Rappers Meek Mill and Rick Ross are considered one of the great dynamic duos. But now they’re going to honor another great pair, this one from the world of basketball. The two will reunite for another ambitious single, “Shaq & Kobe,” paying homage to the NBA Basketball Hall Of Fame inductees.
Meek uploaded the forthcoming track’s official cover art in a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) page. He went on to tell fans about the inspiration behind the song.
“Kobe [Bryant] and Shaq [O’Neal]. R.I.P. to the G.O.A.T., legend, and father! I learned my motivation and ambition from you. I ain’t have a dad. I was going off y’all. Thank you. Friday [September 29],” wrote Meek.
Kobe and shaq …. Rip to the goat legend and father! I learned my motivation and ambition from you I ain’t have a dad… I was going off yall Thankyou FRIDAY MEEK MILL RICK ROSS pic.twitter.com/x5Q6wGBtl6
Meek’s admiration for Bryant was shaken in 2021 when the late athlete’s widow, Vanessa, called him out for what she considered to be insensitive lyrics.
On an unreleased track with fellow rapper Lil Baby, Meek says the line, “And if I ever lack I’m going out with my chopper, it be another Kobe,” referencing Bryant’s fatal helicopter crash. Meek has since apologized to the Bryant family, and one assumes this song will remain respectful.
Meek Mill is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Vanessa Bryant has joined forces with a Los Angeles gym owner to save a mural of Kobe Bryant and their daughter, Gianna. The mural was painted on the side of the owner’s gym following the tragic helicopter crash that took their lives in January 2020. Gym Owner Calls For Help Vanessa Bryant, the widow of […]
Born Vanessa Cornejo Urbieta on May 5, 1982, Vanessa Laine Bryant’s early life was marked by modest beginnings. Raised in Huntington Beach, California, Vanessa’s childhood was one of quiet determination. Her mother, Sofia Urbieta, worked multiple jobs to support the family after divorcing Vanessa’s father.
While attending Marina High School, Vanessa discovered a love for dancing and acting. Her natural talent led her to appearances in music videos, a promising start that hinted at the remarkable journey ahead. That journey would include not just personal triumphs but also a financial status reflecting a net worth of $600 million in 2023, according to ClutchPoints.
Spotlight & Shadow: Career Highlights
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Vanessa Bryant attends the Los Angeles premiere of MGM’s ‘House of Gucci’. At Academy Museum of Motion Pictures on November 18, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/WireImage)
Vanessa’s career, although overshadowed by her more public role as the wife of a basketball legend, was characterized by her contributions to the entertainment industry. Her appearance in Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice” music video also caught attention. Vanessa’s collaboration with the hip-hop group Tha Eastsidaz further showcased her talent. But her real influence and power lay elsewhere: in her role as a devoted partner, mother, and advocate.
A Love Etched In Gold: Personal Life With Kobe Bryant
LAS VEGAS – SEPTEMBER 15: Basketball player Kobe Bryant and wife Vanessa at the official after party for the 2004 World Music Awards. September 15, 2005 at Body English in the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. The show was being broadcast live from Las Vegas on September 15 for the first time after being held in Monte Carlo for 15 years. (Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images)
The love story between Vanessa and Kobe Bryant is one that’s etched into the annals of modern romance. Their meeting in 1999 during a music video shoot was nothing short of a fairy tale. The connection was immediate, the commitment unbreakable. Moreover, the years that followed were filled with joyous highs and challenging lows. The births of their four daughters, the public scrutiny of their personal lives, Kobe’s legal challenges – they faced them all with an enduring bond. Further, their relationship was not just a marriage but a partnership that transcended the ordinary. It was a dance that continued until Kobe’s tragic passing in 2020.
A Legacy Embraced: Business Ventures & Philanthropy
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 18: Kobe Bryant poses with his family at halftime. After both his #8 and #24 Los Angeles Lakers jerseys are retired at Staples Center. On December 18, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Maxx Wolfson/Getty Images)
Bryant’s life after Kobe’s death became a symbol of grace and strength. She managed Kobe’s estate and continued championing causes that were dear to both. Her business acumen guided the Bryant family’s investments, and her philanthropic spirit breathed life into the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation.
