The scene inside the car is lively. The backpack near his feet vibrates to the beat of the music blaring from the car speakers. CD cases shake in the console next to his left elbow. It’s 2011, and Paolo Banchero is cruising around Seattle on a cloudy afternoon in his dad’s car. Whether they’re on their way to practice, grabbing a meal, or running errands, one thing remains constant – Jay-Z’s 2006 album, Kingdom Come.
The melodic piano keys of “Lost One.” The powerful horns and drums of “Show Me What You Got.” The crisp high hats of “Oh My God.” These are the tunes that shaped Paolo Banchero.
“Jay-Z was one of the first rappers I ever listened to,” Paolo recalls. “I was just growing up, finding myself as a kid and a player. That CD was always playing in the car. I listened to it countless times, and I grew to love it.”
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Looking at Jay-Z’s album covers and watching Paolo play, you’ll notice a striking similarity. Dark backgrounds and a sharp appearance. A cool intensity radiates from both figures. A leader commanding attention with wisdom beyond their years.
Paolo Banchero has arrived. His time with the Blue Devils is in the past. The Rookie of the Year award is within reach. He’s dropping 30 points, bulldozing defenders with his shoulder, and bringing the Orlando Magic back to the playoffs, all while wearing the Air Jordan 39s. Pure opulence.
Although Paolo grew up admiring Jay-Z, he’s also attuned to contemporary music. By February of the 2023-24 season, the budding All-Star realized he needed to reconnect with his musical roots.
“I found myself listening to the same music, getting bored of it,” Paolo admits. “I thought, Why am I not listening to Jay-Z? I’ve been stuck on this other music for too long. I need to go back to my roots.”
He did more than just nostalgia trip. Like he did with his dad’s stack of CDs, Paolo delved into the classics in his music library, seeking that old school vibe. The throwbacks. The tunes that fed his soul.
From the end of the regular season to the playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Paolo exclusively jammed to Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, Nas, and Jeezy. “It energized me,” he explains.
He served the Pelicans a 20-point triple-double, dropped back-to-back 32-point games on the road, and hit a game-winning shot over Jalen Duren’s defense. The regular season concluded with a 26-point double-double victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, securing the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference.
This wasn’t just a typical second season. Paolo’s stats – 22.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game – reflected a significant step forward in his evolution into a future superstar. Wayne’s lyrics, Jay’s smooth delivery, and Nas’ flow all contributed to the masterclass we witnessed.
As the playoffs approached, Paolo made some changes. Lil Baby was replaced by Lil Wayne. His braids transformed into tightly bound cornrows. The Air Jordan 39s took the spotlight, replacing the Jordan Luks 2 PEs he had been wearing all season.
