Sport and music share a special bond; ask anyone who has ever trained at the gym or gone on a long-distance run without their Airpods. From using inspiring songs to help get you through those long, hard miles to the tunes used by world champion boxers on their approach to the ring, you don’t have to look far for signs of music and sport’s unique friendship. It’s all around us, with the best example being the Super Bowl Halftime Show, which is fast becoming as popular with fans as the game itself.
Music is part of professional sports, and that has always been the case throughout history. But it goes much further than using your favorite song to help you get an edge in your workout. Some famous names from sports are also extremely talented musicians. They could’ve pursued a career in music had they not been drawn by the competitiveness of football, basketball, soccer, boxing, and other popular disciplines.
Browse the leading names from the NBA, and you’ll discover more than a few players with a talent for music. Make predictions on the first scorer in an English Premier League game using the Mybookie welcome bonus, and you’ll find rappers, country singers, great guitarists, and talented pianists included in the players list. The deeper you dig, the more surprises you’ll see. There are more famous athletes who are also gifted musicians than you might think.
What to expect
Regular readers of our articles know and share our passion for the music business. Browse our pages, and you’ll find interesting stories relating to the most famous artists, their net worth, inspiring backstories, interesting predictions, and their plans for the future. We leave no stone unturned in our quest to give you a truly unique and informative take on the industry.
If sports are more your thing, you’ll find plenty to catch your eye on our pages, as we also boast a dedicated sports team. From the latest results to breaking news regarding transfers, we bring you the best and most important sports stories, allowing you to visit our site and get the newest info at home using your laptop or on the move, thanks to our user-friendly and modern mobile-optimized site.
What can you expect to find on this page? We decided to cast our net far to reach more people by combining our passion for music with a love for professional sports. In this article, we reveal five instantly recognizable names from sports who possess the talent to make a career in the music industry if they decide to retire from sports. We’ve selected our favorites, but this article is just the tip of the iceberg. Countless sports players are also supremely talented musicians, and they’re happy to share their skills with followers and fans.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba, left a mark on the basketball court, where his skill, work ethic, and dedication to excellence became legendary. Yet, there existed another facet to Bryant – a musical inclination that surfaced in the form of rap. Did you know Kobe could rap? Many basketball fans didn’t.
In 2000, Bryant released his debut album, “KOBE,” featuring collaborations with notable artists like Tyra Banks, Nas, and Destiny’s Child. While “KOBE” did not set the music world ablaze, it showcased Bryant’s willingness to step into uncharted territory and explore his creativity. We’re sure he has more to give.
Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders, known for his unparalleled skills in both football and baseball, took his flashy and charismatic persona from the sports arena to the recording studio. Under the moniker “Primetime,” Sanders released an album titled “Prime Time” in the early ’90s, introducing the world to his foray into the world of rap.
Sanders, with his signature gold chains and flamboyant style, seamlessly transitioned from the gridiron to the stage. His look and style perfectly suited the music industry. Although his time was short, Deion enjoyed an opportunity to showcase his musical talents and love for the business.
Shaquille O’Neal
Who’s ready for Shaq-Attack? Shaquille O’Neal, the larger-than-life figure dominating NBA courts, brought his commanding presence to the world of rap under the moniker “Shaq Diesel.” O’Neal released multiple albums, including “Shaq Diesel” and “Shaq Fu: Da Return,” proving that his skills extended far beyond the basketball court.
Shaq’s foray into music was notable not just because of the novelty of a basketball superstar rapping but also because of the surprising competence he exhibited. Most fans expected him to crash and burn, but the imposing figure is musically gifted, and that now can’t be denied. From business to basketball to boxing, Shaq has it all.
Serena Williams
Have you seen the movie King Richard, which tells the story of the Williams sisters’ dad? If not, we suggest you fix that quickly. Serena Williams, with her unparalleled success in tennis, is a force on the court and a gifted musician. In 2018, she surprised the world by sharing a video of herself playing a rendition of Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” on the piano. To say it caused surprise would be an understatement.
The video, shared on social media, revealed a side of Serena that many were not aware of – her talent as a pianist. While Serena has not pursued a full-fledged music career, her occasional musical interludes offer a glimpse into her diverse talents.
Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard, an NBA superstar known for his exceptional skills on the basketball court, has carved out a niche for himself in the world of hip-hop under the stage name “Dame D. OLLA” Lillard’s musical journey has seen the release of multiple albums, including “The Letter O,” “Confirmed,” and “Big D. OLLA.”
Unlike some athletes who dabble in music, Dame DOLLA’s commitment to his craft is evident in the quality of his work. Lillard’s lyrical abilities have earned him respect within the hip-hop community, positioning him as one of the most successful athlete-turned-rappers. Fancy listening to some Dame DOLLA? You’ll find plenty on music streaming channels and websites.
