Damian Lillard Drops “Kobe,” A Tribute Track for Kobe Bryant

It’s been eight months since we lost one of the greatest basketball players of all-time, Kobe Bryant, to a horrific helicopter accident.

Even as a lot went on in these past months, those who loved and were inspired by that man who earned himself the name “The Black Mamba” continue to mourn. 

As a tribute to Kobe, the NBA 2K franchise announced he would be one of three cover athletes for their latest installment. 

One of the other cover athletes is Portland’s Damian Lillard, who decided to use this opportunity to pay tributes to Kobe.

Lillard’s effect on the game wasn’t just on the cover, and on the virtual court, it was in the soundtrack as well. 

On August 24, Lillard dropped a hint about a particular song he recorded for the game as a special tribute to Kobe.

The track was exclusive to 2K and debuted with the game on September 4. The song was a hit and due to popular demand, Lillard released the track on all major streaming services on September 10. 

The track, which features Lillard (Dame D.O.L.L.A), Snoop Dogg and Derrick Milano, has a power that is felt right from its opening chorus.

“Ever since a young boy I’ve been getting buckets. Ever since a young boy I’ve been getting buckets. Pull it back, KOBE!”

“Kobe.” We have all yelled that while shooting alone in our driveway, at the rec, or when we throw a piece of trash into the garbage. So it’s only fitting for it to be the power part of the chorus.

After the opening, Lillard comes in,

“Rest in peace to the Mamba and baby Gigi. Still remember where I was standing after the threepeat… who you know shoot the freebie after they tear Achilles? Killer. No. 8 was crazy, but 24 was scary.”

The song only gets better from there. The track is strong by itself, but it becomes stronger as a tribute to one of our greatest.

Mamba forever.