Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is taking his taste in music public.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star has teamed up with Spotify as a guest editor and launched a playlist called “Heat Check.” The first edition dropped Thursday, Nov. 12, and it comes loaded with 50 tracks, with a clear hip-hop lean. Gilgeous-Alexander plans to refresh it every month for the foreseeable future.
In a promotional interview with Spotify, Gilgeous-Alexander said he wants the playlist to shine a light on newer artists, too.
“I've been an underdog my whole career, obviously, up until now,” he said, noting he finds new music via social media. “I just always think opportunity and spotlight, whenever I can give it, because of my journey to the top, I try to do so.”
That mission shows up all over the tracklist. Alongside names like Summrs, Tezzus and Icez, the playlist also includes a stack of songs from bigger stars.
Drake, Gilgeous-Alexander’s friend and fellow Canadian, has several entries, including “Ya Hit” with Future and Travis Scott, “Cold Shoulder” with Don Toliver and Yebba, “Whisper My Name” and “Little Birdie.” Justin Bieber’s “Right Here,” which features Drake, also made the cut.
Gilgeous-Alexander said his love for music started at home, thanks to his parents. He pointed to his dad playing Lil Wayne, and the playlist includes two tracks from the Young Money rapper.
“Both of my parents listened to music of different cultures,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “So it was like Vybz Kartel sometimes. ... My parents, because they're Caribbean, it was so much more diverse than like the average.”
That range carries through the playlist. British rappers Central Cee, Dave and Nemzzz are in the mix, while Tems appears with the smooth “Me & U” and Mavo brings “Aura Salad.” Brazilian rapper Oruam is represented by “Lei Anti O.R.U.A.M.”
He also included “SGA” by Atlanta rapper Zukenee, a fast, gritty tribute to the two-time MVP that has also been used in highlight videos dissing Klay Thompson.
Gilgeous-Alexander, who is currently fourth in the league averaging 29.7 points per game and was the No. 1 player in USA TODAY’s preseason rankings, said he does not actually listen to music before games now.
“I used to, like growing up playing AAU,” he said. “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.”
The first “Heat Check” playlist includes tracks from Future, Drake, Travis Scott, Loe Shimmy, Don Toliver, Yebba, Lithe, LUCKI, Izaya Tiji, Rich Amiri, Lelo, OsamaSon, Yeat, Ken Carson, 2hollis, Homixide Gang, Fatt Smaxk, Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, Che, Pz', Protect, Babyface Ray, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Moneybagg Yo, 50 Cent, Lil Wayne, Eric IV, GIVĒON, Elmiene, Cash Cobain and Nine Vicious, among others.
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