Anthony Edwards And Culture Jam Tell Another Side Of The Athlete’s Story With ‘Legend In My Hood’

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anthony edwards
Getty Image/Culture Jam/Derrick Rossignol

As the NBA’s 80th(!) season got underway last week, one of the league’s brightest stars took the next step in expanding his footprint beyond the game. Like Kawhi Leonard before him, Anthony Edwards teamed up with Culture Jam to release Legend In My Hood, the second in the media imprint’s ongoing series pairing athletes with recording artists to executive-produce anthemic albums telling their personal stories.

This version was announced with a thrilling, Don Cannon-produced collaboration between Pusha T and Wale, “Damage Control,” and was accompanied on release by the Big Sean and Hit-Boy reunion “Moving Different.” Other artists featured on the album include Ant’s fellow ATLiens Baby Drill, Hunxho, and Quavo, along with a who’s-who of rising stars including Hurricane Wisdom, Nardo Wick, Rob49, and more.

Basketball and rap go together like peanut butter and jam; It’s a cliché, but we have those for a reason. As both art forms — and yes, both basketball and rap are art forms — began to peak in popularity at the same time, and share humble origins, it was only natural that some of the best players would have some musical aptitude, and vice versa.

While Edwards doesn’t rap on the album, he did have a guiding hand in its production and direction, with some assistance from Culture Jam founder Eesean Bolden. Ant-Man is credited as co-executive producer, and told Uproxx his goal for the album was to open his world to fans, beyond the sound bites and highlight plays that have made him such a charismatic — and sometimes controversial — star.

“This album is everything we’re about,” he said. “Family, hard work, and believing in yourself when nobody else does. Putting this together with my brother and some of the best in the game, that’s love right there.” His brother Bubba, who does rap under the handle B Different, and appears on the album in both capacities (as brother and as rapper), echoed this sentiment in a longer interview via Zoom.

“I would say I just want people to understand that he’s just a vibe,” B Different said of his own goal for Legend In My Hood. “To put a project like this together is like you’re telling people a different type of story, so they understand he’s not a one-trick monkey. He’s very talented in many different ways. He has a broad mind. He doesn’t have just one taste he wanna hear.”

Getting the contributors, though, is Bolden’s job. “We had a list of artists that we wanted to make the project,” he explains. “Some did, some didn’t, just due to logistics and stuff like that. It’s really cool because some artists that are on the track, there’s some stories kind of tied to it with Ant. Like, Wale being kind of the first to really support Ant and wear his shoes way early on.”

A veteran of the recording industry, Bolden used his connections and experience from his time as an A&R executive at labels like Capitol, Epic, and Warner to launch Culture Jam in an effort to create a more organic connection between athletes and music. “It goes back to me being a kid and my upbringing,” he recalled. “My parents, they were independent R&B artists, and I played sports. I played basketball.”

“Basketball, in particular, kept me on the straight and narrow, kept me out of trouble,” he continued. “When I got to college, I was already fully like, ‘No, I’m going to be in music.’ You know, I was 6’5″ in high school and I played center. And you know, a 6’5″ center is… I’m toast. I knew I was going the music way. I left college my sophomore year [for an internship at Interscope] and knew exactly what I wanted to do.”

But when it came to partnerships between athletes and brands — especially when it came to music, which should have been the most natural connection in the world — Eesean says they felt “transactional.” “Culture Jam, in a plain sense, we’re everything at the intersection of sports and entertainment,” he reasons. “We do make these albums that we’re excited to get out to you guys and proud of what we did, but then we’re also an agency. So we have a whole agency team that does experiential and broadcast campaigns [such as ESPN’s 2024 WNBA campaign]. We found a way that, if we partner with the right high level athlete, maybe we can tell their story as we merge them with the proper music.”

That’s certainly what Eesean has done with Ant Edwards and Legend In My Hood. In addition to the rappers Ant loves to listen to in workouts and warmups, the set also includes words of wisdom from family, via interludes with B Different (as Bubba) and their uncle Chris, who B describes as “a father figure” for the brothers growing up.

“He’s just he’s just been the extra backbone, the support that we needed when either our mom can’t do it or our grandma can’t do it,” he reminisced. “Chris is everything to us.” Regarding his own interlude, Bubba said, “It was kinda weird, honestly, just talking to nobody on the phone. I was home, by myself. I just had to blank everything out and just put myself in a room with it, and speak from the heart for real.”

Regarding what’s next for Ant, whether on or off court, B Different remains as optimistic and motivational as the music on the album he helped his brother co-produce. “I think he got one of them ceilings that you can’t build, bro. This is just the beginning. He’s young, you know. He has plenty of room for growth, and we’re just gonna keep growing and keep going.”

