalty waiver, Camp Nou standing ovation.

How did Pique say goodbye to Barcelona and football

Gerard Pique, Barcelona

5 November Gerard Pique said goodbye to big football - in the match of the 13th round of La Liga against Almeria defender Barcelona entered the Camp Nou field for the last time.

The club is well prepared for the retirement of the legend. Before the game, a canvas with the inscription "Sempr3" was stretched in the central circle. In Catalan, "Sempre" means "forever" and three is the number Piquet has been wearing for Barça since 2008.

"Sempr3" at the Camp Nou

The blue garnets also played in special jerseys - the same "Sempr3" was applied between the club crest and the logo of the technical sponsor.

Barcelona and Sempr3

His sons, Milan and Sasha , came to the stadium with Gerard. At first, the kids, along with their dad, were in the tunnel under the stands, from which the players appear on the field, and later they went out onto the lawn and even took part in the traditional pre-match team photo.

Gerard Piqué with his children

On such a special evening for the defender, only the most important people were by his side.

Piqué didn't just come into the starting lineup for the game with Almeria - Gerard led his teammates onto the field for the last time with the captain's armband. To the sound of the Barcelona anthem and the applause of the public.

Already in the 4th minute, Barca got the right to a penalty kick - the Almería defender played with his hand. Robert Lewandowski was ready to give way to the headliner of the evening, but Piqué refused. A few seconds before the strike, an eloquent gesture of the defender got into the broadcast frame - with his index finger he made it clear that the Pole should beat.

Gerard Piqué in front of Robert Lewandowski's penalty

As a result, Lewandowski missed, and Gerard missed the chance to score the last goal of his career at home. Apparently, he did not want the goal in the farewell game to turn out to be cheating.

From a playing point of view, the meeting turned out to be very solid for Piqué: he touched the ball 76 times, won 4 air duels out of five, made 3 clearances and 2 tackles, blocked one shot and earned 2 fouls. The accuracy of the passes was 94%: of the 65 passes of the defender, only 4 did not reach the partners.

Gerard Piqué

Gerard Pique's 616th match in the blue garnet jersey ended in the 84th minute - he was substituted for Andreas Christensen's . Leaving the field for the last time, the defender shook hands with the referee and fell into the arms of teammates. And 92,605 spectators gathered at the Camp Nou gave the Barcelona legend a standing ovation.

Piqué could not contain his emotions: tears came to his eyes.

Then the match resumed, but Gerard was busy with sentimental activities: he hugged Xavi , with the remaining partners, staff, and also saluted the fans sitting in the stands. The defender has not forgotten anyone.

The longest hug was with Sergi Busquets . After the match, the Barca defender spoke warmly about his teammate, side by side with whom he won many titles.

"Pique has turned Barcelona into one of the best clubs in the world. He went down in history. He gave everything for the club. He feels the club like no other,” said Busquets.

The Catalans beat Almería 2-0. For Piqué, this victory was the 423rd in the composition of Barça - he is in the top 5 best in the history of the club in this indicator. Only 9 have more wins0063 Andres Iniesta (459), Xavi (476), Sergi Busquets (482) and Lionel Messi (542).

But after the final whistle, the farewell ceremony did not end: first, the best moments of Piqué's career in Barcelona were shown on the stadium screens, after which Gerard made a lap of honor to the very symbolic Catalan song "Camins" by Sopa de Cabra. Everything was accompanied by a storm of applause from the stands.

Then Piqué stepped into the center circle and picked up the microphone to give his farewell speech.

Gerard Piqué

“First of all, thank you. To all the teammates, staff, people in the gym... Everyone who helps us every day makes our lives easier. Thanks to the leadership for all these years.

It was a relationship with so much love and so much passion between Barça and me, and I think it's time to create some distance, to give us some breathing room. I am sure I will return here in the future.

This is not goodbye. I left when I was 17 and I came back. My grandfather made me a member of the club on my birthday. I was born here and I will die here. Barça forever! Long live Barça,” said the defender in tears, choking on emotion.

After that, Piqué kissed the coat of arms for the last time. To the sounds of Coldplay's Viva la Vida, the defender went through the corridor of honor formed by his teammates. Then the partners began to pump Gerard.


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