CP3Basketball and Rap will always be synonymous with one another. It’s no secret that most basketball players want to be rappers and most MCs want to hoop. When I first got to Dime I came up with the idea of comparing the two occupations. Surprisingly, many thought that my comparisons were even more accurate than I initially suspected.
Well, the NBA and the rap game have change a lot since my original observations. I decided to re-do the comparisons. Just so you know, I based my comparisons mostly on the NBA player and rapper’s collection of work as well as what they are doing currently.
Chris Paul and Lil Wayne.
What do CP3 and Weezy F. Baby have in common you ask?
Both Chris Paul and Lil Wayne are the face of New Orleans. Although small in stature both come up big when the lights are on.
Chris Paul had one of the best seasons as at the point guard position since Tim Hardaway back in the 90s. Averaging 21 points, 11 assists, and 4 rebounds last season CP3’s number were better than Steve Nash’s the two years he won MVP of the NBA. Many consider Paul in the same group of players such as LeBron and Kobe.
Last year Wayne solidified himself as the hardest working rapper in the game. Weezy laid verses down all over the place. Most of the hotness released featured a Wayne verse. Along with Wayne’s mixtapes, Dwayne Carter made himself the hottest thing in the rap world. There was even talk of Wayne being better than seasoned legends like Jay-Z and 50 Cent.
Both put their squads on their back….
Since being drafted in 2005, Chris Paul has embraced the city of New Orleans and has become the general they needed to get to the next level. CP3 put the Hornets on his back and has helped good players like Tyson Chandler and David West become excellent players. David West averaged no more than 6 points a game before Paul arrived…now he is an All-Star.
Lil Wayne is the reason why New Orleans is relevant in regards to rap. Master P tried to hold it down, as well as Juvenile and BG but Wayne is the face of Rap in New Orleans. It is because of Wayne that not just New Orleans, but the South is even talked about in terms of hip-hop. Don’t get me wrong. There are plenty of rappers that can be credited to helping the South rise but Wayne’s Northern-esque flow helped the South appeal more above the Mason Dixon Line.
Both are arguably the best at what they do…
Ask most NBA GMs who they would take at the point guard position if they were starting a team and all of them would say Chris Paul…yeah, there is Deron Williams, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash but CP3 is the NBA’s best floor general. Paul passes, scores, defends, and makes everyone around him better. New Orleans went from a third tier NBA team to one of this season’s favorites to win the West…all because of Chris Paul.
Jay-Z, when he was first given the presidency at Def Jam Records, was asked once what rapper he’d like to sign and immediately Hova blurted out, “Lil Wayne.” Wayne is seen as THAT DUDE in rap right now. Weezy works hard on his craft and keeps hitting his fans with new, hot material. Rumors are circulating now that Wayne might really sign with Jay’s Roc-a-fella Records.
This year with the addition of James Posey, the New Orleans Hornets are one of the frontrunners in the Western Conference. If Chris Paul has a season even close to what he did last year expect to see the Hornets in the Finals along with CP3 hoisting the MVP trophy.
Wayne’s Carter III dropped earlier this year and Weezy didn’t disappoint at all. The Carter III’s sales in the first week were crazy. Wayne sold one million copies in the first week. The only other rapper to accomplish that is 50 Cent. You think that sort of success would stop Weezy…not at all, look forward to his joint album with Juelz Santana titled; ‘I Can’t Feel My Face.”
NBA/Rapper Comparisons
Dirk Nowitzki & Eminem
Related posts:
November 6th, 2008 at 2:25 pm
Mike says:
Larry Brown and Busta Rhymes
Larry Brown: How does he keep coming back
Busta Rhymes: How does he keep coming back
November 6th, 2008 at 2:27 pm
BET dat!! says:
Haha! Good one.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:28 pm
jeremy says:
wait are u saying chris paul sucks at basketball as lil wayne sucks at rapping
November 6th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Christian Grant-Fields says:
Not a fan of Weezy Jeremy? Lol
November 6th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
nick says:
that’s a pretty fair comparison. curious as to who you would compare kobe or ai to.
November 6th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Christian Grant-Fields says:
Stay tuned Nick…stay tuned.. lol
November 6th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Eduardo says:
Man you have to give the Krs-One title to Kobe, he’s been in the L for ages and hated, criticized booed but he’ve always done his thing and still showing is love for tha game…Like Krs he is Still Spittin…
November 6th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
Yoooo says:
Lil Wayne is terrible
November 6th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Yoooo says:
Id say Lil Wayne is more like Carmelo. Both SWEAR theyre tough. Both think they’re blood. And both are overrated at this point (althought Melo is a waaaaaay better player than Wayne is a rapper.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
RJCrobinson says:
Deshawn stevenson/ soulja boi
November 6th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
Sam I Am says:
Edyy Curry / Biz Markie
November 6th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Sam I Am says:
Eddy*
November 6th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
Sam I Am says:
or
Dirk Nowitzki / Marky Mark
“Say Hi to your mother for me”
November 6th, 2008 at 3:14 pm
original2k9 says:
Vince Carter/ Fabolous
November 6th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
srb says:
should compare him to little bow wow
November 6th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Sam I Am says:
Nate Robinson / Lil Bow Wow
November 6th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Brown says:
Lil’ Wayne is the most overrated rapper alive. His fans are mostly dick-riders. They love him because BET tells them to. He works hard, but so does Matt Bonner. Wayne is quantity over quality. You could compare him to a player who drops mad ugly buckets.
