The short-lived feud between Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard and Memphis Grizzlies forward Marvin Bagley III has ended, and they have now taken their talents to the studio together. Bagley spoke with LandonBuford.com recently and reported that the two NBA stars are in good company and have collaborated on multiple tracks.
“We are good, and we actually have a couple of tracks together. ” Bagley signaled an unexpected but exciting turn of events for fans of both hoopers and hip-hop.
The Origins of the Feud
The rivalry between Lillard and Bagley in the rap world dates back to 2019, when the former Sacramento Kings member made a bold claim on ESPN’s ‘First Take.’
When asked if he was willing to take on Lillard in a rap battle, Bagley replied confidently, “Yeah. For sure.”
The Diss Tracks Exchange
Bagley released a diss record called ‘No Debate’ shortly after declaring, with a photo of him passionately celebrating and Lillard standing beside him with his head down. The track ignited a discussion among NBA and hip-hop fans alike. Lillard, who goes by the nickname Dame D.O.L.L.A., did not hesitate to respond with his own diss track [‘MARVINNNNNN???],’ which furthered the rivalry and fueled social media debates about which player was the better rapper.
NBA and Hip-Hop Reactions
The basketball and music communities were quickly captivated by the rap battle between the two NBA stars.
Lillard won the rap battle and was selected as the winner by both fellow NBA players and well-known New York rapper Joe Budden.
“Ended that one in a matter of hours lol,” Budden tweeted at the time.
Moving Forward: From Competition to Collaboration
The beef was short-lived despite the competitive nature of the rap battle. Over time, Bagley and Lillard returned to basketball, with Bagley currently in Memphis and Lillard moving to Milwaukee.
The two players have come together creatively almost five years after their rap rivalry became headlines. Despite the lack of information about their upcoming tracks, fans can expect a unique combination of their styles when they officially release their new music.
The unexpected reconciliation and collaboration between the NBA and the hip-hop community demonstrate how competition can lead to creative partnerships and foster camaraderie.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
