LL Cool J, The Roots Create NBA In-Season Tournament Soundtrack, Reimagine ‘Mama Said Knock You Out’

Rapper LL Cool J teamed up with The Roots for the “In-Season Tournament Anthem” to kick off the NBA’s first ever In-Season Tournament.

The track is a combination of Cool J's “Mama Said Knock You Out,”  and the Roots’ hit “Here I Come.”

Cool J is a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop icon, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, actor, author and Founder and CEO of Rock The Bells. The Roots have an impressive resume as well, winning four Grammy Awards.

“I’ve been a fan of the NBA ever since I can remember, and it’s a real honor to have my record serving as the anthem for this monumental moment,” LL COOL J said in a statement.

“I’m excited to see the energy of the song translate to the play on the court during the NBA In-Season Tournament.”

The anthem will offer three distinct versions, each featuring wordplay from The Roots’ Black Thought that correspond to different segments of the tournament. The first version of the song will make its television debut Friday during opening night of the NBA In-Season Tournament.

“We just wanted to create some art and that's what we did. So we’re here and it feels exciting.,” Cool J added.

“I think people will enjoy it and I think it will be a great way to kick off the first year of the NBA In-Season Tournament."