Joe Budden Shares Snippet Of Unreleased Kobe Bryant Rap Sent To Him By Shaq

Budden initially didn't know what it was.

BYErika Marie
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Rich Polk / Stringer / Getty Images,  Brian Ach / Stringer / Getty Images

It's been over a week since Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and their seven friends lost their lives in a helicopter accident, and people are still struggling with the reality of the sport's star's death. While the sensationalism around his passing has dissipated, it will still be a long road of grieving and mourning for many of Kobe's fan's friends, and love ones.

Kevork Djansezian / Stringer / Getty Images

The tragedy will continue to be a topic of discussion for many news and media outlets in the months to come, and on the recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, the hosts chatted about Black Mamba's rap career. "He was one of us, he was a rapper," Budden said before sharing a secret with the world. He played a vintage, unreleased track of Kobe rapping. "Shaq sent this to my phone. I thought this was just like, a joint that had come out but I had never heard it." 

Unfortunately, we're only able to hear a few brief seconds of the song before the podcast crew became sidetracked as they accused Budden of flexing. The remainder of the clip shows the group teasing one another, but prior to the jabs, Budden shared that he appreciated how sports players and professionals honored Kobe, including Shaquille O'Neal.

On an episode of NBA on TNT, Shaq tearfully verbalized how losing the basketball icon had affected him. "I haven't felt a pain that sharp in a while," Shaq said. "Forty-seven-years-old... lost two grandmothers, lost a sarge, lost my sister, and now I lost a little brother." Watch the clip of The Joe Budden Podcast below.


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About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.