Space Jam: A New Legacy

LeBron James release Space Jam 2

The King himself established a new legacy with the long-awaited sequel of Space Jam 2. The movie is based upon NBA legend, LeBron James’ upbringing, career, and family. Opening the movie is actor Stephen Kankole playing young LeBron in 1998 Akron, OH. The movie goes on to detail the events of his career from playing ball in high school, making it to the NBA, & a few of his other accomplishments outside of basketball.

The rest of the film takes place in a video game simulation. This wild virtual world is filled with numerous Warner Bros cameos from every character imaginable. Safe to say that this movie was a roller coaster. The storyline of the movie focused on Lebron James and his son “Dom James”, played by Cedric Joe, who was a representation of LeBron’s real son, Bryce James.

The main lessons of the movie focused on family values and giving your children the freedom to be who they want to be. Nobody was expecting an Oscar performance from LeBron James but I must say that he did an exceptionally well job of capturing the audience and making them feel like they too were a part of the movie.

Don Cheadle was the true MVP of this movie playing a fantastic role as the villain “All-G Rhythm”. The veteran actor brought a witty tone that fit perfectly in the movie.

Speaking of valuable players, 2x MVP and Pheonix Mercury point guard, Daina Tarausi played a Goon Squad villain along with 2016 MVP and LA Sparks power forward, Nneka Ogwumike. To see two powerful women who play in the WNBA have these roles was very exhilarating.

The Soundtrack

Just as dope as the virtual universe was, there was an equally dope soundtrack. With features from a wide variety of artists such Kirk Franklin, the Jonas Brothers, and Big Freedia, the soundtrack was just as creative and colorful as the movie itself. Below are my top favorite songs from the soundtrack:

We Win by Kirk Franklin ft. Lil Baby

This song was the lead single of the movie and rightfully so. With gospel legend Kirk Franklin and hero Lil Baby the combination of these two artists blended we’ll on this track. The song is uplifting with the cultivation of the choir and Lil Baby’s rhymes and style add a special sauce to it. Most definitely an encouraging song that stresses the importance of unity and is most likely to move anyone who listens to it.

Lil Baby

“Diamond by myself, together we really shine Long as I keep putting’ my faith and trust in God I know that everything will be fine”

“Never goin’ back, I broke the reverse It come from my soul, no need to rehearse Lot of time, I was in need of work Talked to God like “I need this to work”

Pump Up The Jam by Lil Uzi Vert

This song is most definitely something that is guaranteed to get you hype. Even though it is not filled with lyricism, Lil Uzi Vert’s sound was perfect for this track. It’s only right that it was the song to start the tip off between the Tunes and the Goons

Lil Uzi Vert

“Doing what I want, you only doin' what you can (Huh?) I'm in outer space, I don't even think that I'm gon' land, yeah (Whoa) Pump up the jam, alley-oop, that's a slam, yeah (Bow) Dunk like LeBron, but I shoot like Durant, yeah (Bow)”

Hoops ft. Kash Doll, Saweetie, & Salt N’ Peppa

Just as LeBron uses this film to highlight female powerhouses within the WNBA he highlights women in the music industry as well. The song “Hoops” is carried by artists Kash Doll, Saweetie & Salt N Pepa. Salt N Peppa also has a song on the original Space Jam called “Upside Down” so it is a full circle moment for them to be apart of this sequel. The main thing about this track is that each artist keeps to their own sound yet they compliment each other well

Kash Doll:

“Look thirty-point game, fifty-point chain (Bling) I come from Detroit, we playin' Cartiers (Detroit) If my team do you dirty, I'm the one to blame Y'all keep throwin' shade, we gon' throw a rage”

Saweetie:

“Never take a day off Wake up every day, and give them something they can hate on Swear you ain't a fan in the stands, like the playoffs Heavy sweat checks in the gym get that weight off Baby, watch it pay off”

Salt N’ Peppa:

“Can't nobody run me Bunny hoppin' to this bag, like Lola Bunny I shoot my shot can't nobody take it from me Fans all around the world, you know they love me”

Overview

Overall, Space Jam 2 was a great movie for the younger millennium. For many kids who admire LeBron James, this is a movie that I am sure they are happy they can grow up on. This is not the end of LeBron’s projects as he has many things in store that will continue to inspire the younger generation.