27 Best Basketball Songs & Songs About Basketball Ever

Music amplifies any event, whether it's a wedding, a cookout, or your favorite sport. Basketball is the perfect case since it revolves around music and has many incredible songs that showcase the incredible sport. So, let's take a trip down memory lane and check out the greatest basketball songs ever.

“Roundball Rock” by John Tesh

Song Year: 1990

Once John Tesh woke up late at night humming the tune “Da-da-da-da-da da-da-da”, he knew he had struck gold. He didn't want to forget the song, but he didn't have a tape recorder, so he sent a voicemail to his home in Los Angeles instead. This would become the NBA's iconic theme song.

The NBA theme “Roundball Rock” lets loose a flood of memories from previous playoffs and legendary NBA moments. Whether it's Michael Jordan's three-peat or the late great Kobe “Bean” Bryant demonstrating why he was known as the Black Mamba. We will hum this song every time we watch a basketball game for the rest of our lives.

“They Reminisce Over You (T.R.O.Y.)” by Pete Rock & CL Smooth

Song Year: 1991

If you're a basketball fan, you've undoubtedly heard Pete Rock and CL Smooth's legendary song, “They Reminisce Over You”. When you first hear that smooth saxophone sample at the beginning of the track, you are instantly transported to a time when you were younger, playing NBA Street Vol 2, one of the best basketball games of all time.

This song would automatically start playing after inserting the game disc into your game system. Ironically, you start to reminisce about the good ol’ days anytime you listen to this track.

“Basketball” by Kurtis Blow

Song Year: 1984

“Basketball” by Kurtis Blow is possibly the most recognizable basketball song ever written. This song kicks off the hip-hop-basketball connection that has led to many of the songs on this list. With just one listen, the hook will become ingrained in your mind. While Kurtis Blow's first verse's opening lines are simplistic, they are iconic and begin the popularity of basketball.

“Space Jam” by Quad City DJ’s

Song Year: 1996

Space Jam is the most popular basketball film of all time, introducing a slew of big-name players to the big screen for the first time, including arguably the best to ever grace the sport, Michael Jordan. Quad City DJ's “Space Jam” is the theme song for this iconic film.

This song appears throughout the film and is among the standout tracks from this movie’s soundtrack. Furthermore, if you haven’t noticed, this song sounds similar to Quad City DJ’s other hit, “C’mon N Ride It (The Train)”.

“Fly Like an Eagle” by Seal

Song Year: 1996

Another song from Space Jam’s soundtrack is “Fly Like an Eagle” by Seal. This song is featured throughout the film and is a cover of Steve Miller’s original version of the same name. Seal’s reiteration of the song became a top ten hit and is one of the most noticeable songs from the soundtrack.

“My Main Aim” by MC Lyte

Song Year: 2004

Returning to video games, we must include NBA Live 2005’s standout song by MC Lyte, “My Main Aim.” This song comes from one of the best basketball video games to ever grace our television screens as kids. When you first start the game, a cutscene plays with this song playing over the top of flashy dunks and jaw-dropping maneuvers.

This song, and the intro as a whole, made basketball look even more fun than it already was. It also had every kid in the room rapping along with MC Lyte at the time. This is just one of the songs from the soundtrack that we will be talking about.

“Playin’ The Game” by Lil Bow Wow

Song Year: 2002

If you're a basketball fan, you must have seen “Like Mike” back in the day. Similar to Space Jam, this film featured some of the best NBA players of the time, including Allen Iverson, Dirk Nowitski, Steve Nash, and others.

This song, featuring Jermaine Dupri, is one of the most memorable from the Like Mike soundtrack. This song immediately reminds you of the paint fight scene near the end of the movie, which cements Calvin and Tracy's friendship.

“Blow the Whistle” by Too $hort

Song Year: 2006

This is a go-to song for many arenas in the NBA today. This track is about making a mistake, and when that happens in sports, the referee usually blows the whistle, like in basketball.

This is one of Too $hort’s most popular tracks and is a hit down in Oakland, where the artist is from. This song is in basketball video games and even had Damian Lillard, an Oakland native, dancing along to it when he hit a three-pointer in “the bubble”.

