Rapper Silkk the Shocker pulls back the curtain on his unique relationship with the late Kobe Bryant, revealing the Lakers legend’s deep and surprising connection to the hip-hop world. He shares personal anecdotes, compares the mentalities of Kobe and Michael Jordan, and gives his take on the eternal “Mount Rushmore” basketball debate.
Kobe’s Secret Playlist: A Fan of the Shocker
Despite their outwardly quiet natures, Silkk the Shocker and Kobe Bryant shared a mutual respect that blossomed from a surprising revelation. Silkk recalls their initial mutual encounters where they were “by nature quiet,” taking a moment to fully engage.
The ice finally broke when a mutual friend informed Silkk that Kobe was a massive fan of his music.
“I wouldn’t place Kobe for a Silkk the Shocker fan… but yeah, he knew a lot of the music and stuff like that, so that was kind of dope for sure.”
Silkk emphasized that Kobe was far more integrated into the hip-hop community than most people realized. He revealed that Kobe had attempted to rap himself and was “VERY into” down South artists. Kobe even specifically cited tracks like “Ain’t My Fault” and “Give Me the World,” proving his fandom was genuine and deep. “He found it, so that was dope,” Silkk said.
Earning Respect: The Legendary UCLA Runs
Silkk’s connection to basketball went beyond music; it was his “first love.” He regularly participated in the now-legendary summer pick-up runs hosted by Rico Hines at UCLA, which drew top NBA talent.
The rapper was an exception in a sea of professionals.
“I was the ONLY non-NBA player that was allowed to do it.”
He played alongside names like Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley, and even in games featuring Stephon Marbury and Penny Hardaway. Silkk attributes his inclusion to his natural skill, which earned the respect of the players: “I didn’t miss a beat… I played the way I played there and they allowed me to play.”
The Mamba and His Airness: A Study in Seriousness
When comparing Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, Silkk found very little difference in their on-court approach, viewing both as the ultimate definition of business.
“It still seems like Michael is STILL playing basketball these days like it’s all business, all work… it takes a lot to get him to smile.”
Silkk stated that Kobe shared the same serious intensity, where everything on the court was “straight lined.” However, he noted a slight contrast: “Kobe would smile more often if you got him to smile if that makes any sense.” Off the court, Kobe was still serious but allowed for more fun and humor when he was comfortable around people.
He also shared a funny anecdote that highlighted their mutual, independent focus: they once discovered they were staying in adjoining rooms at the same hotel in Atlanta without realizing it. “That was so dope that we didn’t know that we’re in the same place and we didn’t know that we were there,” Silkk recalled.
The GOAT Debate: 1A, 1B, and the Favorite
Silkk the Shocker wisely avoided an absolute ranking in the great Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron debate, acknowledging the impossibility of choosing between three different types of greatness.
He categorized them based on their playing styles:
- LeBron James: The ultimate “team guy” and facilitator.
- Michael Jordan & Kobe Bryant: The players you call on “if need someone to go out and get it.”
Silkk placed Jordan and Kobe in a tie: “I got them 1A and 1B… how are you going to lose with either one of those guys? I’m not going to sit up here and try to compare.”
While acknowledging all three are on the “Mount Rushmore” of basketball—and humorously adding himself to the mountain—Silkk selected LeBron James as his personal favorite. This choice is partly by “default” because he is a product of the LeBron era, but mostly driven by a genuine appreciation for James’ character: “He’s a good guy that I would consider as a cool friend and I respect what he do so, I have a different respect.”
