Ja Rule agreed with Beverley, who blamed Morant’s family and the Grizzlies star’s choice of music
The Ja Morant situation has had the NBA world buzzing, and plenty of people are sharing their two cents. Patrick Beverley recently caused a bit of a stir by blaming Morant’s parents and affinity for hip-hop culture for the Memphis Grizzlies star’s troubling antics. Interestingly, American rapper Ja Rule agreed with the take.
“I’m sure there is,” Ja Rule answered when asked if he agreed that gangster rap influenced Morant. “Hip hop is very influential. I’ve done things in my youth because of hip-hop. Redman made ‘How to Roll a Blunt,’ so I smell the blood. In fact, Snoop ‘Gin and Juice,’ I started drinking gin and juice. So, hip-hop is very influential. I’m not gonna say it’s not.”
nfluence of music
Beverley rarely holds his tongue when he feels strongly about a specific topic. And given that Morant is one of the potential faces of the league in the future and that he has had his fair share of battles with the young Grizzlies point guard, the Chicago Bulls veteran surely had to join the conversation.
However, Pat’s comments might come across as divisive as it implies that rap music, which many players and fans regularly consume, is to blame for Morant’s reckless behavior. Of course, there is some truth to Beverley’s remarks, as Ja Rule himself affirms based on his experience.
Turning things around
Hopefully, the Grizzlies star can learn from his mistakes. So far, he has expressed his desire to change his ways, claiming to take full responsibility for his recent gun-toting incident.
It remains to be seen if Ja can indeed make a 180-degree turn from what has probably been the darkest chapter of his life. Of course, he must do as much to realize his full potential as a basketball player and help Memphis become a legitimate playoff contender.
Ja Rule offered a piece of unsolicited advice to the 23-year-old.
“The thing with Ja is I just hope he has better people around him and just let him know that ain’t the way,” Ja Rule added. “You go play ball, man. The streets ain’t about nothing. Go grind on them. Keep balling. That’s it. We all make mistakes.”
Fans can see Morant return to the court as early as Monday, as he will have completed his eight-game suspension that day. But the team has not officially announced that its cornerstone will suit up against the Dallas Mavericks.