“Sweet Georgia Brown” by Brother Bones and His Shadows

Song Year: 1925

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters and their jaw-dropping maneuvers come to mind when you hear the first whistle on this track. The Globetrotters are a professional basketball team with a worldwide reputation for excellence, and Brother Bones' rendition of the song perfectly captures their essence.

This song encapsulates the comedy and effortless brilliance of this team. The Harlem Globetrotters, who started as the Chicago Globetrotters in 1926, popularized the sport and are older than the NBA. The Globetrotters' lineup has changed numerous times since 1926, but the magic has remained.

“Sirius” by Alan Parsons Project

Song Year: 1982

This song became the opening track for the Chicago Bulls in 1984. The Bulls' announcer, Tommy Davis, heard the instrumental of this song in a theater. The very next day, Tommy began practicing player introductions over it, and it quickly became their intro song.

This song struck fear into fans and players alike during the incredible 1991–1998 championship run. This was the perfect song to energize Bulls fans far and wide and do the opposite to their opponents.

“The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco

Song Year: 2011

This song isn't a sample from Alan Parsons' Sirius, but it sounds strikingly similar to the beginning. This vibe is one of the many reasons why this song is so popular and fits in so well with the start of a basketball game. From the horns in the background to the lyrics in the foreground, this song is truly inspirational.

This is such a great motivational song that it's not just for basketball or sports; it's for any time you're struggling and you need that extra push. It demonstrates how the world is your oyster and how you should always put your best foot forward.

“Jump Around” by House of Pain Is Another Basketball Song

Song Year: 1992

This is another hit song that gets basketball audiences hyped for game time. Since 1992, this has been one of the go-to songs to get basketball fans excited and is still played to this day. The song may be simplistic, but it has an infectious way of moving the crowd.

In addition to being played in arenas, this song was also featured in the basketball movie “Rebound”, starring the hilarious Martin Lawrence.

“Basketball” by Lil Bow Wow

Song Year: 2002

Returning to the soundtrack of the iconic Like Mike film, this cover of Kurtis Blow's “Basketball” has a more modern take on the legendary song, at least for 2002. In the middle of the song, this track takes on a similar vibe to the 1980s version as well.

This is the film's most well-known song, and it sets the tone for the rest of the soundtrack.  Fundisha's hook will stay with you for weeks and make you want to play basketball right away. Fabolous even jumps on the track to show off his skills and pay tribute to legends such as Dikembe Mutombo and the Harlem Globetrotters.

“Hit ‘em High” by Busta Rhymes, Coolio, LL Cool J & Method Man

Song Year: 1996

Another song from the Space Jam soundtrack is this hard-hitting track. This is the Anthem of the Monstars, the antagonists of the film. To dominate the game, they steal the basketball skills of some NBA stars.

Each verse depicts the Monstars’ ferocity and willingness to go to any length to win on the court. This song is still as haunting and powerful as it was when it was first recorded, even after more than two decades.

“Remember the Name” by Fort Minor

Song Year: 2005

If you ever played sports as a kid, particularly basketball, you'll recall the song “Remember the Name.” This has been the anthem for sports since 2005, whether it's biddy ball or the NBA.

This is another motivational song on the list that gets the players amped up for a game of basketball. This track demonstrates that with dedication and hard work, you, too, can make a name for yourself in this sport, or whatever endeavor you pursue.

“All of the Lights” by Kanye West

Song Year: 2011

“All of the Lights,” by Kanye West, had to be on this list. This list includes a couple of Kanye West songs, and this one fits in nicely with the overall message of many of these basketball songs.

This isn't necessarily a basketball song; rather, it's about Kanye's celebrity life. However, this track has been used in sports to represent stepping up when the spotlight is on you. This has appeared in many playoff promo packages, during basketball games, and even in NBA 2K14.

“Basketball Jones” by Barry White & Chris Rock

Song Year: 1996

“Basketball Jones” is the final song from the Space Jam soundtrack that we'd like to include.  This song immediately brings to mind the predicament that NBA players faced when their basketball skills vanished in Space Jam.

The legendary scenes in which Charley Barkley couldn't even play with some kids and had to seek help from a therapist, or when other stars, such as Patrick Ewing, went to see a doctor, are priceless. This song will make you want to dance right away.

