Long live mamba!
NBA banned Kobe Bryant rap album release, as the official Visions leak happened last week. In the late 90s, the NBA was facing a cultural shock with the white-collar world (insert any race), being introduced to the urban streets. Allen Iverson led this movement, as he was essentially the first NBA player with cornrows and tattoos in the league.
This became a problem for David Stern and Adam Silver, who didn’t want their league to look like their average viewer. While those days are gone and the league is enduring its worst ratings and revenue of all-time, they did everything to stop Allen Iverson. Now, their face of the league, LeBron James, has his entire body covered in tattoos. Years later, they also implemented the dress code, which was also a direct shot at time.
Now, during 1999, Iverson was readying an official rap album, but it was shut down by David Stern<. This was co-signed by fellow players in the league, as well as rappers like Fat Joe, Nas and the Ruff Ryders. The NBA turning into hip-hop, although it was their biggest audience, was uncomfortable for the front office that wanted to keep low level ticket buyers.
By 2000, Iverson had created the rap name moniker Jewelz, releasing his debut single, “40 Barz.” However, its lyrics and content alarmed David Stern. He basically threatened Iverson’s basketball career, saying he could do one or the other.
Now, Kobe was also readying his Visions album, and already invested millions in the project. It featured Nasir Escobar, Destiny’s Child Tyra Banks, 50 Cent, Beanie Sigel, and Black Though among others. Due to Iverson’s banning of releasing an album, David Stern said no player in the NBA could release a rap project.
So, the league did anything they could to mess with Iverson and his peers. Essentially, no one could guard AI, which is why the zone defense was implemented after the 2001 season to stop him. It just sucks Iverson was scapegoated and Kobe being victim to the situation.
Take a look at media below from the Answer and the Mamba.