Here’s the thing with Nikola Jokic: Despite being the best basketball player on the planet, he’s done a very good job of keeping his personal life and interests away from the court out of the public eye. All we really know about him is that the dude absolutely loves horses, to the point that he was pretty bummed when he learned that the Denver Nuggets’ championship parade in 2023 was going to keep him from getting back to his horses in Serbia as soon as possible.
Well as it turns out, we now know a thing that Nikola Jokic apparently likes: the song “Not Like Us.” While warming up for Monday’s game between the Nuggets and the New York Knicks, Jokic rapped along to the song while Russell Westbrook had the time of his life on the bench, which you can view here.
I would love to know Jokic’s complete thoughts on the feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, along with whether or not he knows all the words to “Euphoria,” “6:16 in LA,” and of course, “Meet the Grahams.” A lot of this is because, when we did this back in 2019, Jokic refused to answer because he claimed it was someone I’d have never heard of, so I am fascinated in learning more about his taste in music.
Today, Honor the Gift, founded by NBA star Russell Westbrook, unveils its exclusive capsule collection with the Los Angeles Rams, available Thursday, October 24, 2024, on honorthegift.co and ramsfanshop.com. This limited-edition “After Hours” collection features six versatile pieces designed to transition from game day to nightlife seamlessly. The collection includes a short-sleeved T-shirt, long-sleeved T-shirt, hoodie, matching track jacket, track pants, and a jacket, capturing a casual yet refined style.
Russell Westbrook described the collection’s roots: “The collaboration between Honor the Gift and the Los Angeles Rams is so authentic. We wanted to create a collection that embodies the heart of the inner city and the connection between sports.”
Los Angeles Rams CMO Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick shared her excitement: “Partnering with Honor the Gift is a thrilling convergence of two brands with deep Los Angeles roots. We’re celebrating LA’s vibrant culture and inspiring fans to express their passion in a whole new way.”
Featuring a soundtrack by LA-based rapper Dom Kennedy, the campaign highlights a blend of sports, streetwear, and culture icons including Rams players Cooper Kupp and Demarcus Robinson, LA streetwear pioneer Kacey Lynch, TikTok star Isaiah Garza, and prominent LA-based musicians Mikhala and Ncognita.
The collection will be available online and in-store at Honor the Gift’s LA flagship, The Equipment Room at SoFi Stadium, and nflshop.com.
Top5 is a Toronto artist who has some affiliations with none other than Drake. In fact, after beating a recent murder charge in the city, Top5 thanked Drake directly for helping with his legal fees. Subsequently, the artist has been riding hard for Drizzy, especially as it pertains to the artist’s beef with Kendrick Lamar. He has made some vague threats towards Kendrick and claims that he is currently in the midst of doing some “research” on the artist.
Last night, Top5 found himself in social media headlines, yet again, although this time, it was because of his antics at a recent NBA game. He found himself courtside, sitting on the baseline for a match between the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets. At one point in the game, Russell Westbrook was very close to Top5, and the rapper took advantage with some “You suck” chants. Westbrook even yelled back at the artist, who then turned the camera on himself.
If you remember, Westbrook was actually at Kendrick Lamar’s “Pop Out” show and at one point, he was even on stage with all of the other artists. Needless to say, it is pretty obvious why Top5 would target Russ in this way. Beyond just rap beef politics, Westbrook has been having a downturn in his career, which has led to a whole lot of clowning on social media, and real life. Either way, Russ got the last laugh as the Nuggets won the game by a score of 127-125.
Let us know what you think about all of this, in the comments section down below. Do you believe that Russell Westbrook is officially washed? Can the Denver Nuggets win the championship this year now that Russ is on the team? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
NBA star and philanthropist Russell Westbrook celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated Westbrook Academy campus in South Gate, marking a major milestone in his mission to provide educational opportunities for local students. The ribbon-cutting ceremony showcased the academy’s expanded facilities, which are part of Westbrook’s ongoing efforts to empower youth through education.
Operated by the LA Promise Fund, Westbrook Academy offers a world-class education to students in grades 6 through 12. It focuses on developing future Academic Achievers, Athletes, Artists, and Activists. The new campus features modern classrooms, science labs, a film studio, a library, student lounges, and wellness centers designed to support academic and personal growth.
During the ceremony, Westbrook expressed his passion for uplifting the community: “Education is key to unlocking opportunity. This Academy is a place where dreams can be nurtured, and leaders can be made.” The new facility follows years of the academy operating from temporary locations in South Los Angeles.
The campus includes Legacy Rooms, sponsored by Westbrook and various partners, and murals inspired by figures like Rosa Parks and Kobe Bryant. These spaces are designed to encourage students through mentorship and collaborative learning.
