The NBA is making sure that fans know the in-season tournament is not just a series of regular season games, it’s B.A.D.
The league released the anthem for the in-season tournament on Friday to help differentiate the games and get fans pumped for the competition. LL Cool J revamped his classic hit ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’ by blending it with The Roots’ ‘Here I Come.’
The promotional video plays homage to the original music video for the platinum song where the New York-bred emcee, actor and entrepreneur performs in a boxing ring. The hanging mic and same intensity are elements of the new visual, which shows the coveted NBA Cup and tunnel walks from LeBron James, Jayson Tatum and Devin Booker looking fierce before LL jumps into his first lines and Questlove pounds away on the drums.
LL Cool J has been a longtime supporter of the sport and launched the Jump & Ball nonprofit basketball camp in 2015 for local youth in Queens.
“I’ve been a fan of the NBA ever since I can remember, and it’s a real honor to have my record serving as the anthem for this monumental moment,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member said in a statement. “I’m excited to see the energy of the song translate to the play on the court during the NBA in-season tournament.”
Group play for the NBA In-Season Tournament tips off on Friday. The song will play throughout the competition, leading up to the championship game on Dec. 9 in Las Vegas.