Portland Trail Blazers: Damian Lillard, Lil Wayne talk activism, music, NBA

Lil Wayne interviewed Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard on social injustice, his career as a rapper, and expectations for the NBA’s return.

Much has changed since Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard and rapper Lil Wayne first performed together at the 2020 NBA All-Star game in February.

The NBA has been suspended for three months, Lillard has released new music and marched in a protest as social injustice toward African-Americans has become a primary focus in the U.S.

Last Friday, Wayne and Lillard discussed those topics and more on Wayne’s “Young Money Radio,” a show that airs every week on Apple Music.

Wayne praised Lillard for marching in a protest and his activism supporting Black Lives Matter, a movement that combats violence inflicted on black communities. The Oakland, Calif. native said the 2009 Fruitvale Station incident in which a police officer shot and killed unarmed black man Oscar Grant on an Oakland train platform is what motivated him to turn his focus toward social injustice.

“Having that type of experience was something that kind of connected me to police brutality and the issues with law enforcement,” the five-time NBA All-Star said.

Lillard said he grew up around Grant because his brother played football with him. Now with police brutality happening, he said he felt he needed to be “off of the internet and in the field.”

On June 4, Lillard led protestors across a Portland bridge chanting George Floyd’s name and “Black Lives Matter.” He also released a song called “Blacklist” about racism and police brutality. He has been one of many NBA players vocalizing disdain for social injustice.

Wayne and Lillard also discussed “GOAT Spirit,” Lillard’s song about his essence that transcends his role as an athlete and music artist.

“As much as I believe in myself and I’m confident, I think my spirit is up [to] that level— more so [than] what I am as a basketball player or as a rapper,” he said.

Lillard said because of his background of where he grew up and who raised him, he has a different approach to life that most people don’t have.

Wayne acknowledged Lillard’s cachet and said he does not doubt what Lillard does or says. He also said he wants Lillard to go to Orlando and win the NBA championship once the season resumes on July 30.

Lillard smiled slightly and faced the camera.

“They gonna say I’m crazy when I act like that’s what’s supposed to happen,” he said.