Story
Marcus Smart Recalls Being Called The N-Word By Celtics Fan
Marcus Smart has been very forthcoming about his experiences in the NBA, especially throughout the NBA bubble experiment in Orlando. During this time, players were fighting against racial inequality, and Smart was one of the biggest voices leading the way. Now that the season is over, Smart is reflecting on what he’s been through over the past few years. In fact, Smart recently published an essay in The Players’ Tribune called “This Article Is Not About Basketball,” where he detailed his experiences with racism.
Perhaps the most harrowing story in the article came while he was leaving the arena after a home game in Boston. In the excerpt below, Smart says he recalls trying to help a Celtics fan as they were in the middle of traffic. Out of nowhere, however, the fan yelled racially charged language at him, which left the Celtics star confused, and upset.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Per Smart:
“I was pulling out of the arena parking lot when I saw a white woman with her five- or six-year-old son crossing against the light right as the cars were starting to come at them. I had my windows down and realized something bad was about to happen, so I yelled to her, politely, that she needed to hurry and get out of the street so the two of them wouldn’t get hurt.
The woman was wearing an Isaiah Thomas number 4 Celts jersey. And there were all these other Celtics fans around who were at the game. I figured she’d be cool.
Nope.
She swung her head around and it was….
‘F*** you, you f***ing n-word!!!!’”
Smart went on to describe various other stories of racism he has had to endure. While the Black Lives Matter movement has made various strides, it’s clear there is still a lot of work left to do, and Smart is committed to continuing that fight.
[Via]
Artist Spotlight
The Real Mack The Knife honors memory and spirit with soulful release “Rio Grande de Loíza”
The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” by The Real Mack The Knife is a powerful tribute to Puerto Rico’s history, memory, and sacred spirit. The track transforms nature into something spiritual, intimate, and timeless, inspired by the legendary river and Julia de Burgos’ immortal voice.
The song “Rio Grande de Loíza” has an old, alive vibe from the beginning. River water, moonlight, desire, and cultural memory shape a song that seems to rise from the ground. The Real Mack The Knife uses the river as a living, symbolic being, unlike the original work.
Julia de Burgos gives the piece incredible depth. She sees the river as a witness, a mother, a wound, a mirror, and a prayer throughout the song’s emotional landscape. The literary and spiritual connection gives the track a haunting beauty beyond music.
Connect with The Real Mack The Knife on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Devan Ibiza adds soul and reflection on new release “Portland”
With “Portland,” Devan Ibiza creates a warm, thoughtful, atmospheric hip-hop record rooted in boom-bap’s deep, reflective energy. Soulful production and introspective mood make it a quiet moment of thought rather than a distraction.
“Portland” embodies classic hip-hop. Boom-bap gives it a rhythmic foundation, and warm, soulful production draws listeners in. This beat is perfect for contemplation, letting emotion and thought flow.
The single’s mood adds interest. Devan Ibiza values subtlety and atmosphere over loudness and trends. The song’s restraint is its strength. Late-night thoughts, personal memories, and quiet realizations make “Portland” contemplative.
Devan Ibiza’s release is well-paced emotionally. Since the song is never rushed or crowded, its atmosphere can naturally resonate. That patience gives “Portland” a timeless quality usually reserved for classic hip-hop stories and soulful underground records.
Connect with Devan Ibiza on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoYG Kayboe merges soul and street savvy on the potent “By The Way”
-
Artist Spotlight6 days agoThe AYAMI unveils a soft anthem of rebirth on new release “Good Morning”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoEmme Rain stands out with deeply personal new release “Voodoo Music”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoThe trapheaux gracefully glides over in new release “Marble Floors”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoLAST ALEX! balances precision and pulse on the electrifying track “Plus 1”
-
Artist Spotlight7 days agoCam Blair makes a statement with intriguing presence on new release “Clean Up”
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoNIHLNØTHING unleashes increased tides on new release “ocean” Power
-
Artist Spotlight5 days agoGarth Adam unveils a beautiful piano arrangement on “Here We Are Emotional – Radio Edit”