Fade To Black
Sunday, January 26th, will always be the day that Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna died in a helicopter crash. It is so devastating - too soon and too sudden to form any words that truly express the wholeness of the loss. I remember when Kobe retired from the NBA, and Scoop Jackson, ESPN, and Kendrick Lamar partnered to pay tribute to Kobe Bryant with an article and video titled, “Fade To Black.” Although retiring from a job and the enormity of this tragedy is not the same thing, the acclamations that the rapper and sports writer expressed about Kobe, echo into both unbelievable endings. Kendrick Lamar’s words and video are below:
Kendrick Lamar says his goodbyes to Kobe Bryant in “Fade To Black” tribute
What can we say? Kobe Bryant without a doubt goes down as one of the greatest basketball players to put the ball down on the hardwood. The endless amount of memories he gave us while wearing no. 8 and no. 24 on his jersey; we are never to forget.
Written by Scoop Jackson, ESPN and Kendrick Lamar partner up to deliver a tribute for Kobe Bryant, titled “Fade To Black.” Kobe will play his last and final game on Wednesday night. Going up against the Utah Jazz, it will be the final time we see Kobe play in the Staple Center.
“It’s over, it’s really over? Kobe retiring? That’s crazy!,” Kendrick Lamar said in disbelief.
It is crazy to think that this man gave us two decades worth of professional basketball.
During the tribute, we go back to some of Kobe’s most greatest moments on the court. From Compton to Crenshaw, Kendrick shared Kobe’s influence on the West Coast.
“If you wasn’t born or raised here, or never lived here, you probably will never understand.” K. Dot said. “But I’m gonna make sure you do.”
Going through his alley-oop to Shaq, his phase of the afro, his 81-point performance, and much more.
Kendrick and Scoop Jackson were vivid with their words and emotions, as “Untitled 07 (Levitate)” played in the background. As we say farewell to one of the greatest to ever do it, the memories live forever.