The Los Angeles Lakers have long been intertwined with hip-hop culture. The team’s home, the Staples Center, is in downtown LA, where hip-hop music and fashion have flourished for decades. Many hip-hop artists have also been known to show their love for the Lakers through their music, often incorporating references to the team and its players.
One of the most iconic examples of this connection is the 1991 song “It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube, which describes a perfect day in South Central LA, including a Lakers, win against the Seattle SuperSonics. The song has since become a classic in hip-hop and Lakers lore.
The Lakers have also embraced hip-hop culture in recent years by incorporating music into their game-day experience. The team has featured hip-hop artists like Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, and Ice Cube performing at halftime shows and pre-game events.
But it’s not just big-name hip-hop artists who can exploit the Lakers’ link to hip-hop. Smaller hip-hop artists can also use the NBA regular season and playoff season to promote their music.
The Lakers play 82 games during the regular season, half at home in the Staples Center. Hip-hop artists have plenty of opportunities to perform at pre-game events or halftime shows. These performances can be great for up-and-coming artists to gain exposure and build a following.
During the playoff season, the stakes are even higher. The Lakers have a history of success in the playoffs, with 17 championships. As the team advances through the playoffs, the media attention surrounding them increases. This can be a prime opportunity for hip-hop artists to release new music or perform at playoff events, capitalizing on the increased visibility.
Contact the Lakers’ marketing department to inquire about performing at a game:
- Look up the contact information for the Lakers’ marketing department and send an email or make a phone call to inquire about performing at a game.
- Provide a brief bio, links to your music, and any relevant experience or previous performances.
- Be professional and courteous in your communication, and follow up if you are still waiting to hear back within a week or so.
Attend Lakers games and network with fans and staff:
- Attend as many Lakers games as possible, especially Staples Center home games.
- Bring business cards or other promotional materials to fans and staff.
- Network with staff members or others who can help you get exposure, such as DJs or event organizers.
Leverage social media during playoff season:
- Follow the Lakers on social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
- Use relevant hashtags and engage with other fans and accounts related to the Lakers and the playoffs.
- Post videos or clips of your music relevant to the playoffs, using game highlights or other applicable content to attract attention. Be creative and have fun with it!