While several NBA players have made the foray into the hip-hop game, there are many who feel as if Damian Lillard, aka Dame D.O.L.L.A, is the strongest of the baller-turned-rappers. His collaboration with Lil Wayne, the Scott Storch produced "Run It Up", is a serious banger, the perfect showcase for Dame's natural talent on the mic. Plus, it's not easy to go head-to-head with Weezy and hold your own, so props are deserved for that one. In fact, Dame recently called the collaboration his "best song yet," recounting the entire-making of process during our interview with the Portland Trailblazers co-captain.
If you're a fan of Dame and Wayne's latest track, then you're in luck. Dame D.O.L.L.A recently shared a post about his upcoming album Confirmed, in which he breaks down the meaning of the album title and shares the lengthy list of supporting players. Aside from Lil Wayne, the album will also feature 2 Chainz, Nick Grant, BJ The Chicago Kid, and more. With Wayne and 2 Chainz standing out as the project's biggest names, it seems as if Dame will have ample time to make a lasting impression, and from the sound of it, Confirmed is looking like his most personal album yet:
"Why did I name the album CONFIRMED? One of the definitions of confirmed is "fixed in habit and unlikely to change." I named the album that because there's always been something said about me spending time in the studio, even though I've always shown up and produced for my team every night. I've never had issues with stardom. I'm also not new to music. I've always created music while playing at every level of basketball. But now this is no longer an experiment. This is my second album. I'm putting out respectable music yearly. I've invested in that. I'm settled in. I don't feel the need to answer questions or address concerns. This is who I am and what I do."
Clearly, hip-hop is an important part of his DNA. Perhaps as important as basketball, and that's saying a lot. If you're intrigued by what Dame D.O.L.L.A has to say, you won't have to wait much longer. Confirmed will be dropping this Friday, October 6th, so check back then. In the mean time, peep our interview with Dame, in which he breaks down the process of working with Lil Wayne, talks Confirmed, and more.