Haters gonna hate. Ballers gonna ball. And rappers are going to claim to be (or at least claim to have been) really good at basketball at some point in their life.
We all know rap and basketball are the two entertainment worlds with the thinnest common border. NBA players are always trying to rap, rappers are always trying to play some b-ball.
This weekend, worlds will collide once again as the Entertainers Basketball Classic Inc. (EBC), invites the biggest stars from sports and music to South Beach for an exciting celebrity street ball tournament. We know 2 Chainz, Pusha T, and French Montana can rap, but now we'll see who's the better coach.
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Rappers Ace Hood, Fat Joe, and Jadakiss round out the six celebrity heads of team, and they'll each compete against one another in friendly but fierce match-ups, backed by the skills of street ball's top talent from their home cities of Miami, New York, Atlanta, L.A., and Washington D.C.
The EBC was founded in Harlem back in 1982, but this is its first time bringing the ruckus to SoBe. The EBC is transplanting its own hardwood court onto the sandy beach and propping up a big tent to shade more than 1,000 onlookers.
"We are always trying to create new programming around our legendary tournament," states EBC founder Greg Marius in a press release. "Building a hardwood court on South Beach has never been done and we are proud to be the first to do it. Whatever gets people excited about playing and participating in the sport of basketball is what the EBC is about."
Besides the main match, there's a slam dunk contest and a three-point contest. But it's obviously the big championship prize that everyone will be eyeing. Oh, and make sure you bring a permanent marker and your best pair of sneaks, because tons of other rappers, entertainers, and sports heroes are sure to show up.
The three-day weekend is sponsored by Bacardi and Coors Light, but don't do too much day drinking. You'll want to stay conscious for performances by French Montana, Pusha T, Jadakis, Oun P, and Bizy, then head over to afterparties at Ivy Nightclub, Dream Nightclub, or one of the various satellite pool parties.
This is a one-of-a-kind chance to enjoy music, sports, and sunny weather, and it's never even been done before. Come and cheer on the home team so Miami can reclaim some court glory, and catch some hot performances while you're at it. This is one match where, even if you're team loses, everyone wins.
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Entertainers Basketball Classic Presents the South Beach Invitational. Friday to Sunday, August 15 to 17. Ocean Drive, between 8th and 9th Streets. The competition begins at 1 p.m. and tickets cost $25 to $65 plus fees. Visit southbeachinvitational.com.
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