2 Chainz, a talented rap music artist, and LeBron James, a nationally-renowned basketball player, have surprisingly teamed up to work together for an amazing new album called Rap or Go to the League. This album follows 2 Chainz’s 2017 album titled Pretty Girls Like Trap Music. The rapper also released two EP’s last year, The Play Don’t Care Who Makes It and Hot Wings Are a Girl’s Best Friend.

“It’s really unexpected that LeBron helped 2 Chainz with this album,” said sophomore Remi Haas.  “No one saw that coming.” 

Significant hip-hop and pop artists such as Marsha Ambrosius, Ariana Grande, Kendrick Lamar, Travis Scott, Chance the Rapper, Ty Dolla $ign, and Lil Wayne are featured in the newest album. Grande’s appearance was particularly interesting to many people because she paid homage to 2 Chainz in the music video for her latest single “7 Rings.” In addition, after the release of “7 Rings,” Grande had been accused of copying his music in her song, and she eventually apologized to him. Not only Grande’s featuring garnered attention for this album, as James, who is a hip-hop fan himself, was the A&R for 2 Chainz’s new album. This caused many to be shocked at this rather random collaboration. Moreover, fans had not been not expecting this, but were happy at the news.

“I haven’t listened to 2 Chainz and LeBron’s album yet but I need to because I heard it’s amazing,” said sophomore Abbie Garfin.

Recently, after releasing this album, 2 Chainz was featured on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. There, he performed his new track “Forgiven” featuring Marsha Ambrosius, which viewers adored.

James was extremely excited about the Rap or Go to the League album, and this enthusiasm and liveliness truly revealed itself in the final product. Many fans shared in James’ excitement.

“Had to pleasure of working on my first music project from start to finish with my guy @2chainz ‘Rap or Go To The League’ coming to y’all 3/1. Can’t wait for y’all to hear the continued evolution of his profound skills from his mind to the booth to the records itself,” said James in an Instagram post.  “Proud of you homie and the people will be as well when this hits!”

Fans found out about this album shortly after the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, which featured performances from Meek Mill, J. Cole, and Quavo. 2 Chainz made a surprise appearance right before the three-point shooting contest.

“I want to see what LeBron’s music sounds like because he has never been a music artist before,” said sophomore Avery Silfin.

James was later accused of staying late in the studio with 2 Chainz and missing one of his basketball games against the Golden State Warriors. The reason behind him sitting out was publicly released to be due to “load management” issues, but many suspect that he had simply been too tired to play. When James was asked about his team’s loss and his sitting out, he stated that the late night at the studio had nothing to do with it. He claimed that he was in the studio when he was recovering from a groin injury, and that he had not been in the studio late the night before.

“LeBron is very committed to his team, but he is also committed to music now,” said sophomore Allie Salzman.

James is very committed to this album, and has therefore tried to split his time between his team, the Lakers, and this newly discovered passion of his. He also introduced his and 2 Chainz’s album to the rest of the Lakers, and they have been caught jamming out to the music during their travels around the country for games and other events.