South Gate Mayor Gil Hurtado praised the academy’s positive impact, saying, “We have the responsibility and honor of ensuring the proper infrastructure for education to create a safe environment for learning for the students in our area.”
For more information about Westbrook Academy or enrollment, visit westbrookacademy.org.
This past weekend, Russell Westbrook’s 4th Annual Why Not? Foundation Poker Night fundraiser, in partnership with the World Poker Tour, took place at Wynn Las Vegas. The event brought together poker professionals, entrepreneurs, and supporters to raise essential funds benefiting underserved communities in South Los Angeles.
As a cornerstone event for Westbrook’s Why Not? Foundation, the Poker Night fundraiser continues to support the foundation’s mission of providing educational opportunities, workforce development, and mental health resources. To date, the event has raised over $1.5 million for these vital programs.
Among the notable attendees were Russell and Nina Westbrook, NBA star Chris Paul, reality TV personality and World Poker Tour champion Princess Love, professional poker players Jason Koon, Tom Marchese, Charlie Hook, and Alan Keating, along with content creator Joey Ingram and entrepreneur Brandon Stevens.
All proceeds from the event will go toward the Why Not? Foundation’s efforts to empower and uplift underserved communities.
For a few hours on Wednesday night, Kendrick Lamar was the most powerful man on earth as he held The Pop Out in Los Angeles. The whole thing was quite the spectacle, as it turned into one of the biggest nights in music even before Kendrick got on stage and started his performance.
And then, Kendrick tore the house down at The Forum in Los Angeles, which included Black Hippy reuniting and running through a medley of songs. The high point of the performance came at the very end, when he performed his Drake diss “Not Like Us.” Then he did it again, and then he did it again … and then, for good measure, he did it a fourth time, with the crowd losing its mind the entire time. During his final performance, a number of people joined him on stage, which included two of L.A.’s most beloved basketball players, Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan.
RUSSEL WESTBROOK AND DEMAR DEROZAN GO ON STAGE WITH KENDRICK LAMAR TO PERFORM “NOT LIKE US” pic.twitter.com/EEKLjFzGaj
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) June 20, 2024
They weren’t the only NBA players who made it out on Wednesday night, as a collection of players that included LeBron James were in attendance. And as he ran through “Not Like Us,” Donovan Mitchell was like many of us who sat at home and watched
Anyway, after Kendrick did his fourth performance of “Not Like Us,” he took a picture with the huge group that popped up on stage … before doing “Not Like Us” for a fifth time.
Kendrick Lamar has dominated the year in music, as he turned his beef with Drake into chart-topping tracks and a wave of momentum that has been nothing short of incredible.
Among those were a number of NBA stars with L.A. ties, as some of the biggest names in basketball weren’t going to miss this moment. LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and DeMar DeRozan were all on hand, with DeRozan arriving early to support his fellow Compton native.
Harden was also in the building with another beard enthusiast, Rick Ross, who had more fun dissing Drake than anyone else and wasn’t going to miss a chance to be at Kendrick’s show.
— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) June 20, 2024
As plenty of people noted, James’ presence had to have hurt Drake a bit, as the two have been tight in the past, but there LeBron was on the Forum floor as Kendrick performed his “Euphoria” diss in its entirety — with some new lyrics — and the crowd went crazy.
Kendrick Lamar left no stone unturned. The rapper put on a concert for the ages with his “Pop Out” show on Juneteenth. He had co-signs from legends, guest appearances from peers, and a handful of Drake disses that he performed for the very first time. “Not Like Us” was always going to be the closer. Dot made sure the fans got their money’s worth, though. The rapper performed the song five different times, and was joined by a few NBA superstars in the process.
Lamar’s smash single went off every time, but it was the fifth and final time that will go down as the show’s iconic moment. The rapper invited dozens of people onstage to help him bring the show home, which included NBA players Russell Westbrook and Demar DeRozan. Both players dapped up K. Dot, before dancing to the wildly catchy DJ Mustard beat. Westbrook and DeRozan also posed for the big group photo that was taken onstage at the very end of the “Pop Out.” Westbrook has been a longtime admirer of Lamar’s. Last month, he was filmed bobbing his head to another Lamar diss, “Euphoria.”
