“I’ve been an underdog my whole career, obviously, up until now,” Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said, according to the Lexington Herald Leader.
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is serving as a guest editor for Spotify, curating a 50-track, hip-hop-heavy playlist titled “Heat Check.” The first edition launched and the NBA star plans to update the collection monthly for the foreseeable future. He entered the weekend averaging 29.7 points per game, sitting fourth in the league.
Gilgeous-Alexander draws inspiration from his upbringing, crediting his parents for fostering a diverse appreciation for music. His Caribbean parents introduced him to various genres, from the music of Vybz Kartel to Lil Wayne, whose tracks appear on the new Spotify curation. The athlete discovered his current playlist additions primarily through social media platforms.
The guard uses the Spotify feature to elevate lesser-known performers, showcasing artists such as Summrs, Tezzus, and Icez. His journey to the top of the league inspires him to share the spotlight with emerging talent.
The 50-track curation also features international talent, including British rappers Central Cee, Dave, and Nemzzz. Nigerian artist Tems contributes her reflective track “Me & U,” while fellow Nigerian musician Mavo brings feel-good energy with “Aura Salad.” Brazilian rapper Oruam rounds out the global selections with “Lei Anti O.R.U.A.M.”
Alongside underground acts, the playlist includes multiple tracks from top-tier hitmakers and fellow Canadians. Drake, a friend of the basketball star, secures several placements on the curation.
Drake’s new single “Ya Hit” with Future and Travis Scott is featured alongside “Cold Shoulder” with Don Toliver and Yebba. Listeners will also find “Whisper My Name” and “Little Birdie,” plus a throwback addition of Justin Bieber’s “Right Here.” Atlanta rapper Zukenee contributes the gritty, fast-paced viral track “SGA,” which serves as a tribute to the basketball player and frequently accompanies online highlight reels.
Despite curating extensive music lists, Gilgeous-Alexander avoids listening to songs immediately before tip-off. He stopped the pre-game habit after realizing the rhythm interfered with his competitive focus.
“I used to, like growing up playing AAU,” Gilgeous-Alexander told the Lexington Herald Leader. “And then it got to a point where the music was getting me too riled up and I couldn’t focus on the game. So I just like stopped and then it was working for me. And ever since then, I stopped listening to music before the game.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plans to refresh the 50-song Spotify playlist on a monthly basis for the foreseeable future. The initial launch debuted on March 7.
The playlist features a heavy hip-hop influence while incorporating diverse international styles, including British rap, Nigerian afrobeats, and Brazilian rap.
The collection features “SGA” by Atlanta rapper Zukenee, a fast-paced viral tribute song dedicated to the Oklahoma City Thunder star.
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