The only reason Wayne stands out is because he’s compared to all the commercial rappers (i.e. who you see on BET) out there, who are mediocre at best. Put him on a track with some real MCs and Wayne’s verses sound like ass. I’d compare him to Michael Redd. Redd isn’t a top-notch talent, but he’s paid like one just because he is the best player on his team, which isn’t really saying much because his team is awful. Wayne isn’t a top-notch talent, but he’s paid like one because commercial rappers are awful right now.
Ever wonder why Wayne works with so many shitty rappers/artists?
November 6th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
jeremy says:
kobe/nas
November 6th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Detroit Dave says:
Why would yall diss Chris Paul by comparing him to Lil Wayne? Dime yall need to stick to basketball PLEASE! …..Lil Wayne…. lol he sucks
November 6th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
Shakers says:
MJ - 2Pac (greatest ever)
Shaq - Biggie (extreme talent)
Bird - Eminem (obvious)
Magic - Snoop (Brought everyone around him to the top)
Lebron - Jay Z (best in the game now)
Kobe - Nas (love him or hate him, def. great)
Duncan - Jadakiss (always brings it, but not flashy)
Vince - 50 Cent (always flashy, doesn’t always bring it)
AI - young Ice Cube (raw talent and style)
That’s what I got.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
SayItAintSo says:
Shaq-Daddy (rest in peace, his career ended abruptly)
Notorious B.I.G. (rest in peace, his career ended abruptly)
November 6th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
Detroit Dave says:
************Don’t worry Dime Readers*********, I think someone hacked into their site and posted this crap… I won’t hold The Magazine Accoutable…..
November 6th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
snook says:
I was going to write an argument, but brown (#17) got it covered. /steinbrenner “hire this man”
November 6th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
Christian Grant-Fields says:
Detroit Dave,
You’re obviously not a fan or Wayne. Lol. Tell us who you would compare CP3 to…
-cgf
November 6th, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Amar says:
chris kaman — hillbilly banjo music
kenyon martin — that rapper guy from C+C music factory, both are flashy, were good in an ensamble cast, only really good for 1 or 2 years, both like to show their nipples
deron williams — terminator x, solid, doesn’t talk/hype himself, does all the work for other guys to look good, like any good PG / DJ should.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
knoc says:
lil wayne and cp!?!?!?!? no way
im a fan of both but no way lil wayne is that great. granted he may be the hottest thing in mainstream hip hop right now from his swag and hot one liners. he still doesnt touch jay z or nas in lyrics.
stephon/francis to dmx
how fast they both fell off
November 6th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Big T says:
@brown
I agree that Lil Wayne is overrated. However, I’d like to give the overrated crown to none other than Jay Z.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Big T says:
BTW, the best rappers are as follows:
2pac
X-Raided
Brotha Lynch
Mac Dre
Do or Die
Ice Cube
Dayton Family
The Grouch
The Game
50 cent, Jay Z, Jadakiss, DMX… all played out.
November 6th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
Detroit Dave says:
1st of all when I think of good/great rappers they come from the 95-99 era… I really find it hard to compare individual rappers and ballers… But to give you an answer I would say 98 DJ Premier cuz everyone sounds good on his beats and when CP3 is on the court he makes everyone better.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I am The Streets says:
@ Big T,
I HAVE NEVER HEARD OF HALF OF THE RAPPERS YOU JUST NAMED.
The Grouch ?!?!?!?!?!
Dayton Family ?!?!?!?!?!
November 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Christian Grant-Fields says:
@ Detroit Dave,
I dig it. I see the comparison. Premo’s beats are legendary. He did make every rapper THAT much better.
-cgf
November 6th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
Detroit Dave says:
Maybe we should compare Rappers and WWF Wrestlers cuz all that shit is fake….
November 6th, 2008 at 4:04 pm
Big T says:
@Streets
The grouch is from the bay… he was underground, but lyrically a genious. He usually just battled.