Legend In My Hood is out now via Culture Jam. Find more information here.



source https://uproxx.com/music/anthony-edwards-culture-jam-legend-in-my-hood-interview/

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Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution

Hip Hop and Music: A Cultural Evolution and What Listeners Look For Hip hop is more than just a genre of music; it is a cultural movement that has deeply influenced the world for over four decades. Originating in the South Bronx during the 1970s, hip hop was birthed from the creative expression of marginalized communities. What started as a fusion of DJing, breakdancing, graffiti art and MCing (rapping) quickly became a global phenomenon. Over the years, hip hop has expanded its reach, influencing various aspects of society, from fashion and language to politics and social movements. But what exactly do listeners seek when they tune in to their favorite hip hop tracks? Let’s explore.

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music

The Evolution of Hip Hop Music At its core, hip hop music is built on rhythm and lyricism. Early pioneers like DJ Kool Herc, Grandmaster Flash, and Run-D.M.C. laid the foundation for what we now recognize as hip hop. They mixed disco, funk, and soul beats with rhythmic rapping to create a unique sound. Through the 1980s and 1990s, iconic artists such as Tupac, The Notorious B.I.G., Nas, and Jay-Z further shaped the genre, adding deeper narratives that explored social issues, struggles, and triumphs.
In the 2000s, hip hop saw its golden age evolve into new sub-genres, from Southern hip hop (e.g., OutKast and Lil Wayne) to the rise of trap music (led by artists like Future, Gucci Mane, and Migos). Today, artists continue to experiment with hybrid sounds, blending trap with pop, rock, and electronic music, creating a more diverse landscape for the genre.

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music

What Listeners Look for in Hip Hop Music While the genre has evolved, the heart of hip hop music still beats with certain core elements that listeners continue to seek. Here’s what attracts audiences to hip hop music:

1. Authenticity

One of the most important qualities of hip hop is its authenticity. Listeners are drawn to artists who stay true to themselves, their roots, and their experiences. Whether an artist is rapping about overcoming hardship, life in the streets, or personal triumphs, their genuineness resonates with fans. Authenticity gives hip hop its raw edge, connecting the artist's voice with listeners on a deeply personal level.

2. Lyricism and Wordplay

Hip hop has always been a platform for storytelling, and the craft of lyricism is highly valued. Fans look for clever wordplay, metaphors, punchlines, and deep storytelling in their favorite tracks. Rappers like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, and Nas are revered for their intricate lyricism and ability to convey powerful messages through their words. A song with sharp bars, vivid imagery, and emotional depth can elevate a listener’s connection to the music.

3. Beat and Production Quality

The beat is often the first thing people notice in a hip hop song. A catchy, hard-hitting beat can make or break a track, and producers play an integral role in shaping the sound of hip hop music. Producers like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and Metro Boomin have become household names for their distinctive production styles. From boom-bap beats to trap drums, the instrumental elements are essential in drawing listeners into the rhythm and groove of the song.

4. Innovation and Evolution

Hip hop is known for its constant evolution. Fans of the genre are often on the lookout for artists who push boundaries and experiment with new sounds. This spirit of innovation keeps the genre fresh and exciting. From the rise of auto-tune with artists like T-Pain to the blend of electronic and rap seen with artists like Travis Scott, listeners are eager for new music that challenges the traditional limits of hip hop.

5. Vibe and Energy

Hip hop isn’t just about the lyrics or the beat—it’s also about the energy the music brings. Whether it’s a party anthem, an introspective track, or a political statement, the vibe and energy of a song play a crucial role in how it resonates with fans. Artists like Drake, Cardi B, and Lil Uzi Vert have mastered the art of creating tracks that make listeners feel a certain way, whether it’s hyped up, laid back, or reflective.

6. Relatability and Emotional Connection

Hip hop has always been an outlet for self-expression and commentary on life experiences. Because of this, listeners often gravitate toward songs that reflect their own lives, struggles, and aspirations. Whether it’s a song about the challenges of growing up in a tough environment, the celebration of personal success, or the experience of love and heartbreak, hip hop has the unique ability to connect emotionally with audiences. Fans often seek songs that speak to their individual journeys and provide comfort, validation, or empowerment.

The Global Reach of Hip Hop

What was once confined to the streets of New York City has now become a global cultural force. From Tokyo to Paris, hip hop has spread across continents, influencing artists and listeners worldwide. In recent years, artists from outside the U.S. have brought their own cultural influences to the genre, blending hip hop with local sounds, languages, and traditions. The genre’s global reach is a testament to its universal themes of struggle, self-expression, and empowerment.

Conclusion

Hip hop music is an ever-evolving cultural powerhouse that has grown from a localized subculture into a global sensation. The authenticity, lyricism, production quality, innovation, energy, and emotional depth are the main ingredients that attract listeners to hip hop. While the genre continues to change, its core values remain consistent—offering a space for self-expression, storytelling, and connection. As hip hop continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a major force in shaping the future of music. Whether you’re a fan of classic boom-bap or modern trap, hip hop’s diverse range offers something for everyone, proving that its cultural impact is here to stay.