NBA basketball star Victor Oladipo follows up his first single, “Song For You,” a refix of Donny Hathaway’s classic hit, with the statement record, “Rope A Dope,” featuring rapper 2 Chainz. Serving as a response to President Donald Trump’s attack on athletes who are using their first amendment to protest police brutality during the national anthem at NFL football games, “Rope A Dope” gives us the first feel of Oladipo’s original and personal sound.
Riding the hip-hop-driven production, The Indiana Pacers guard delivers lush vocals about coming from nothing and making life great without any handouts.
“Look at how it panned out, did it with no handouts,” he sings. “Momma, I’m the man now.”
“I wanted to address what was going on and bring awareness to it, but in a positive manner,” Oladipo says. “I want people to feel inspired and motivated to be great, and to stand up and have confidence. We need to come together as a country to deal with these problems. We aren’t going to solve anything unless we’re united.”
In contrary to Oladipo’s stance, his collaborator 2 Chainz addresses the kneeling controversy and the racial divide in the US directly in his verse.
Oladipo will release his debut EP, Songs For You, next Friday, October 6.
Listen to “Rope A Dope” below and purchase on iTunes if you dig!
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