11 Best Motivational Basketball Songs
Basketball and music, specifically hip-hop and rap, are as interconnected as ever before. Many popular artists cite basketball as their musical inspiration, and it is widely known that many star athletes utilize these songs as both motivation and pre-game inspiration.
That’s why, below, we are going to present the top 11 best motivational basketball songs of all time.
While these songs do not necessarily have to contain references to the sport, their sheer motivational power justifies their inclusion in this list.
So, what makes a song a great motivational basketball song? In essence, these songs utilize a number of differing characteristics to bring about a “go-to” feeling. While somewhat difficult to explain, this “go-to” feeling is the feeling you get when you know, without a doubt, that you are ready, able, and willing.
When it comes to the best motivational basketball songs, we looked for songs that were not only well-known and available but also songs that brought out our own inner willpower and determination. These aren’t songs about love, romance, or despair.
These are songs that are meant to get you in the right headspace. These are songs that are meant to spark your inner being and prepare you for what is about to come. These are songs you play before battle.
Fort Minor – Remember the Name
One of the most iconic songs of all time. “Remember the Name” will have you ready to go to war or play ball. You definitely want to higher the sound on your headphones when this song starts.
Eminem – Lose Yourself
Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” may be one of the most inspirational songs of all time. Detailing his own struggles to pull himself out of poverty, Eminem discusses how he is only given one shot to make it and how he is determined to reach his rightful place as one of the best rappers of all time.
DJ Khaled – All I Do is Win
Produced by DJ Khaled, “All I Do is Win” features such famous artists as Ludacris, Rick Ross, T-Pain, and Snoop Dogg. This isn’t a song about anything other than winning. The song discusses how all these artists only win and that all they do is win. Winning is in their veins, is it in yours?
Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Eminem – Forever
What song exemplifies the game of basketball more than “Forever” by such greats as Drake, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Eminem? Perhaps none. With an iconic Lebron James dunking cover art, this song goes hard. With great bars and an equally great beat, this song is definitely one of the most motivational basketball songs out there.
Young Jeezy – Put On
We’re introduced to this song through a subsequent, nearly whispered, melody of, “I put on” over-and-over again. Young Jeezy, featuring Kanye West, discuss what steps they take, on the daily, to give back and to get their own. “Put On” is not only a lyrical masterpiece but also contains the motivational beat needed to get you ready for the big game.
2 Chainz and Wiz Khalifa – We Own It
One of the official songs of the movie Fast & Furious 6, this song is iconic amongst basketball players and other athletes. Featuring verses such as, “only God can judge me” and “this moment we own it”, you will definitely be pumped up for the upcoming game after listening.
Nelly – Heart of a Champion
Do you truly have what it takes to be the best? To wake up for practice while others are sleeping, to dedicate the time, the relationships, the sweat, and definitely the tears? This song embodies that commitment, the heart of a champion that is needed to succeed in any endeavor you take.
Jim Jones – We Fly High – Ballin’
One of the most iconic and motivational basketball songs, “We Fly High” by Jim Jones discusses the feeling of flying high over others. And although, perhaps, metaphoric in meaning, the song has been widely adapted by athletes and basketball players alike.
Travis Scott – Sicko Mode
Play this song and crank the sound all the way up. “Sick Mode” by Travis Scott, featuring Drake, goes hard from the start and doesn’t stop throughout. One of the best hip-hop songs of the past few years, Travis Scott, solidifies his standing as an established artist.
Wiz Khalifa – Black and Yellow
“Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa may have been originally intended for football, specifically the Pittsburgh Steelers, but the song has been widely adopted by basketball players and athletes. Repping the colors of the Pittsburgh Steelers, black and yellow, Wiz Khalifa sets the tone for his teams’ domination.
Linkin Park/Jay-Z – Numb Encore
Perhaps an unlikely duo, Linkin Park and Jay-Z collaborate on this rap/rock single. With memorable, mesmerizing bars by Jay, Linkin Park adds the beat and crescendo towards the end of the song. Get ready and be motivated for any task ahead of you with this song.
Whether you are getting ready for the upcoming game or are about to hit the gym, Linkin Park and Jay-Z’s “Numb Encore” will have you pumped, motivated, and ready. Definitely need to higher the volume on your headphones for this one.