Her efforts to preserve Kobe’s legacy while forging her own path have been remarkable. She’s played a vital role in funding youth sports and supporting families in need. Through scholarships, fundraisers, and public support for social justice, Vanessa has turned grief into empowerment.
A Final Applause: Conclusion
NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 23: Kobe Bryant, Vanessa Bryant, Gianna Briant, and Natalia Bryant. Attend Tribeca Talks during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival at Borough of Manhattan Community College. On April 23, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images)
Vanessa Bryant’s life is a symphony of resilience, love, and influence. From humble beginnings to the heights of social recognition, her journey reflects grace under pressure. Her love story with Kobe, her role as a mother, her philanthropic pursuits – all these facets paint a picture of a woman who has embraced life with all its beauty and brutality. A figure of inspiration, Vanessa’s legacy is far more than her impressive net worth; it’s a tale of unbreakable spirit and immeasurable impact.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Vanessa Bryant revealed their plans to create a statue in honor of Kobe Bryant. Mrs. Bryant announced the news in a clip, telling fans the new statue would be in front of the place known as “The House that Kobe Built.” “The House that Kobe Built” Kobe Bryant, the legendary […]
Vanessa Bryant has been through a lot over these past few years. Back in 2020, she lost Kobe and Gianna Bryant in a horrific helicopter crash. Overall, this has been a trying time for everyone involved. However, Vanessa has shown great resiliency throughout all of this. After being put in charge of Kobe’s estate, she has effectively made sure he is honored in the most respectful way possible. She has even given sneakerheads some hope with the way she has tried to run Kobe’s brand with Nike.
Tomorrow is Mamba Day as the date reads 8/24. Both of these were numbers Kobe wore, which makes it the perfect day to celebrate him. Moreover, this comes just one day after his birthday. Yes, that’s right. Today, Kobe Bryant would have turned 45 years old. He was born on August 23rd, 1978. Every single year, Vanessa comes through with a tribute to Kobe on his birthday. Of course, she did just that this year with a simple message about just how much she still loves the man.
TOPSHOT – US actor and basketball player Kobe Bryant (R) holds an oscar beside his wife Vanessa Laine Bryant during the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images)
“Happy birthday, baby. I love you always & forever,” she wrote. It was a cute caption that was backed up with a photo of the two looking longingly at each other. Fans were moved by the post, and it is easy to see why. A lot of people still miss Kobe, and rightfully so. He was a legend in the game of basketball, and his influence will live on forever.
Tomorrow, his fans will be able to cop some of his sneakers for Mamba Day. In fact, we took a look at some of his most influential sneakers. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news and updates from around the sports world.
Nike has announced the Kobe Bryant brand of products will soon relaunch. According to Complex, Nike CEO John Donahoe detailed the return of the Kobe line for this Kobe Day, August 24.
“It’s going to be an exciting summer as we set the stage to relaunch the Kobe brand in advance of Kobe Day on 8.24,” said Donahoe.
Currently, there are no details of what would release.
Nike CEO John Donahoe confirms that the Kobe Bryant will launch ahead of Kobe Day on 8.24. https://t.co/Qh2RgPFsJ7
Earlier this week, Vanessa Bryant won a lawsuit against BodyArmor, one of Kobe Bryant’s largest investments. According to TMZ, Kobe dropped $6 million for an investment in 2013, receiving 10% interest back. The company sold for $5.6 billion to Coca-Cola, making that investment $400 million.
President of Kobe Inc., Molly Carter, states the late basketball legend promised her 2% of his deal, which Vanessa says is false and is combatting her suit with a countersuit, stating Molly violated the non0disparagement clause in her contract. Molly is accused of calling Kobe names like “asshole” and “douche nugget.” She also added insults like “f***ing devil” and “bitch” in reference to Vanessa. Molly allegedly also attacked Vanessa’s newborn.
Molly also used racially charged language like “a lot of fancy-ass Black people” when speaking of a private jet she rode on to the NBA All-Star game.
Vanessa and her team were awarded over $1.5 million in attorney fees as the case went into arbitration, prevailing in the lawsuit and countersuit.
