NBA Star Kevin Durant Ventures into Hip-Hop with Rapper Stalley

In a surprising move that transcends the realms of sports and music, NBA All-Star Kevin Durant and rapper Stalley have teamed up for a collaborative track titled “Scared Money,” released on streaming platforms on Friday (Feb. 16). The genesis of this unexpected collaboration traces back to a star-studded group chat frequented by NBA players and rappers.

Stalley recounts the moment when Durant expressed his interest in hopping on a track, catching the rapper off guard last summer. Familiarizing himself with Durant’s rhyming style by listening to some unreleased songs, Stalley found the perfect beat for their collaboration, featuring dynamic drums and stellar production.

Sending the beat over to Durant, Stalley was pleasantly surprised by the NBA star’s swift response, noting that Durant returned his verse faster than some seasoned rappers. Durant’s introspective bars on “Scared Money” delve into his journey as an NBA legend, paying homage to his grandmother and reflecting on his place among basketball’s greats while maintaining a hunger for success.

Although Durant is no stranger to the rap world, having dabbled in music since the 2011 NBA lockout and served as an executive producer for Drake’s projects, his collaboration with Stalley marks a significant step in his musical endeavors. Stalley commends Durant’s lyrical talents and anticipates more collaborations between them, hinting at the possibility of a joint project in the future.

For Stalley, “Scared Money” serves as a prelude to his upcoming album, “Peerless,” set to drop in mid-to-late March via his independent label. Encouraging other athletes to explore their musical talents, Stalley attributes the collaboration with Durant to the close-knit “brotherhood” fostered in their group chat, underscoring the power of camaraderie and shared interests in shaping creative partnerships across industries.