The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that it has partnered with LL COOL J, a renowned Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, actor, author, and the Founder and CEO of Rock The Bells.
LL COOL J has collaborated with the four-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group, The Roots, to create a new version of the iconic track “Mama Said Knock You Out.” This revamped rendition will serve as the official anthem for the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament.
The newly crafted anthem, a personalized variation of LL COOL J’s Grammy® Award-winning hit, “Mama Said Knock You Out,” incorporates the well-known chorus from The Roots’ popular song, “Here I Come.” This reimagined version blends the unforgettable lyrics from the 1991 classic “Mama Said You Knock You Out” with the lively melody of “Here I Come.” It will provide the musical backdrop for the various phases of the In-Season Tournament, commencing with Group Play involving all 30 teams and advancing through the single-elimination Knockout Rounds, leading to the ultimate Championship.
This show is a modern take on a classic music video that won a prestigious award. It features LL COOL J, who goes from being in a boxing ring to performing on a basketball court. The court is decorated with a special tribute to the NBA Cup, which is the trophy that the tournament winners receive. The show also includes a live performance by The Roots.
LL COOL J expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I’ve been an NBA enthusiast for as long as I can recall, and it’s a genuine privilege to have my track serve as the anthem for this historic moment. I am eagerly anticipating the song’s energy resonating on the court during the NBA In-Season Tournament.
