RAPPING
One of the periods of Kobe Bryant’s life that is rarely ever spoken of was his ill-fated attempt at a rap career toward the end of the 1990s. Like many other star athletes, the youngster had a deep passion for MC-ing and wanted to give a career in music a shot. Famed record executive Steve Stoute offered to manage Bryant, moving him to New Jersey during the offseason to work on material. It is there that he was connected with then up and comer 50 Cent to collaborate on what would become “Thug Poet.” Stoute also put him in the studio with model/actress Tyra Banks for the lead single to his album titled “K.O.B.E.” The album was eventually scrapped and Kobe’s musical pursuits have rarely been spoken of since. The silver lining though is that Bryant met his future wife Vanessa Laine on the set of Tha Eastsidaz music video shoot, where he was also shooting his own video nearby. That video too was scrapped. If he chooses to, Kobe might decide to delve back into the music world, surely there will be plenty of producers and songwriters lined up for what would be a huge payday.