Dayton Family is more mainstream - they came out with the Family Feud almost a few years back, and their older stuff is good also. Listen to “Hand that rocks the cradle”, “FBI”, or even “Everyday Hoe”.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Detroit Dave says:
LIL Wayne = Hot Sauce
November 6th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Isaiah says:
Chris andersen - clipse or jeezy. (Both love coke)
November 6th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Big T says:
On a side note, I think pac and x-raided are my favs. X-raided recorded shit over the phone when he was doing a bid for murder lol.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
dagwaller says:
First of all, shakers, impressive list there. Not sure I agree with you, but as with the CGF article, it’s all in how you present it. Kudos on the article, Christian.
To everyone that randomly dislikes Lil Wayne: it’s your opinion, and that’s fine, but before just dropping bombs on him, try to find something wrong with the actual article. I don’t like Lil Wayne like I did a year ago, but you know what? The article hits the nail on the head.
And btw, overexposure happens. Deal with it.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:10 pm
dagwaller says:
Isaiah, LOL. So wrong, but so true.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
P_Dizzle says:
Both are arguably the best at what they do…
LOL
That’s funny stuff!
November 6th, 2008 at 4:14 pm
Detroit Dave says:
I think this is a testament to how far rap has fallen off.. Fuck…. Imagine the year 2015 and you sit back and tell your son about how in 2006 Kobe dropped 81 points. Or 2008 Tony Parker had 55 and 10 dimes. Then your son looks up and asks tell me about what rappers were hot in 2008…..
Slowly your eyes flood with tears…. and you nervously mumble, Plies and Lil Wayne! lmao!!!
November 6th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
GEE...Big Brotha Almightyyyy! says:
CGF That “I can’t feel my face” joint has taken forever. That was supposed to be out like a year or so ago. I remember all the hype on it. Should be a banger though, but dang honestly I had forgotten about it till now.
Dudes need to hurr up!
November 6th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
king joe says:
shakers is on point
November 6th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Big T says:
Yeah, rap has gotten progressively worse. It’s sad when people need to recruit Akon/T-Pain to sing a hook just to sell their albums.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
Hoveys Home says:
Lamar Odom& Memphis Bleek- When he’s by himself he cant live up to the hype, but put other decent rappers/players around him and he sounds/plays good enough for you to still have faith in him.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
GEE...Big Brotha Almightyyyy! says:
Detroit Dave that is hilarious. Wayne I am ok with when he serious and focused on the flow and just not bs’ing around.
Plies needs a muzzle!
November 6th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Detroit Dave says:
Boobie Gibson = Spliff Star
November 6th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
So who is like Kayne West
Lupe Fiasco– Iggy
November 6th, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Caribballin says:
Shakers..nice list.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
control says:
Lil’ Wayne? Really?
There are several excellent arguments against him, so I don’t have to make my own…but please don’t compare a potential MVP with Lil’ Wayne. That is like saying MJ is Souljaboy because they’ve both had commercial success.
Lil’ Wayne might be like AI. Both can equally raise their teammates, or drag them down. Both can score big, or fail big. Both are midgets in a giant’s world.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
w says:
Lol if kobe and pac arent matched up imma be disapointed. They both got accused of raping a white chick. They both didnt get along with certain big fella’s…
November 6th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
ceaser paciotti says:
only dude that makes sense is whoever equated wayne to hot sauce.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:49 pm
QuEsT??? says:
kobe= jay z
November 6th, 2008 at 4:50 pm
dagwaller says:
I think what the article is saying is, “Who’s the hottest rapper out there right now, and who’s the hottest basketball player out there right now?” Not “Who’s the best?”, because we can all agree that would be “(random rapper that you happen to like) and “Kobe, LeBron, Pierce” or something like that.
But CGF put up the numbers: Lil Wayne is seriously the most successful rapper of the last couple years. CP, although young, got pretty far in the MVP discussions. Am I the only one that doesn’t get this analogy?!
November 6th, 2008 at 4:51 pm
GEE...Big Brotha Almightyyyy! says:
Dime you still need to do a 8 bars battle and let those that post and want to compete drop their best. Just render a topic and let the readers have at it.
Patience right. I know eventually you all will come wit it. Like Pop GEE says “Don’t be anxious, just be prepared”
I’ll wait.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
rootsradical says:
50 Cent is a “seasoned veteran”?
what? since when?
i will never understand the love that Lil’ Wayne gets. dude can barely speak.
November 6th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Zibala says:
Lil wayne - john amechi, both are fags
November 6th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
control says:
Is lil’ Wayne that fag who always uses the voice synth? Sounds like Mr. Fuckin Roboto?
November 6th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
The Grouch says:
CP3 = MF DOOM - Best in the game
KG = Immortal Technique - Mad as hell, comes with the fire
Kobe = Nas - Old school, still dominats
T-Mac = Snoop Dogg - laid back, chilled out
BRoy - The Grouch - Calm, Cool and deadly
Nash - Dr Dre - Make everyone better, still going strong
Arenas - Andre3000
Rudy - The Streets
I could go on and on, it’s kind of fun
November 6th, 2008 at 5:01 pm
control says:
Matt Bonner - Rick Ashley remixes
November 6th, 2008 at 5:04 pm
Big T says:
@control
I think you’re thinking of T Pain.
