Shots Fired, but Not at the Hoop

4.29.20

Aaron Gordon ‘9 out of 10’ Music Video

Aaron Gordon is a basketball player for the Orlando Magic, widely known for his dunk skills. You may know him as the guy that got snubbed twice at the All Star Weekend Dunk Contest. If not, perhaps you’ll remember him as the latest athlete to try his talents as a rapper. Gordon put out his second music video this month, and this time, it’s a diss track.

The first song is titled Pull Up, featuring an artist, Moe. In the music video, the two are either sitting in a parked car with the doors open, or on a golf course. Gordon is golfing with a bucket hat, an all-over graphic polo tucked into his Bermuda shorts, and some Jordan 1s with the laces pulled out. I think this was my favorite part of the video. Another thing I noticed, is this guy is just cheesing, smiling so hard, the entire time he is rapping. I know this will get the ladies, but I do not think this is the expression we see and expect when witnessing true rappers perform.

So how does it sound? It sounds like, someone who performs well, that has all the resources, with the exception of having the authenticity to play in this space. What I mean is, the song sounds fine. The beat is fine, his voice sounds good. But he isn’t saying meaningful. It sounds like any old verse that anyone who is famous for something other than hip-hop would put together. Moe’s voice is incredibly deep, it catches you by surprise for moment. The clash of the deep lyrics with the singing makes the song catchy, if you’re a huge Gordon fan, or if you’re fan-girling over the man. But only if.

Now, the real gig is this new diss song, titled ‘9 out of 10’. This song starts with some weird, half-way chopped-and-screwed autotune of Gordon citing 9 out of 10 repeatedly. As for the rest of the song, we get the vocals, but on a deeper, more serious note than the first song. The title of the track ‘9 out of 10’ has a clear meaning. Dwayne Wade gave Gordon a 9 out of 10 on his dunk, where he dunked over Taco Fall, who stands 7’5”. Gordon blames Wade, and his 9 out of 10, for loosing the 2019 Dunk Contest. Gordon was vocal that he felt he was snubbed, and for the second time. Many believe he also could have won the Dunk Contest in 2016, as well. At the time of defeat, Gordon said he will no longer participate in the Dunk Contest. It seems like he still is not over the defeat.

The entire song is a diss at Dwayne Wade and his score. The winner of the contest, Derrick Jones Jr., is a member of the Miami Heat. Obviously, Wade retired with the Miami Heat, and there are definitely some hints in this song that suggest Gordon feels this could have persuaded Wade’s vote. Gordon shares his dreams of winning this trophy is over, and all the things the win would have done for his family. He also name drops several celebrities whom have voiced their opinions on the outcome of the contest. Countering those whom have praised Gordon, he mentions “still tryna jump Shaq since the last one.” Sounds like he is also still hurt over the 2016 loss, and potentially looking to stir a rap beef with Shaq while he’s on the topic.

This song is really not a good look. Sure, it’ll get the people talking, and watching the dunks again. However, I’m not so sure we’re going to have a rematch anytime soon - unless the NBA offers a “Home Court Dunk Contest” and lets the viewers vote. Honestly, could be a great idea. These guys are so bored, they’re putting out rap songs about loosing.

In the 2016 Dunk Contest, Gordon jumped over the mascot, passed the ball under his legs while hovering over him, and making the dunk. Officials instantly yelling it’s over, and the crowd going absolutely insane. He lost that year to Zach Lavine, who wasn’t as stunty with it, but was super quick and aggressive with his performance.

This past year, Derrick Jones Jr. dunked off the backboard, through his legs, jumping over another man, for a perfect 10 dunk. While Gordon had many 10s, this last dunk that shocked the world, may have been too big of a risk. Gordon dunked over Taco Fall who stands at 7’5”. While everyone reporting was hollering “if you dunk over Taco, you win” three judges, including Dwayne Wade gave him 9s. The Derrick Jones dunks were arguably cleaner, but the Taco jump was the clear highlight of the night. Well, the second highlight. Chance the Rapper has got to take the highlight, jumping higher than all the athletes, celebrating the dunk (during the video linked a 7:57).

Shaq was also in attendance at this years Dunk Contest, recording the entire battle, in aw. Since Gordon decided to diss Kobe and Shaq in his rap, I decided to take it back to some Shaq raps, which seems like are mostly diss tracks. My favorite has to be the Lavar Ball diss, where Shaq is reacting to Lavar saying that he could beat him in a game of basketball. Shaq goes off about how Lavar cannot touch him on the court, and throws in some fun jabs as well, such as “Big Baller Brand t-shirts look uncomfortable as hell.” Shaq’s video is super old-school compared to Gordon’s new music. If you had to pick who would win in a diss track battle, it has got to be Shaq. He kind of sound like Rick Ross, rapping about sports. I realized how amusing that combination was after writing it. This is all just a bunch of people playing in fields that they do not belong, but it sure is entertaining.