To get to the NBA is already an incredible feat. One player even said that it is like belonging to one percent. Naz Reid has something bigger he can brag about. This achievement is probably less than one percent of players that has played in the NBA.
The Minnesota Timberwolves forward’s name was dropped by no other than J.Cole in the rapper’s new album The Fall Off. It was not just a simple shoutout. It referenced what he can do on the court.
Reid’s name was mentioned in the song Man Up Above which is about success and the chaos that it brings. The lyrics read:
Get paid for goin’ in; the [expletive] I’m goin’ out for?
When ni–as stretchin’ shit like a new school power forward
Naz Reid range
But when these boys is shootin’, ni–as start breathin’ strange
It is J.Cole’s first studio album since 2021. He had a mix tape in 2024.
Superstar players are usually the ones who get referenced a lot in rap songs. Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, and Stephen Curry are all in the Top 5 of most referenced players by famous rappers.
A research by BasketballNews.com reveals Kobe stands out among others, even against players from other sports, having been mentioned 1147 times as of 2021.
Naz Reid is surprised by the reference
Reid is a surprising mention from the Middle Child singer. He is not a superstar like the ones mentioned above. His biggest personal accolade so far is winning the Sixth Man of Year. It should be noted though that the rapper has had songs where he shoutout non All-Stars like Markelle Fultz and Dennis Smith Jr.
The Wolves player himself has the same reaction. He said it took him a while to hear the song, describing it as a crazy moment.
“That was fire, I had no clue, I didn’t know he knew me. That was crazy, the bar was crazy, I mean especially being a song from the album and it’s really good,” he said in an interview with reporter Andrew Dukowitz.
“If you ask me that’s the best song, not because of my name but you could add that in there… I woke up and a few people told me about it, and I was like what are you talking about. Then I checked out, it’s a good song and I’ve been playing it sense, you know, got to make sure everybody hear it.”
Naz Ried on his name being in the J. Cole track The Fall Off
(Incredibly wholesome answer, listen to it all if you can)“That was fire, I had no clue, I didn’t know he knew me. That was crazy, the bar was crazy, I mean especially being a song from the album and it’s really good.… pic.twitter.com/3JyZjodU0B
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) February 7, 2026
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