New York rapper Shabazz has something to get off his chest. The hip-hop veteran has come forward to share his issues with the NBA deciding to fall back on featuring Black Lives Matter messaging on its basketball courts when the 2020-2021 season starts.
Shabazz Calls Out NBA
Bazz went to his Instagram page and didn’t censor out his frustrations toward the league. He specifically cited the NBA for going without BLM symbolism and customized floorboards as a result of pressure from the organization’s white fan base.
“This was a move to APPEASE white folks (and prolly some blacks) who are season ticket holders and have let it be known, they don’t want to see it. Silver also stated that (referencing the slogans on the back of jerseys and on the floor) doing this was an “extraordinary moment in time. But next season we will return to some sense of normalcy”. If the social injustices they say they stand against meant enough to put it on the floor (the jerseys with your own last name I get) in the first place. Why remove it? Keeping it there is a CONSTANT REMINDER I’d think. So people don’t forget and go back to “normalcy” of not givin a damn. To them this was a moment in time. A band aid to cover a bullet wound. So they can say “we did our part”. Which was easy. Because no one could attend games any way to oppose. If the N. B. A. REALLY supports this cause. Leave the reminder on the floor so people will know y’all support it don’t care WHO DOESN’T LIKE IT. You started it. See it through. JMO ??♂️ #OG #OfferingGame #ThePullUp #ARMUZIC #TMT #TBE #DrinkWaterMindYourBusinesss #YizzoWusPoppin #ImaniAshleyDesigns #AllahIsMerciful” -Shabazz’s Instagram
NBA To Remove Black Lives Matter Courts
In the middle of an NBA Finals series drawing historically low TV ratings, commissioner Adam Silver has said the league won’t display the message of equality on the court next season. Silver still plans to push the NBA’s Black Lives Matter initiatives off the court.
“My sense is there’ll be somewhat a return to normalcy, that those messages will largely be left to be delivered off the floor, and I understand those people who are saying ‘I’m on your side, but I want to watch a basketball game.’” (ClutchPoints)
NBA Boycotted After Jacob Blake Shooting
Bad Boy Records CEO Diddy was among the hip-hop stars who supported the NBA for deciding to boycott playoff games in August in response to the horrific police shooting of Black man Jacob Blake in Wisconsin. Puff Daddy went to Twitter to react to the Milwaukee Bucks boycotting a pivotal postseason game against the Orlando Magic. Diddy also highlighted the importance of unity.
“The power of unity! This is dope to see” -Diddy’s Twitter
NBA superstar LeBron James publicly shared his disgust and anger over Blake’s near-death attack at the hands of law enforcement.
“F*CK THIS MAN!!! WE DEMAND CHANGE. SICK OF IT” -LeBron James’ Twitter
Nas Co-Signs LeBron James BLM Moment
When the NBA resumed play after its COVID-forced hiatus, Queens rapper Nas went to his Instagram page with a snapshot from a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers. The pic featured NBA icon LeBron James kneeling in support of ending police brutality and pushing the BLM movement forward.
“Stand for something or fall for anything. Salute @kingjames” -Nas’ Instagram