“Kick, Push” by Lupe Fiasco

Song Year: 2006

The second track from Lupe Fiasco, and quite possibly the most well-known, is the legendary “Kick, Push”. This track follows a skateboarder from their childhood to their adulthood.

This song was released in 2006 and is still played today, even during the Finals. “Kick, Push” isn't officially a basketball song, but some have interpreted it as such. This song is practically made for playing basketball and will work well in any of the older basketball games, such as NBA Street Vol. 2.

“Ride Wit Me” by MC Lyte

Song Year: 2003

Speaking of NBA Street Vol 2, we had to showcase one of the most memorable songs from the soundtrack. In “Ride Wit Me,” MC Lyte graces us with her presence again.

You can't help but think of all the insane game breakers and trick dunks you've done in the past when this song starts playing. MC Lyte rapping about how she's a high scorer makes you want to fire up your old PS2 and play the game immediately.

“New Level” by A$AP Ferg

Song Year: 2016

A$AP Ferg’s “New Level” sounds like it fits perfectly with sports because he intended to do so. This song was a labor of love for all the incredible athletes that aim to be the best.

He even wanted his music video to look like a sports commercial. He did so because he knew that professional athletes, such as those in the NBA, listened to his music before games, and he wanted to add another song to their playlist.

“Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes

Song Year: 2003

“Seven Nation Army” is a song that epitomizes game day. Since its release in 2003, this has been used in sports to energize fans and players before a game. Whether it’s football or basketball, this song will get everyone pumped up and ready to put everything on the line.

This song has been played in the NBA huddle before games on numerous occasions, including during the 2013 NBA Finals. This song even made a crossover to sports entertainment in Wrestlemania.

“All I Do Is Win” by DJ Khaled & T-Pain

Song Year: 2010

“All I Do Is Win” is one of the more well-known songs on the list. Some might argue that this song has overstayed its welcome since its release in 2010, but some still believe it is the best hype song of all time. Either way, this song has made its mark on sports and can still be heard in preparation for game day even today.

“The Best” by Stat Quo

Song Year: 2004

The last track from the historic NBA Live 2005 soundtrack is “The Best” by Stat Quo. “The Best” is one of the more underrated tracks from this list and this soundtrack, but it is perfect for amping oneself up. This song would be perfect for any Gatorade or sports commercial.

Everyone should strive to be the best and work to become it, which is what this song is all about. It even mentions the sport of basketball and how well they handle the ball before dunking it in their opponents' faces.

“POWER” by Kanye West

Song Year: 2010

Another song from Kanye West’s “My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy” has joined the conversation. “Power” is yet another track on the list that isn't directly related to basketball but is used in basketball repeatedly.

One of the many cases is when the Miami Heat's fans sang this song during Game 5 of the NBA Finals. When it was clear that the Heat would be crowned champions, the crowd came together to show that the Heat had “all that power.”

“Superstar” by Lupe Fiasco

Song Year: 2007

Apparently, Lupe Fiasco has a lot of motivational songs; he is pretty inspirational. “Superstar” is one of the three songs on the list, and it is as thought-provoking and inspiring as they come.

This song has many layers, which is why it has been interpreted in many different ways. It can show that any dream can come true, even being an NBA superstar. It can also showcase how the spotlight isn’t all glitz and glamor. It also aligns perfectly with the character Michael Young History’s story.

“WIN” by Jay Rock

Song Year: 2018

For the past four years, this has been an anthem for everyone who aspires to win in life. If you want to listen to a song that makes you want to win more than ever, then this is your new jam.

According to Jay Rock, the trumpets even sound like you're ready for the playoffs, and, coincidentally, they were used during the 2018 playoffs. This song shows that nothing can get in your way when you are determined.

“The Choice is Yours” by Black Sheep

Song Year: 1991

This list would not be complete without another classic from NBA Street Vol. 2. Black S

If basketball had a soundtrack, this song would be at the top of the list. When those who grew up with the game hear this song, the first thing that comes to mind is dunking on your friends and family on NBA Street. That wave of nostalgia is why this song will complete the list.

Top Songs About Basketball, Final Thoughts

That's our list of the greatest basketball songs of all time. This list includes songs from some of the best basketball video games and songs that define the sport. Take a trip down memory lane by listening to some of the tracks above.