LeBron James Says Jay Z’s “A Star Is Born” Helped Him Win 2016 NBA Championship

On Sunday night (June 19), LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers made history, becoming the first team to overcome a 3-1 deficit to win the NBA Finals. Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors had a historic run of their own, winning a record breaking 73 games this season, but they were ultimately no match for LeBron, who won his third ring, and gave the Cavaliers their first championship in franchise history.

Speaking with ESPN's Scott Van Pelt after the game, LeBron made reference to Jay Z's "A Star Is Born" featuring J. Cole off of 2009's The Blueprint 3 in explaining the feat. "I just always go back to the Jay Z song 'A Star is Born.'" he said. "You guys back in the studio go look it up, listen to it. I just always listen to that and I always stay true to the game. I know what I’m capable of, not only on the floor but also off the floor as well, with my leadership and what I bring to the table."

For the unfamiliar, "A Star Is Born" is Jay Z's version of applauding the competition. He gives props to the many rappers he's seen rise to stardom including Eminem, DMX and 50 Cent. The hook on the song goes "Every day a star is born" with the subtext being that rappers have come and gone, accomplished many great things, and through it all, Jay was on top. Similarly, throughout LeBron's 13 year career, many NBA players have risen to stardom, perhaps most notably two-time reigning MVP Steph Curry. In defeating the Warriors, LeBron not only brought a championship to his hometown state, he also reasserted his dominance over would-be competitors. Every day stars are made, but they aren't LeBron.

James has made reference to Jay Z songs before, answering a question of retaliating against opponents by quoting the “Streets Is Watching" line, “If I shoot you, I’m brainless / But if you shoot me, you’re famous.” Though Hov has repeatedly drawn allusions between himself and Michael Jordan, there's no denying a kinship between he and James, who clearly uses the rapper as inspiration. Watch LeBron deliver the quote himself up top with a cigar in hand. Detractors really have no choice now but to clap for 'em.

Hip-Hop Reacts to Cleveland Cavaliers Winning Game 7 of 2016 NBA Finals