Kobe Bryant death: Kanye West, Drake, Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z lead artist tributes to NBA star
Some of the world’s most famous musicians are paying tribute to five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant, after he died in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, California on Sunday 26 January.
The 41-year-old was among at least five people who died in the crash. According to reports, Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter, Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, also died.
Musicians including Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Cardi B, Lil Wayne, Meek Mill, A$AP Rocky, Vince Staples, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake and Ice Cube.
I’m so sad and stunned right now. In Staples Arena, where Kobe created so many memories for all of us, preparing to pay tribute to another brilliant man we lost too soon, Nipsey Hussle. Life can be so brutal and senseless sometimes. Hold on to your loved ones. We miss you, Kobe
— John Legend (@johnlegend)
This is heartbreaking. Rest In Peace Kobe.
— Nick Jonas (@nickjonas)
A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:02pm PST
A post shared by Lil Pump Jetski (@lilpump) on Jan 26, 2020 at 11:53am PST
A post shared by Killer Mike (@killermike) on Jan 26, 2020 at 11:51am PST
RIP KOBE , SO SAD , SUCH A SAD DAY N SAD NEWS , WE LOVE U
— LORD FLACKO JODYE II (@asvpxrocky)
😢😢😢😢😢 Kobe this cant be real!!!
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill)
My heart is in pieces hearing the news of this unimaginable tragedy. I can’t fathom what the families are going through. Kobe meant so much to me and to us all. Sending my prayers, love, and endless condolences to Vanessa and the family and anyone who lost someone on that flight.
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13)
A post shared by 2 Chainz Aka Tity Boi (@2chainz) on Jan 26, 2020 at 1:17pm PST
Rest In Peace Kobe! My heart broken ❤️
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017)
Kobe
— Flea (@flea333)
Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama)
A post shared by Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) on Jan 26, 2020 at 12:20pm PST
More artists, such as Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, Lil Wayne, Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, Killer Mike and Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, also paid their respects.
Obama, who referenced Bryant when he left the White House in 2016 with his famous mic-drop, wrote: “Kobe was a legend on the court and just getting started in what would have been just as meaningful a second act. To lose Gianna is even more heartbreaking to us as parents. Michelle and I send love and prayers to Vanessa and the entire Bryant family on an unthinkable day.”
Bryant’s status as a cultural icon led to him being regularly name-checked in music by artists who counted themselves as fans, particularly rappers, such as Jay-Z, Kanye West and Lil Wayne.
He even released his own single, titled “K.O.B.E”, via Columbia Records In 1999.
Follow the latest updates here.
