Stalley and Kevin Durant formed a cross-industry cooperation after participating in a star-studded group chat with NBA players and rappers.
The Phoenix Suns All-Star briefly switched in his buttery jump jumper for a microphone when he collaborated with the Blue Collar Gang rapper on the thundering “Scared Money,” which debuted on streaming services on Friday (Feb. 16).
“One day we was talking and he was like, ‘Yo bro, send me a record to hop on,'” Stalley recalls being astonished to learn Durant was eager to put his rhyming skills to the test late last summer.
To become acquainted with the EasyMoneySniper’s flow, the Ohio-bred rapper listened to some unreleased Durant songs recommended by a mutual buddy. Then something snapped in Stalley’s head, and he sent over the beat for “Scared Money,” which included bristling drums growling behind glittering production.
“I had that sitting not for long [because] I was working on my album,” Stalley recollects. “I had just added the hook and verse to it, and there was an open verse. “I’m like, ‘I’ll send it to him and see what he thinks.'”
Much to Stalley’s surprise, KD’s turnaround time was faster than his release behind the three-point line. “He sent it right back,” Stall adds. “[Durant] sent it back faster than some rappers.”
Durant’s introspective bars have him comparing himself to the enigmatic NFL star Randy Moss and paying tribute to his grandmother, who died in February 2022. He waxes poetic about his status among the NBA’s luminaries while demonstrating his desire for more: “In this hoop world, I’m Freddie, Jason/I’m sitting in the places of greats but never complacent.”
The former NBA MVP isn’t new to the rap game; he’s had lyrics circulating around since the 2011 NBA lockout.
Drake also hired KD as an executive producer for his For All the Dogs project and its Scary Hours reissue edition. Lil Wayne recently referred to Durant as a “jewel” and a “backpack” rapper, hinting that they are working on a collaboration that the New Orleans icon hopes to feature on Tha Carter VI.
Stalley, 41, was immensely impressed by Kevin Durant’s poetic abilities and believes listeners will be “really shocked” in a positive way after pushing play.
“You can tell he’s spent time finding his voice and comfortability while creating,” Stalley says of Durant. “I didn’t want it to sound like we jumped on a rhythm and started rhyming. I wanted it to feel like a finished record. I wanted us to complement one another. It was not about attempting to outrap someone.”
Don’t anticipate this to be the last time Stalley and KD collaborate on wax; the former MMG rapper predicts more tracks in the future, and even teases the potential of a joint project.
“We been talking and possibly been shooting some ideas about maybe doing a collab project,” Stalley says with a laugh. “Looking for a talented producer to collaborate on an EP with us. We’ve absolutely been having such chats. We will undoubtedly have more records to drop.”
“Scared Money” is a single that will give impetus for Stalley’s second album, Peerless, which will be released on his own label in mid-to-late March.
Stalley believes that his collaboration with Durant “inspires more athletes to make music.” “I’m hoping this gives them the confidence and excitement to step into the music,” he said. “I’m all for people doing everything and expressing themselves.”
He returns to recognize the “brotherhood” that evolved in his group chat for eventually leading to the partnership with the two-time NBA Finals MVP. “Without us, maybe, speaking every day, this would have never happened,” Stalley says with a laugh.
Watch the “Scared Money” video and listen to the single below.