November 6th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
dapro says:
Good twist CGF, article was nice but comparison ….not so much bruh
Wayne is talented but too hyped up
November 6th, 2008 at 5:23 pm
Dennis Castro says:
Please don’t ever disgrace CP by comparing him to Wayne. If anything CP is like Nas(around ‘96).
Both came into the game with a lot of talent and a considerable amount of hype and both lived up to expectations and had great sophomore efforts(CP’s 2nd season and It Was Written).
Both can be considered game changers and both are battling for the GOAT for each of their positions(although it might be a little premature for CP).
Nas is challenging Rakim, and CP, I think when he’s got 3 or 4 more years in will start the discussion of battling Magic for possibly the best PG discussion, although in my mind at this point, no one can come close to Magic.
November 6th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
Korady says:
Comparing Chris Paul and Lil Wayne is an insult to Chris Paul.
Chris Paul - One of the best in the game today and he’s young
Lil Wayne - tremendously overrated by the sheep who follow the radio. I was enjoying the BET awards for 5 minutes watching Common and Pharell doing there thing and immediately found nothing else on TV and turned it off when Lil Wayne won lyricist of the year. Lil Wayne is terrible. He doesn’t even make any sense when he raps. Listen to a milli. Makes no sense what so ever yet it supposed to be him destroying the track
November 6th, 2008 at 5:33 pm
Eduardo says:
@The Grouch
I fully agree with you, those are my names too..
November 6th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
control says:
Any rapper that has to make up new words to be able to put them into a sentence is just straight tarded.
There are few rappers in the game right now that can tell a story with some meaning, make it poetic and make it make sense. And get ya twitching to a beat at the same time.
November 6th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
PJ 310 says:
Dr Dre. - Magic Johnson cause he set up the beats on the west like magic setup teamatees on the west
Snoop - Clyde Drexler because theyre both smooth and kinda look alike
2Pac - MJ both goats
Jay-Z - K.G. because they both changed the game
Biggie - Shaq
November 6th, 2008 at 7:04 pm
Paufve says:
Arenas = Kanye….think there the greatest, and they’ll be the first to tell you they are
November 6th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
M Intellect says:
This is a banging idea but Wayne does have significantly more swag then CP3.
JR Smith is Lil’ Scrappy.
Fabolous is T-Mac.
Styles P is Charles Barkley
Arenas is blatantly Kanyeezy
Monta Ellis is TI
November 6th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
dc says:
i’m goin with shakers’ assessment
November 6th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
Mx. says:
You lost me when you stated that 50 Cent is a legend.
Fvcking clown ass article.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
Big Sia says:
Just lost a lot of respect for Dime in terms of hip hop credibility
November 6th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
Yuji says:
Good comparisons. Except that Lil Wayne sucks John Amaechi’s balls.
November 6th, 2008 at 8:24 pm
craig says:
Weezy sells records, no doubt, but his material is wack. Please don’t compare him to a great like CP3. But if I could compare real rappers who are alive today to an NBA Baller, it would be Kanyeezy The Louis Vuitton Don with Kobe. Think about it: both are really hated on a regular basis on but both are destroying competition no matter what everyone else does.
I agree. Pac and MJ: GOAT
I’d rather compare Lupe Fiasco with CP3.
November 6th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
cp says:
I agree.
Kobe = Jay-Z (best in game)
Lebron = Kanye (think they’re great, but they’re not there yet)
November 6th, 2008 at 9:48 pm
Linn says:
ahah nice read.
cp3 all the way.
November 6th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Hollywood says:
RZA-Duncan… they both created a dynasty.
November 7th, 2008 at 10:24 am
doc says:
Magic-Eazy E-They both got that hot shot from the Wsetside.
November 7th, 2008 at 11:25 am
RonRon says:
Weezy F. Baby wants to wait until he’s 70:
“Thats when I cant hold my shit within, so I shit on myself. Cause I’m so sick and tired of shitting on everybody else”-(I’m Me)
Weezy probably will but CP3 won’t last and will be shittin’ on himself around 40. I’m curious to see how CP3 makes everyone in the NBA better? Weezy’s been doin’ it for years.
November 7th, 2008 at 6:59 pm
vinny says:
Bones thugs and harmony- Ron Artest
November 8th, 2008 at 7:06 pm
Kevin says:
Did you use “seasoned legend” and “50 cent” in the same sentence???
Wow.
December 28th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
pharro slim says:
Kobe- lil wayne
tmac- fabolous
lebron 50cent
chris paul is lupe fiasco