Lil Durk is an American rapper and one of the most influential voices in the realm of hip-hop. Since emerging in the hip-hop industry, he has built a strong fan base that has catapulted him into the limelight.
As a result of his growing popularity, STARRY, PepsiCo’s crisp lemon-lime flavored soda brand, has collaborated with him on a basketball skills competition held across four HBCUs called STARRY Fizz Fest, according to ForbesBLK.
The participating HBCU schools include Norfolk State University, Hampton University, Jackson State University and Morgan State University. Students have the opportunity to win $333,000 in scholarships with the final stop at the end of this month, ForbesBLK said.
Lil Durk recently made a surprise appearance at Jackson State University to connect with the students.
“I was excited about everything, especially the engagement with the students. We popped up at one of the colleges to surprise them and made it a big thing,” Lil Durk told ForbesBLK. “I was also excited to give them motivation and hope because it drives me too. We’re on the same team and can inspire one another.”
Lil Durk combines his rap music with basketball, a skill he cherishes. A native of Chicago, he hails from a state that has a strong love for basketball.
“Everyone has different talents and basketball is one of mine. I’m from Chicago where basketball is prevalent and that’s where my passion really started,” Lil Durk said. “The opportunity to combine music with sports and play with different rappers, athletes and basketball players is fun.”
The artist gladly takes advantage of situations where sports and music collide and has learned useful things about how to be successful in both. “Growing up, I couldn’t make a basketball team to save my life. So that just lets you know never to give up and practice your talent no matter what it is. If it makes you happy, that’s what it is. Even if you don’t make it to the NBA or college, sticking to what you do and believe in will work out for you in the end.”
NBA great LeBron James recently revealed he thinks Lil Durk is the best rapper to play basketball.