Kendrick Lamar Referenced DeRozan On “Not Like Us”
Westbrook also heaped praise on Kendrick Lamar when he was referenced in the rapper’s 2017 song “The Heart Part 4.” “K-Dot’s my man,” he told USA Sports. “I was surprised. I’m happy. Whenever you hear your name in a song you feel like ‘I made it’, especially from my man.” DeRozan, meanwhile, was mentioned by name on Lamar’s “Not Like Us.” “I’m glad DeRoz’ came home, y’all didn’t deserve him neither,” Dot spit. “From Alondra down to Central, n**ga better not speak on Serena.” This is a nod to the fact that DeRozan was born in Compton, but spent a decade on the Toronto Raptors, Drake’s hometown team. DeRozan’s Compton pride was on full display onstage.
Westbrook and DeRozan weren’t the only NBA stars who attended the “Pop Out” concert. James Harden was filmed dancing alongside another Drake enemy, Rick Ross. LeBron James was also photographed in the crowd. James was spotted dancing to “Not Like Us” at a Los Angeles club back in May, so it’s safe to assume he dug the repeat performances. All in all, a tough night to be team OVO.
Stephen A Smith says he was so appalled by Russell Westbrook’s behavior during Game 3 between the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Clippers that he called the NBA’s league office to figure out why he wasn’t suspended. Appearing on ESPN on Sunday to discuss the series, Smith revealed that he found Westbrook’s actions “inexcusable.” The star guard got into an altercation with Luka Doncic and P.J. Washington and was ejected. With Westbrook returning to the floor, the Clippers ended up taking Game 4 on Sunday by a score of 116-111.
“I called the league office and I said, ‘I need an explanation. Tell me why Russell Westbrook wasn’t suspended?’” Smith said. “Inexcusable behavior, that’s what I saw, and I don’t know why this isn’t being talked about enough, to be quite honest with you. I was of the mindset that Russell Westbrook deserved to be suspended for today’s game. That’s how appalling his game was.”
After the segment, many fans on social media accused Smith of snitching with his decision to call the league office. Among those to do so included Gillie da King, who shared a video of himself reacting to Smith’s admission on Instagram. Metro Boomin, Kendrick Perkins, as well as Damian Lillard, and more celebrities commented on the post. Smith eventually addressed the backlash in a tweet on Sunday night. He wrote: “I said it. And I damn sure meant it because of his play on Friday. Knowing the league office would’ve normally suspended anyone for this, I called to ask why this was different. They explained& I get it. For those tripping that I called the league, it’s my damn job. All of us…”
Stephen A Smith Admits To Calling The League Office
Russell Westbrook, the dynamic NBA point guard known for his explosive playing style and relentless drive, has not only made his mark on the basketball court but also in the world of business. As of 2024, Forbes estimates Westbrook’s net worth to be around a staggering $375 million. Let’s delve into the journey of this basketball icon, from his early career to his ventures off the court, to understand how he amassed such wealth.
Westbrook’s journey to NBA superstardom began during his collegiate years at UCLA, where his exceptional athleticism and skills caught the attention of scouts and fans alike. In 2008, he declared for the NBA Draft after two impressive seasons with the Bruins. Selected fourth overall by the Seattle SuperSonics (later relocated and renamed as the Oklahoma City Thunder), Westbrook quickly showcased his potential as a force to be reckoned with on the court.
Accolades & On-Court Success
Throughout his NBA career, Westbrook has racked up an impressive array of accolades and achievements. He is a nine-time NBA All-Star, a two-time scoring champion, and the only player in league history to average a triple-double for three consecutive seasons. Westbrook’s relentless energy and competitive spirit have earned him numerous All-NBA Team selections and the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award in 2017. His electrifying performances and highlight-reel plays have solidified his status as one of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA.
Off the court, Westbrook has leveraged his fame and influence to pursue various business ventures, further bolstering his net worth. He has collaborated with major brands such as Nike, Jordan Brand, and Mountain Dew, securing lucrative endorsement deals that have added to his financial portfolio.
Beyond his endorsements, Westbrook has demonstrated his entrepreneurial acumen through investments in real estate, media, and fashion. He launched his own clothing line, Honor the Gift, in 2018, offering a range of apparel inspired by his personal style and experiences. Additionally, Westbrook has ventured into the realm of media production, partnering with platforms like YouTube and producing content that showcases his interests beyond basketball.
In recent years, Westbrook has expanded his off-court endeavors to include philanthropy, using his platform to advocate for social justice causes and support underserved communities. Through his Why Not? Foundation, he has funded initiatives aimed at empowering youth through education, mentorship, and sports programs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Russell Westbrook’s journey from a standout college player to an NBA superstar and successful entrepreneur exemplifies the power of talent, determination, and strategic vision. With a net worth estimated at $375 million, Westbrook continues to leave an indelible mark on the worlds of sports, business, and philanthropy. As he continues to pursue excellence both on and off the court, it’s clear that the sky’s the limit for this basketball icon.