What do you get for the man that already has everything? His very own theme song, of course. It's being reported that Nike has teamed up with famed jazz pianist Robert Glasper to produce a Kobe Bryant theme song in commemoration of his upcoming retirement from professional basketball.
To honor Kobe Bryant's storied career with the L.A. Lakers, Nike recently announced that they have joined forces with American jazz pianist Robert Glasper to produce a new song, "Be Courageous", that pays testament not only to Bryant indomitable spirit but to the legacy of the civil rights moment as well:
"Glasper's choice of 4/4 and 6/8 time signatures, which define the track's structure, goes deeper than jazz convention.
"The numbers align with a significant event in history: the assassination of a great leader on April 4, 1968 (4/4/68) in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Lorraine Motel.
"Additionally, Glasper draws inspiration from the city's rich musical heritage -- including pioneering labels like Stax Records, whose artists frequented the Lorraine Motel, which itself was a catalyst for community growth and support."
During his interview with Billboard earlier this week, Glasper recalled how he once had dreams of becoming an NBA great just like Kobe, before realizing that it just wasn't in the cards:
"That's actually what birthed my piano career: sucking at basketball.
"I always tell people, when I was in 9th grade, I was pretty much benched, and I slid that bench over to the piano.
"Jazz is about being in the moment, in a way that's unlike any other kind of music. That's the foundation of it...You get lost and find your way back -- and that's what sports are."
To listen or even add a song verse or rap of your own over Glasper's track online, check out SoundCloud.
Or, head over to YouTube to watch a short documentary Nike produced featuring Glasper and his new track.
