Kawhi Leonard’s throwing assists on and off the court.
The first single off Leonard’s Culture Jam project was released on Friday. And much to the delight of fans, the album’s lead-off track is the highly anticipated single, “Everything Different,” featuring YoungBoy Never Broke Again and Rod Wave. “Everything Different” blends Rod Wave’s soulful voice with YoungBoy’s raps to create a great introduction to what Culture Jam will sound like.
“I’m waking up with no regrets, I cannot hide from my past,” YoungBoy raps on the track. “And I won’t fall for anything, but play we busting your ass/Hop in the whip without no license, hit the gas, and go fast.” The Rook-directed video stars the top-ranked high school basketball player, Mikey Williams, and follows a young kid who pursues his dream of becoming an NBA player.
Culture Jam, which Leonard made in partnership with Warner Records’ Senior Vice President of A&R, Eesean Bolden—who also executive produced the project—is expected to be released this summer through Virgin Music Label & Artist Services.
“Culture Jam will always be a platform where creators’ ideas and talents come to life and serve our family and our communities,” Leonard said in a statement. “As an athlete that loves family, music, culture, and community, it was extremely important for me to build a space where all these elements thrive. Culture Jam’s significance is not only timely but it is also necessary. Equally, it is extremely important to support youth. My donation to the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation is just the beginning of that support and connection.”
Bolden added: “Culture Jam is about celebrating the union of hip-hop, sports, and community. Growing up, I was deeply rooted in both sports and music. Although I chose to pursue music as a career, sports remain a core aspect of who I am today. In making this project with Kawhi, we wanted to honor our culture and uplift our community.”
Leonard first teased “Everything Different” while on Instagram Live with top high school prospect Mikey Williams who also appears on the song’s cover art. “Everything Different” and Culture Jam is Leonard’s charitable contribution to Kobe and Gigi Bryant’s Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation. Proceeds from each stream will go to the organization so that it can fund community development.
Listen to “Everything Different” with YoungBoy and Rod Wave below, check out the video up top, and stay tuned for the full Culture Jam project.
