For fourteen seasons, many fans came to recognize, and perhaps even respect, Allen Iverson’s iconic street style basketball.
In his rookie year, Iverson rocked NBA crowds with an unforgettable crossover on the legend himself Michael Jordan. Iverson’s distinct play style would eventually motivate the league itself to reinvent its dress code.
On the night of September 9th, Iverson was officially inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. In his induction speech, Iverson emphatically delivered his heartfelt thanks to several Hip-hop artists who inspired him throughout his years in the NBA.
“I wanna thanks Biggie Smalls, Redman, Jadakiss, [and] Tupac… for being my theme music throughout my career,” addressed an emotional Iverson to a roaring audience, not forgetting to mention Ma$e and Cam’ron as well.
Throughout his career, Iverson has played for the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Philadelphia 76ers—all of which Iverson attributes to the Hip-hop greats who gave him the drive to keep playing.
In an article included in AmbrosiaforHeads, Iverson is described as perhaps the essence of Hip-hop on the courts: “From cornrows to tattoos, style to swagger, Allen Iverson ushered a new era into the NBA that was undeniably Hip-hop”. And it seemed that persona stood unchanged as the newly-acclaimed Hall-of-Famer delivered his speech.
Though Iverson began his speech in the conventional manner, owing his thanks to his Georgetown coach, John Thompson, and relaying his ambition to be “like Mike”, The Answer made it a point to, as he brought Hip-hop to the courts, bring Hip-hop to his memorable Hall induction to the hall of fame.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
