Well, basketball and music certainly go hand in hand. Especially the Hip-Hop culture. From ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ to ‘Hustle’ no hoop movie is ever complete without a sick in-game sequence with some hip-hop tunes playing in the background. Sure enough, fans are always intrigued to find out which artist their favorite NBA superstars listen to and admire. And Jayson Tatum recently revealed his Top 5 rappers but with a slight twist.

During a recent trip to China hosted by the Jordan brand alongside other stars including Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson, Tatum was asked to blindly rank five rappers without knowing who comes next. Well, the first name was Drake, who JT comfortably put on the second spot saying, “I only think there is one person better than Drake. So, 2.”

Then came J. Cole who dropped low in Tatum’s ranking at number four. Sure enough, one name every fan was waiting to hear was Kendrick Lamar because of his ongoing beef with Drake. And when his turn came, JT placed the California native at number 3, right below the Canadian rapper. Following them, the Celtics star was asked to rank Eminem who recently dropped his latest album ‘The Death of Slim Shady’. Afraid of the consequences and outrage, Tatum said, “They gonna kill me. 5” Surely, this will not sit well with any Eminem fan.

With only the number one spot left, Tatum prayed, “Please say Jay-Z.” However, the interviewer threw a curve ball by naming the first female rapper on the list Cardi B. Bursting out laughing, JT remarked, “Oh my God!… Shout out to Cardi B.” So, Tatum’s blindly ranked Top 5 went something like:

1. Cardi B
2. Drake
3. Kendrick Lamar
4. J. Cole
5. Eminem

Jayson Tatum’s real Top 5 rappers list revealed

Well, Tatum was in a bit of a rough spot while making the list because he had no idea which rapper would be named next. Obviously, the eventual list was nowhere close to his actual Top 5. However, he previously ranked his five favorite artists four years ago during ‘All the Smoke’ podcast, “HOV is the greatest (Jay-Z). He’s the GOAT. I got Drake at No. 2, I got Lil Wayne, them three is GOATs. Wayne is No. 3. Biggie No. 4. I’ll throw Nelly in that. Nelly No. 5.”

Yes, the only person who was at the right spot according to him during his list in China was Drake. Moreover, Tatum and Drake are good friends as the Celtics star even made a surprise appearance at the rapper’s concert last year in Boston. And Jay Z, who is his favorite rapper of all time was not even mentioned. But four years have passed since Tatum revealed his Top 5 rappers and there is a possibility that his preferences have changed since then. Do you agree with JT’s list?