Vanessa Bryant, the widow of the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant, has emerged victorious in a legal battle against sports drink company BodyArmor. The lawsuit, which unfolded in the Orange County Superior Court, centered around a dispute involving Kobe’s investment in the company and a claim made by Molly Carter, the president of Kobe Inc. […]
Vanessa Bryant has won a lawsuit against BodyArmor, one of Kobe Bryant’s largest investments. According to TMZ, Kobe dropped $6 million for an investment in 2013, receiving 10% interest back. The company sold for $5.6 billion to Coca-Cola, making that investment $400 million.
President of Kobe Inc., Molly Carter, states the late basketball legend promised her 2% of his deal, which Vanessa says is false and is combatting her suit with a countersuit, stating Molly violated the non0disparagement clause in her contract. Molly is accused of calling Kobe names like “asshole” and “douche nugget.” She also added insults like “f***ing devil” and “bitch” in reference to Vanessa. Molly allegedly also attacked Vanessa’s newborn.
Molly also used racially charged language like “a lot of fancy-ass Black people” when speaking of a private jet she rode on to the NBA All-Star game.
Vanessa and her team were awarded over $1.5 million in attorney fees as the case went into arbitration, prevailing in the lawsuit and countersuit.
Vanessa Bryant has been through so much over the last few years. Of course, the hardest part was losing her husband and daughter in a helicopter crash in early 2020. However, since then, Bryant has been a light for those who have lost loved ones, as she carries the legacies of Kobe and Gigi. But, Bryant has been dealing with a massive lawsuit between her late husband and the Body Armor drink brand. It was reported on Tuesday that the massive lawsuit had finally finished up, with the Bryant family winning the legal battle.
According to TMZ, the lawsuit started when the president of Kobe Inc., Molly Carter, claimed that Bryant promised 2% of his Body Armor shares to her. Bryant vehemently denied the accusation, claiming he never made such a promise. After Kobe’s passing, Vanessa was called on to defend the Bryant name in this nasty legal battle. During the hearing, it was revealed that Carter used racially charged talk when discussing the Bryant family in regard to the legal issue.
According to the article, “The case went to arbitration, and Vanessa prevailed on both the lawsuit and her counterclaim and was awarded more than $1.5 mil in attorney’s fees.” No matter the financial amount, this win is more than just a legal victory. Bryant defended her husband’s honor by fighting this injustice against his character. Another reason for Kobe fans to appreciate what Vanessas has fought for since Kobe’s passing.
Kobe’s legacy will live on forever. His name will be etched into the stone and the history of the NBA. His body of work on the court as well as off the court, should be highly praised. But it’s time to celebrate Vanessa in that same way. Bryant has continued to share the stories of her late husband and daughter. All while helping others in the process. The Bryant legacy will forever be intact as Vanessa continues to grow the Bryant legacy on her own path. For the latest news in sports, keep it right here with HNHH.
Vanessa Bryant has taken to social media to show off new murals in Compton honoring her late husband and daughter. The murals are outside of the Wilson Park Gymnasium, which was recently refurbished. At the reopening, Vanessa revealed that building a public basketball court was a longtime goal for her family. “For years we’ve been trying to build a basketball court in a public space in L.A,” she explained. “We’re so thankful to council member (Andre) Spicer and Mayor (Emma) Sharif for allowing us to be included in your community.”
“Thank you for showing up and showing out for our exclusive court reopening at Wilson Park in honor of Kobe and Gianna,” she wrote alongside photos of the murals. “Special thanks to artist @sloe_motions for the incredible mural & @lisaleslie and @traeyoung for being a big part of this special occasion,” she also added. Vanessa then went on to say, “To our donors – you made this happen. Every single dollar you’ve donated and merch you’ve purchased from the foundation goes toward our mission of creating positive impact for underserved athletes and boys & girls in sports.”
In March, Natalia Bryant gave a heartfelt speech about her late father at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. “When most people knew him as a basketball player or storyteller,” she explained, “I got to know him and love him as my dad.” “Let me tell you he’s the MVP of girl dads, to say the least,” she also added. “As you visit here for years to come, I encourage you to place your hands in his and take a moment to stand in his shoes.”
Kobe and Gigi Bryan tragically passed away in 2020, as a result of a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California. Since then, Vanessa and her surviving daughter, Natalia, have continued to honor their late family members’ legacy. “To shine a light” on their legacy, Vanessa also recently donated $16 million to the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Foundation.
MEEK MILL RICK ROSS
pic.twitter.com/x5Q6wGBtl6
(@nojumper)