Boston Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Talks Attending Jay-Z’s Yankee Stadium Shows, Drake Friendship & Which Rapper Soundtracked His Comeback
Categoria: Musica
JT also revealed his pick for Song of the Summer.
Por Billboard | 06/08/2026
NBA star Jayson Tatum knows all about the biggest stage, whether that’s playing in the NBA Finals or Olympics. Still, there was something different about seeing Jay-Z perform at a sold-out Yankee Stadium over 30 years into his Hall of Fame career. “Just to see someone doing this for over 30-ish years and at his age perform three nights in a row,” says Tatum, who attended night two celebrating The Blueprint and night three’s Extra Innings. “It was kind of like a celebration and appreciation for his music and his artwork, and obviously to all the guests that he brought out.” Billboard caught up with the face of the Boston Celtics in the library of St. Raymond High School in The Bronx at Jordan Brand’s NY vs. NY basketball tournament on July 28, which brings some of the best high-school hoopers the country has to offer to the Big Apple. While he was behind enemy lines in NYC as a member of the rival Celtics, Tatum was treated to a hero’s welcome, as the All-Star forward’s appearance sent the kids in the crowd into a frenzy. The St. Louis native’s Jay-Z fandom was passed on to him by his parents, but another one of his favorite rappers is Drake , who he discovered when the 6 God dropped So Far Gone in 2009. Tatum recalls going to Best Buy to purchase a CD of Drizzy’s Thank Me Later debut album as a middle schooler. Years later, Tatum would develop a friendship with Drake and the OVO team in the early stages of his NBA career, which has become a stronger bond. “Being able to have a relationship with [Drake], Chubbs, Mr. Morgan, Future [the Prince], all those guys are like family,” he says. “It dates back to my rookie year when I met all those guys. When I won a championship and got injured, all those guys reached out.” Tatum, 28, is entering his 10th year in the league and he’ll look to lead a reshaped Boston Celtics team back to the mountaintop. Find the rest of our interview with the 2024 NBA champion below. Jordan Brand I saw you were at the Hov shows at Yankee Stadium. What was your main takeaway leaving that? That was an incredible atmosphere to be a part of. I went to The Blueprint and Extra Innings. It was just kind of cool to experience. Did you have a favorite moment from the weekend? My favorite part was when he brought Rihanna out for “Run This Town” because she don’t come outside like that music-wise at least anymore. To see her come out and the crowd’s reaction. She did something that was very cool. After she did “Run This Town,” she did one more song and was like, “Yo, bear with me, it’s been a minute.” She was being honest and that was cool to hear her say that. View this post on Instagram You’ve mentioned Drake, Jay-Z and Lil Wayne as your favorite artists. If you could pick a favorite song or album from each of them that sticks with you, which would it be? Lil Wayne would be Dedication 2 . Jay-Z would be The Blueprint . My favorite Hov song