Considering how much basketball has meant to J. Cole, it’s basically a given that any new music from the rapper will be stuffed to the brim with NBA references.

Since his initial mixtapes such as Friday Night Lights, basketball has been a frequent theme in J. Cole’s music, and over the years he has gotten close with the NBA community himself as a half-time performer at the 2019 NBA All-Star Game in Charlotte as well as a frequent participant in pick-up games with other NBA players. In fact, J. Cole is becoming a professional himself, having signed a contract to play with the Patriots BBC of the Basketball Africa League.

On his newest album released Friday, The Off-Season, J. Cole makes a number of NBA references, including a direct sample of Damian Lillard as well as multiple name-drops.

“9 5 . s o u t h” - You reach, n***** uppin’ like Steph / To blow your nose off

When defenders reach, Steph Curry teaches — especially the way that he’s been playing this season. Did you know that Steph is averaging career-highs in points, threes made and threes attempted per game this season?

“a m a r i” - Now I'm at the Garden sittin' half court / Watchin' Jr. catch it off the backboard

Of course, J. Cole had to shout out his boy Dennis Smith Jr., after assisting in DSJ’s dunk contest performance in 2019. DSJ played three seasons with the New York Knicks, but the team traded him to the Detroit Pistons in February for Derrick Rose.

“a m a r i” - Kill 'em on a song, walk up out the booth, do the Westbrook rock-a-baby

Because it wasn’t enough to do just the one NBA reference on this song, J. Cole doubles up with a nod to Russell Westbrook’s rock-a-baby celebration... drawing the attention of one Bradley Beal.

“m y . l i f e” - Ja Morant, I'm on my Grizzly / You n***** just cubs but no, not the ones in the big leagues

On the lowest of keys, Ja Morant might be well on his way to being the most name-dropped NBA player in rap music.


“p u n c h i n ’ . t h e . c l o c k” - I told you, when I first came here, I said, "I ain't come here to waste my time" (Sample from Damian Lillard’s post-game TV interview in 2020)

On this track, J. Cole actually samples one of Damian Lillard’s interviews for the intro and the outro of the track. Dame Time is truly inspirational.


“1 0 0 . m i l ’” - Can't leave the game yet, I feel like LeBron

Six studio albums and no misses. Enough said.