Dončić achieved so many milestones in seven years as the Dallas star that he became the "Face of the NBA" for many. The 2019 Rookie of the Year has five All-Star selections and four All-NBA First Team honors, and he led the team to the NBA Finals in 2024. He holds the franchise record for the most triple-doubles while reaching 10,000 points faster than any other Maverick player.
The trade was, needless to say, a true shock to Dallas. There was a "funeral" hosted by Mavs fans on the streets outside of the AAC. There were protests for General Manager Nico Harrison’s termination. Businesses were affected in Dallas. North Texas might just never forgive the Mavericks for sending Luka to Hollywood.
The Mavericks will honor his return by unveiling a "Thank You, Luka" reel before the game. Even outside the NBA, Luka's name has been referenced in tracks by the biggest stars in hip-hop, such as Kendrick Lamar, Playboi Carti and Eminem.
In honor of No. 77, we compiled a list of DFW rappers who've expressed their admiration for the NBA star in their music, either through direct references in their lyrics or by dedicating entire songs to him. Prepare for the anticipated game of the season with these relatable rap songs.
BigXThaPlug, “Texas”
2023’s “Texas” became an instant anthem for the North Dallas rap star, making him the new face of the city's hip-hop scene — an accomplishment similar to Luka’s arrival as a world-renowned rookie in 2018. Dončić’s rookie season as a triple-double sensation is often referenced by DFW rappers to highlight their rhymes.“I been feeling like Luka how I ball/ That shit a blessin'.”
Go Yayo ft. G$ Lil Ronnie, “Kyrie N Luka”
The Hoodfame posse is one of the most recognizable crews in DFW hip-hop history. Yayo and the late G$ Lil Ronnie’s chemistry is one of the community’s favorites. With Yayo playing the point and Ronnie at the wing, their pick-and-roll wordplay on tracks has created many classic songs, such as “Hoodfame Killuminati,” “Arm Bar” and, of course, “Kyrie N Luka.”“Kyrie and Luka, bitch, I’ve been balling like a Maverick / This 4E, I let ’em have it / Killin’ all these pussy dudes, I’m a savage.”
Zillionaire Doe, “Let’s Get It”
From his new album, D Boi Dreams, the song portrays Zillionare similarly to Luka: as a phenomenon. Doe relates the trap to the court as he grinds in the paint to make remarkable plays happen, while fans marvel at the star putting numbers on the board. Like Luka, Zillionaire Doe is a young artist destined to become one of the biggest names in DFW.“In the trap, fly as fuck, countin' up dead faces / Street dudes, ball hard like Luka / When I talk, listen, come to this street shit like a tutor.”
Cutt Throat Mafia, “Luka Doncic”
The song from the 2024 album Holy Grail captures themes of ambition and determination, showcasing Dončić's remarkable influence on and off the court.“She took a sip from my cup but this ain't gin and tonic / And I'm so Dallas, Texas bitches call me Luka Dončić / I'm moving fast with the cash call me supersonic.”
Big XthaPlug (ft. Erica Banks & Tay Money), “Thick”
On the BigXThaPlug Amar track, Tay Money embodies Luka’s confident persona and unapologetic attitude on the verse. She glamorizes confidence and body positivity, celebrating self-love and curves of all sizes.“I'm so Texas, but it's fashion (ah, hey), Michael Jackson, I'm the baddest (yeah) / Out in Dallas, got a palace (Tay), I'm the queen, you know the status (queen) / Feel like Luca with the Mavericks (ayy, hey), dance on him like we at Magic, ayy (ooh, ooh).”
Izzy93, “Luka Doncic”
Izzy is from San Antonio, but his 2023 hit dedicated to Luka launched him into stardom. As a diehard fan, he created a track that pays homage to the NBA star’s gameplay. Izzy93 plans to make similar accomplishments in hIp-hop.“Even got love all the way in Dallas / Hit sacks and I ball out / Like Luka Dončić playing for the Mavericks.”
Southside Vic, “On the Radar Freestyle”
Southside Vic aimed to impress newfound fans with attention-grabbing punchlines, sharp metaphors and unforgettable references.“Rose say I'm back to back heard somebody in the back / Scream out Luka Dončić they did I'd promise / Rose say I'm back to back like was calling back to back.”
J1Hunnit, “Paul Bunyan”
A transplant like Luka, J1Hunnit found a new home in North Texas. The News You Can Use 2 track relates 77’s grueling grind in the regular season to the rapper’s touring schedule, but both honor the city that will forever have a part of their soul.“The game slow, but dudes throwin', Luka Dončić / I'm hardly home, but I got Dallas on my conscience / Mavericks up in the engine, I'm flyin' by like a comet.”
Purverse, “This Is Dallas”
By accepting a challenge by New York rapper Scar Lip, Purverse represented the Triple D with a song that acknowledges his roots.“This is Dallas, home of the Cowboys and the Mavericks / Dudes ain't Luka, but they known to shoot ya off balance / Heart full of malice, shit can really get tragic.”
