Maino Says Ja Morant's Behavior Has "Nothing To Do With NBA YoungBoy"

BYCole Blake1.7K Views
Link Copied to Clipboard!
Memphis Grizzlies v Los Angeles Lakers - Game Six
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 28: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies warms up before play against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Maino says NBA YoungBoy's music isn't influencing Ja Morant's behavior.

Maino says that Ja Morant's interest in hip-hop and appreciation for NBA YoungBoy has "nothing to do" with his recent controversial behavior. The NBA recently suspended the Memphis Grizzlies star for flashing a gun on Instagram Live for the second time in recent months. In the viral clip, an NBA YoungBoy song plays in the background as Morant sits in a car with friends.

“It don’t have nothing to do with NBA YoungBoy, it don’t have nothing to do with rap music,” Maino told TMZ. “All of us — as men, as adults — we have responsibilities and decisions to make. That’s like when keeping it real goes all the way wrong. How real do you need to keep it?"

Read More: Adam Silver “Shocked” By Ja Morant Video

Ja Morant At An Atlanta Nightclub

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 6: Ja Morant attends Saturday Nights at Sound Nightclub on May 6, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/WireImage)

He continued: “We know you like the music, you come from a culture. But homie, truth be told, you got way more opportunity than the average person. Don’t throw the opportunity away trying to keep up with what’s going on.”

From there, he added that Morant might have to learn to change his behavior "the hard way." “It’s sad but sometimes we gotta learn the hard way,” he said. “What else can you say? You already was in this situation. I’m the last person to try to condemn somebody for making mistakes because I’ve made many, but c’mon, it’s not even about being a role model…you have the opportunity to change lives.” He also advised Morant to get more people who care about his wellbeing in his circle.

Maino On Ja Morant

Maino isn't the only rapper to recently speak on Ja Morant. Lil Wayne also explained his behavior during an interview on the All The Smoke podcast. "He comes from a town of like 3,000 people," Wayne said. "What y'all expect? Y'all gave him $200 million. I just said a town with 3,000 people. You expect him to be responsible? Nah, we're tripping then."

Read More: Lil Wayne Weighs In On Ja Morant

[Via]

About The Author
Cole Blake is currently an Editor at HotNewHipHop based out of Brooklyn, New York. He began working at the site as an intern back in 2018 while studying journalism at St. John’s University. In the time since, he’s graduated with a bachelor's degree and written extensively about a wide range of topics including pop culture, film & television, politics, video games, sports, and much more. He’s also covered music festivals such as Gov. Ball and Rolling Loud. You can find him publishing work for HNHH from Monday to Wednesday or on weekends. On the sports front, Cole’s a passionate NBA and NFL fan with his favorite teams being the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Lakers. He also roots for the Yankees whenever he finds himself at Yankee Stadium or the Red Storm when in the company of other SJU alumni. His favorite hip-hop artists are billy woods, Earl Sweatshirt, Cam’ron, MIKE, and Mach-Hommy.