Iconic NBA anthems

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The NBA is one of the biggest and most exciting professional sports leagues in the world. With tens of millions of fans worldwide, they boast some of the most impressive athletes across all sports. Millions of fans wager on their favorite players to add to the excitement, with NBA player props some of the most thrilling to back. The action is truly electrifying as is the atmosphere in the stadiums they play in. Part of what adds to that atmosphere is the music we hear at live games. Massive tracks are played throughout the night with fans encouraged to sing and dance along, especially if it means making it onto the big screen. Let’s take a look at some of the biggest songs that are part of the soundtrack of the NBA.

Kanye West – All Of The Lights

Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” is one of the most iconic NBA anthems of all time. The horns played at the beginning of the song are instantly recognizable and immediately get the fans at games out of their seats. A powerful beat and anthemic chorus follow with Kanye featuring Rihanna and longtime friend and collaborator Kid Cudi. It is a song that crosses party lines, featuring in stadiums of teams across both conferences. It encapsulates all of the excitement and energy of the league itself and truly raises the roof every time it blares over the speakers.

House Of Pain – Jump Around

Yet another classic, this 90s anthem has stood the test of time. It has played in stadiums for decades with its infectious beat and is always a crowd pleaser. It is a case of jump by name and jump by nature with fans rising out of their seats to match the energy of the iconic chorus. There is a reason this song has stuck around for decades. It is fun, upbeat and all about excitement. It is perfect for basketball and has continued to get fan fired up for over 30 years.

Queen – We Will Rock You

One of the biggest rock anthems of all time, Queen’s, We Will Rock You is incredibly powerful. Another that is instantly recognizable, this time by it’s iconic ‘Stomp, stomp, clap’ drumline, it is almost interactive in nature. It allows fans to get involved and feel even more like a part of something big, adding to an incredible atmosphere. The energy builds all the way to the iconic chorus where fans will sing along with the thousands in attendance. This song is one that can be found in all sports and NBA is no different, becoming part and parcel of attending a game.

The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army

Yet another song that is instantly recognizable, the iconic bassline into riff can be heard in sports stadiums all around the world. It is such an anthem that it has almost become synonymous with sport itself and you can hear it at NBA stadiums up and down the country. The best thing about this track is you don’t even need to know the lyrics— simply chant along. The energy this creates is second to none and will be right near the top of the soundtrack for any in-game DJ.

Eminem – Lose Yourself

A song that is all about putting it all on the line and backing yourself to take everything home, Lose Yourself is right at home in the NBA. Often used by the in-game DJ when things get tight, it may not just lift the fans but the players as well. The chorus is known by most all of us and nothing speaks true to life as a game like Lose Yourself does. After all, come the end of the game, you may truly only have ‘one shot’.

Technotronic – Pump Up The Jam

Although they only had one hit, Technotronic’s iconic track has now been a hit at NBA games across five different decades. First released in 1989, Pump Up the Jam has been pumping up crowds across the league for a long time now and is yet another go-to for DJs. Often used at the beginning of games during stoppages, it sets the tone for the rest of the night and gets fans up out of their seats and dancing.

There are many NBA anthems that have been played and continue to bless our eardrums throughout the years and these are just a few of them. They all play their role in creating an electrifying atmosphere with many becoming synonymous with the sport itself.

In these moments they become more than just songs, instead they are imbedded into the culture of the NBA. They help lift fans when their teams are down, keep the atmosphere hostile for away teams and give that extra push to the players on the court. Above all, they help create lasting memories for us fans who attend and allow us to connect with our favorite team and players.

Bernard - Side-Line Staff Chief editor

Bernard Van Isacker is the Chief Editor of Side-Line Magazine. With a career spanning more than two decades, Van Isacker has established himself as a respected figure in the darkwave scene.

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