Top 5 rappers featuring Kanye West, J Cole, and more who have played college or high school varsity basketball

Basketball players and rappers are interlinked in many ways. The two industries share a major chunk of their fanbase, and both cultures have been influenced by the other. Rappers often namedrop NBA players in their songs, and can be seen courtside cheering for their favorite teams. Eminem roots for the Detroit Pistons, while Lil Wayne and Snoop Dogg bleed purple and gold.

Several rappers write about basketball, and draw inspiration from the game. Terms like dunk, euro-step, crossover, etc and names like Jordan, LeBron, Curry and Magic are frequently found in their lyrics.

Most of the rappers today come from predominantly African-American neighborhoods, where playing basketball is very common. Many have tried playing organized sports and joined their school or college teams while dreaming of making it to the NBA.

On that note, here's a look at five rappers who have played organized basketball in either high school, college or at the professional level. Portland Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard, who is also known as "Dame DOLLA", is excluded, as he is enjoying a successful NBA career.

Without further ado, let's get started:

#5 Percy Romeo Miller - Romeo

Romeo Miller at the 2018 MTV Movie and TV Awards

Percy Romeo Miller, commonly known as Romeo, is famous for his studio albums Lil' Romeo, Game Time, Romeoland and Gumbo Station. He has appeared in several movies also, and was a contestant in season 12 of Dancing with the Stars. He is the son of Percy 'Master P' Miller Sr., and just like his father, Romeo Miller too was involved in basketball at a young age.

Romeo played as a point guard in high school, averaging roughly 12 points and seven assists per game. He was then admitted into the USC on a basketball scholarship. He played for the Trojans for two years, from 2008 to 2010.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the only reason Romeo Miller got a scholarship offer was due to his father's influence and because he was friends with DeMar DeRozan.

Expand Tweet

Romeo's basketball career never kicked off, and he remained a subpar player, averaging mediocre numbers throughout his days in college. He did participate in the NBA's 2017 Celebrity All-Star Game, where his failed attempt to guard Jason Williams went viral.

#4 Kanye West

Kanye West performs during the closing ceremony of the Toronto 2015 Pan Am Games.

Kanye West, also known as Ye, is one of the most influential rappers and producers of all time. He is credited with developing the 'chipmunk soul' sampling style, and his creativity while using the human voice is unparalleled in the music industry.

If one wants a history lesson in Billboard's top charts, look no further than West's discography. He has dominated the rap space for years, and a feature by him can surge any song's listenership.

Expand Tweet

According to popular music channel RapTV, West played varsity basketball as a kid. Although there isn't much information on his basketball career, he has maintained his love for the sport.

Expand Tweet

He has built a school named 'Donda Academy' that focuses on high-level basketball, and his son Saint West has been seen hooping at the young age of six.

#3 Percy Miller Sr. - Master P

Master P posing for a photograph with the Charlotte Hornets [Source: AP] Rapper 2 Chainz in the documentary '2 Chainz Full Circle' [Source: NME]

It is well known how talented one has to be to make it to the league.Although he didn't get the opportunity to play any regular-season game, the mere fact that he made an NBA roster speaks volumes about his basketball prowess. He was in the training camp roster for the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors in 1999. Master P also played in the 2008 NBA Celebrity All-Star game, where he dropped 17 points.

Expand Tweet

Master P has gotten his children involved in the game as well, and he is connected with basketball to this day. He has played in other pro-sports leagues such as CBA (Continental Basketball Association), IBL (International Basketball League) and ABA (American Basketball Association).

#2 Tauheed K Epps - 2 Chainz

Rapper 2 Chainz in the documentary '2 Chainz Full Circle' [Source: NME]

Tauheed K Epps, aka 2 Chainz, much like the other rappers in this list, has maintained his love for basketball. He recently participated in a 2-on-2 exhibition game against Jack Harlow and Quavo, teaming up with Lil Baby.

He played basketball in high school for Georgia, North Clayton High School before attending Alabama State University on a scholarship. The rapper played for two seasons for his college as a 6' 5" forward from 1995 to 1997, averaging roughly 2.7 points per game on 40% shooting from the floor.

Expand Tweet

He has rapped about basketball in his lyrics. He is often seen playing pick-up with his friends and rapper peers, such as Kanye West and Pusha T, Shannon Brown. His basketball career never picked up after college, but 2 Chainz never let go of his connection with the sport.

#1 Jermaine Lamarr Cole - J Cole

Rapper J Cole playing for the Rwanda Patriots BBC [Source: ESPN]

J Cole is one who loves basketball almost as much as he loves music. He not only attempted to play in high school and college, but also joined the Rwanda Patriots BBC of the Basketball Africa League. He had a total of five points, five rebounds and three assists in 45 minutes of three preliminary games in the BAL.

Matt Starks, J Cole's friend since kindergarten, said this about the rapper:

"Anyone who knows him knows that Cole's main love outside of music is basketball."

Expand Tweet

J Cole has played in NBA Celebrity All-Star games and exhibition matches too. He spoke about his love for the game, saying:

"Sports is where it started for me. It parallels my life. Rap is such a competitive thing. That's why I have to watch sports. I got to keep up. It's my life in just another form."

J Cole played for Terry Sanford High School in North Carolina before he looked to play in college at St. John's University. He will always remain connected with the game. One of the most influential rappers of this generation is expected to feature in the next All-Star game as well.