Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson's rivalry with Larry Bird inspired a rap collaboration. Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Andy Mineo, Wordsplayed turn plays into bars on ‘Magic & Bird’

Originally posted on The Sports Fan Journal
By Mya Singleton | Last updated 8/19/17

Wavin’ my American flag
Even though it got “Made in China” on the tag
Used to have the GT with the mags now my face in the mags
I ain’t gotta brag, momma said, “Let other people do that”
White man still can’t jump
If I catch a fast break then I’m slappin’ the glass — Andy Mineo on ‘Magic & Bird’

For the first time in history, hip-hop has surpassed rock as the most popular genre in music.

Although it owes much of its success to the booming world of streaming services, collaborations among rappers and concept albums have also been on the rise. Whether it’s Jay-Z and Kanye West giving fans "Watch the Throne" or Drake and Future trading bars on "What a Time to Be Alive," when rappers partner on a joint effort, it elevates the culture to a higher level.

Thanks to artists like Beyoncé on "Lemonade" or Kendrick Lamar on "To Pimp a Butterfly," more artists are crafting thought-provoking narratives, not only in their music, but in their visuals. The latest rappers to add their names to the collaboration list are Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed on their joint mixtape, "Magic & Bird."

By the title alone, a listener would think Mineo and Wordsplayed are competing against each other, similar to the rivalry between NBA legends Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. However, the 13-track mixtape shows the two rappers teaming up more like the Splash Brothers. The rappers ensure listeners are catching all the basketball references across the heavy trap production. Standout tracks such as “DUNK CONTEST” and “R.U.T.S” (aka "Run Up The Score") are sure to be added to an athlete’s warm-up playlist. "Magic & Bird" also shows the rappers' comedic side with a few brief skits. Wordsplayed mentioned, “The whole project is basically 'NBA Jam' meets Mobb Deep meets Chris Farley.”

Mineo and Wordsplayed prove that not only can rappers come together on a joint album, but showcase their creativity with artistic concepts. They will be bringing their playbook on the road in September for their "Friends And Family Tour," but until then, here's the mixtape. Also, here’s a list of the best workout headphones for you to listen to their latest project while feeling that burn.

This article first appeared on The Sports Fan Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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