The chances of someone making it to the NBA are slim to none. You have to be one of the fittest people in the world to even dream of being drafted into the league — so when professional basketball players are shown to have extra talents on top of their sport, it's hardly fair.
And yet, such is the case with Memphis Grizzlies teammates Brandon Clarke and Jaren Jackson Jr., who release music under rap alter-egos, as well as Zeke Nnaji of the Denver Nuggets, who happens to be a talented pianist. These athletes are just three of the many artistically inclined b-ballers, continuing an unofficial NBA music tradition that has spanned decades.
A 27-year-old Vancouver native, Clarke records music under the moniker BCVS and released a pair of albums over the summer, the latest of which is a 14-track set titled Ride the lightning. Jackson, 24, features on one of the LP's songs, “How U Know?” under his stage name, Trip J. His new album drops on Friday (February 16) and he proudly says Advertising sign that it is his “best work to date”.
Then there is Nnaji, who has been playing the piano since he was a first grader. While his peers see music as a separate entity from their basketball careers, the 23-year-old power forward finds a surprising harmony between the two.
Ahead of the 2024 All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis, Advertising sign spoke to Clarke, Jackson and Nnaji about their musical pursuits off the field. See what they had to say below.
How long have you been a musician?
Brandon Clark: I've been making music for about 2.5 years now. I got into it from messing around in the studio with my bandmate, Jaren [Jackson Jr.]Some time ago.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: I've been making music for over five years, but it all started in high school and college when I was rapping with some of my friends and teammates. Early in my career in Memphis, I met one of my current producers who showed me the basics of music engineering and how you can find your sound.
Zeke Nnaji: I have been playing the piano since I was six years old. Growing up, I had a small piano that I would play a lot. My parents saw how much I enjoyed playing it, so around the age of six, they enrolled me in piano lessons. From then on, I play by myself and teach myself new things.
How would you describe the music you make?
Brandon Clark: Music is just me having fun and telling stories. I try not to take it too seriously, but it's just fun to do.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: I would describe my music as effortless and authentic. It is very flexible. You can listen to it while driving the whip, walking with your headphones in or at home.
Zeke Nnaji: I like to play different kinds of music, from ragtime to classical, jazz to contemporary music. I just love being able to listen to a song, and if I like that song, sit down and learn how to play it on the piano. I also compose some of my own music, I've been doing it since I was in fourth grade — it started out as little songs of a note here and there, and as I get older, the songs get more complicated and complicated.
How do you find time for music in your busy schedule as an athlete?
Brandon Clark: It's become something I love to do. It's my No. 1 hobby outside of hoops. Now I have a studio in my house and I'm good friends with my engineer. I love being able to find pockets of time to sit down and do some songs. I listen to beats and write lyrics all the time on the flights to and from the cities we play.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: When I first started making music, it took a lot longer. As I've progressed in my career, I've reached a point where music is effortless. Usually, it takes me about 15-30 minutes to make a song. I also find that I don't have much time on my hands during the NBA season. A lot of my work is done in the off-season.
Which artists are you most inspired by?
Brandon Clark: Favorite musicians are Playboi Carti and Lil Uzi Vert, and I'm definitely inspired by them. I love the carefree vibe of their music.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Some of my favorite artists and influences in my career are Ken Carson, Baby Smoove, ICYTWAT and Midwxst. Living in Memphis defines a lot of my style and how I view music. I've been lucky enough to work with some incredible artists that I've helped identify and create, including Daicia, RAGEHARAJUKU and Fububanks.
What are your musical goals at the moment?
Brandon Clark: I dropped a couple of albums over the summer, both for fun! I'm not interested in promoting it too much, the drop is just for me and the real die-hard fans, really. I'm not really working on any projects at the moment, I'm just having fun discovering new sounds and seeing what I can create. In terms of music, I hope to continue to add to the range of music I can do. I almost want to start doing some rock songs. I love rock so this would be dope.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Personally, I want to keep finding my sound and keep getting better in the space. I have learned so much in five years and I know I will continue to learn as time goes on. Beyond my personal goals, I also want all of my supported artists to receive record deals and awards and truly be the best they can be. The music business is all about getting better and I want to continue to grow with those who have been around me since day one.
How, if at all, does your music overlap with your basketball career?
Brandon Clark: For me, it's just a great hobby. I try not to take it seriously like I take basketball, or I start to lose a little bit of the fun in it. I'm really my favorite artist, so every time I make new songs, it's new music for me.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Making music is a huge stress reliever for me but also something I keep separate from my basketball career. I try not to let the two mix with each other.
Zeke Nnaji: Early on, I noticed a lot of correlations between piano practice and basketball — the same dedication, the same practice you have to put into your craft. The same hours of repetition you put into mastering a song can be applied to basketball when you're trying to make your shot. I noticed that the same discipline I had on the piano, I could apply to basketball. It made it so much easier for both of them as they were able to see how each helped the other.
