Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers is already an elite NBA point guard, but his off-court talent is beginning to shine through as well. This week, the two-time All-Star took to Twitter to announce the release of his debut rap album titled "The Letter O," a 12-track compilation featuring Lil Wayne and Jamie Foxx, to name a few.
Oakland, Ogden, Oregon. My debut album #TheLetterO drops tonight @ 9 PST/midnight EST on @iTunes @AppleMusic and @Spotify! #DameDOLLA pic.twitter.com/pUznGF7SQp
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) October 20, 2016
Adopting the moniker Dame D.O.L.L.A., Lillard distributed the album on iTunes, Spotify and Apple Music. As of Friday afternoon, "The Letter O" was No. 2 on iTunes' hip-hop/rap chart and No. 12 among all genres.
Lillard's basketball journey inspired the title. Born and raised in Oakland, the point guard starred collegiately for the Weber State Wildcats in Ogden, Utah, before joining the NBA in Oregon. "The Letter O" utilizes all three locations.
It didn't take long for Lillard's NBA peers to catch wind of his new tunes.
S/O the homie @Dame_Lillard on his first full project #TheLetterO!! Yall make sure to check it out on iTunes asap! The boy in his bag 💰
— LeBron James (@KingJames) October 21, 2016
This dude right here is a problem.. On and off the court. Congrts @dame_lillard on your album... https://t.co/XLe5oMY7kV
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) October 21, 2016
@Dame_Lillard album #TheLetterO straight 🔥🔥🔥 congratulations brother. #DameDOLLA pic.twitter.com/EMWTEInQDH
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) October 21, 2016
Rapping is not a novel hobby for Lillard, who has unleashed multiple singles on the music streaming service Soundcloud and even freestyled as a guest on the nationally syndicated "Sway In The Morning" radio show. Earlier this month, Lillard gave the world a preview of "The Letter O" by putting out a single called "Hero."
Who's listening #TheLetterO today?
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 21, 2016
The Trail Blazers drafted Lillard with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 draft. He has increased his player efficiency rating in each of his first four seasons in the league, most recently compiling averages of 25.1 points, 6.8 assists and 4.0 rebounds during the 2015-16 season.
-- Nick Ostiller
