In the world of sports and entertainment, few moments feel as electric as a live crossover. Last year’s hip-hop rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake was already headline-worthy, but when Lamar dropped John Stockton’s name in his chart-topping hit “Not Like Us,” it hinted at an even bigger spotlight to come. The anticipation built up to this year’s Super Bowl LIX, where Lamar’s halftime performance was set to feature the song. Fans and casual listeners alike were curious to see if the Hall of Fame guard’s name would indeed make it to one of the biggest stages in entertainment.
A Family Affair: The Stockton’s Tune In
John Stockton, the legendary NBA point guard known for his record-setting assist tally during his tenure with the Utah Jazz, found himself and his family in an unusual position: they were eagerly waiting to hear his name during a Super Bowl halftime show. On “The Ultimate Assist Podcast,” Stockton shared, “I have young people in my life. My kids all know about this song and we frankly knew it was coming,” highlighting the blend of personal life and public mention. “Everybody was kind of huddled around the TV to see if my name got mentioned at halftime of the Super Bowl, which it did.”
The line that caught everyone’s attention was a clever modification of the original lyrics from “Not Like Us.” Lamar confidently delivered, “I’m finna crash on this body, I’m John Stockton,” a twist on the earlier version that played on Stockton’s iconic passing skills to imply a metaphorical ‘assist’ in Lamar’s lyrical battle against Drake.
Cultural Ripple Effects: The Impact of a Name Drop
The inclusion of Stockton’s name not only thrilled the Stockton family but also sparked a flurry of phone calls and messages, pointing to the significant cultural impact such mentions can have. “I know that my wife’s phone started ringing kind of incessantly after that,” Stockton noted, underscoring how a single line in a song can ripple outwards, affecting even those adjacent to the direct spotlight.
Stockton on Sports: More Than Just Basketball
John Stockton’s insights aren’t limited to basketball. His recent commentary on the transparency issues within major sports organizations reflects his deep understanding of sports dynamics. Referring to the NHL’s handling of star player Matthew Tkachuk’s injury, Stockton drew parallels to LeBron James’ recent unavailability for the NBA All-Star Game. He tweeted, “Apparently 4NATIONS team USA didn’t let anybody know their Star player was playing with an injury. Swear this gives LeBron All Star game vibes,” expressing his frustration with the lack of clarity that often surrounds athlete management.
Whether it’s setting records on the court or voicing opinions on player management, Stockton remains a significant figure in the sports world, bridging generations and genres from the basketball hardwood to the lyrical battlegrounds of hip-hop. His recent emergence in pop culture and sports commentary illustrates the evolving narrative of sports figures who continue to influence beyond their professional sphere.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.