Be Courageous.

If you could create a theme song for Kobe Bryant’s legendary 20-year career, how would it go? Today we feature one such song composed by two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist Robert Glasper, celebrating Kobe’s career, encapsulating its struggles and soaring high points. Learn more about the song ‘Be Courageous’ and the creative process and inspiration behind it.

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Glasper’s choice of 4/4 and 6/8 time signatures, which define the track’s structure, goes deeper than jazz convention. The numbers align with a significant event in history: the assassination of a great leader on April 4, 1968 (4/4/68) in Memphis, Tennessee, at the Lorraine Motel. Additionally, Glasper draws inspiration from the city’s rich musical heritage — including pioneering labels like Stax Records, whose artists frequented the Lorraine Motel, which itself was a catalyst for community growth and support.
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The story also inspires the KOBE 11 BHM 4468 shoe, which features an emblematic record on the tongue and other details connecting to the musical storyline. The shoe, part of the larger 2016 Black History Month Collection, is available now.

Furthermore, fans are encouraged to submit their favorite highlights of Bryant’s career in the comment section on the Nike Basketball soundcloud.com page after listening to the music score from the Robert Glasper Trio.

 

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