Prior to yesterday’s NBA Draft, Sheck Wes took to social media to reveal that he had apparently been training to join the professional league, garnering polarizing responses from fans and critics alike:
“Damn… it’s really real … all my life I always wanted to follow my passion for music and basketball … Tonight that dream comes true! I want to thank the @nba for their hard work with the growing the game and every team that gave me an opportunity to work out and talk with them…”
Unfortunately, the New York rapper wasn’t selected to join any teams — which prompted him to release a new visual for “#BEENBALLIN,” an apparent confirmation that the initial announcement was promotion for some new music. Produced by Redda, the track continues Sheck Wes’ penchant for stage-ready, high-energy cuts with easily digestible, chant-esque raps:
“I grew up with fuckin’ bad intentions, and I had to mention, I’m the teacher and superintendent, I pray to God I’m forgiven/
For all the missions, young Sheck Wes didn’t listen, I was out there, really drillin’, out there really killin’, on the court, givin’ n***as, I been ballin’/”
Directed by Wes and White Trash Tyler, the accompanying video starts off with an older version of the “Mo Bamba” artist reminiscing to friends about his younger days as an NBA prospect. The clip then flashbacks to mostly black-and-white footage of Sheck Wes geting the star baller, even being announced by a fake Adam Silver and giving his draft speech at one point. Elsewhere, popular dancers KidTheWiz, John O, Moe Black, and Mok Lite show off some dope moves from the inside of a subway car.
Prior to “#BEENBALLIN,” Sheck Wes made a post-JackBoys return with “Rich One Day.” Along with the newer cut, the singles are expected to appear on the forthcoming album Hell 2 Paradise, which will act as the official follow-up to 2018’s Mudboy.
Until that happens, you can press play on “#BEENBALLIN” below.