Jamal Crawford interview with XXL

[mkwest]

Los Angeles Clippers Guard Jamal Crawford On OutKast, Wale And Having The Best Crossover In The Game

What OutKast album resonates with you the most?
ATLiens was mine for sure. That was at a time, I was in high school. I just remember things changing. They weren’t as big—people forget, OutKast went platinum just about every album. A lot of people didn’t catch on until “Hey Ya” and “The Way You Move.” OutKast been dope. I love Dré’s style, man, he’s ill. He doesn’t change for anybody, doesn’t compromise for anybody. Every time he raps, he’s saying something, every time. I met a lot of people, like a lot of people, and that’s the one person who I would want to meet, who I would kind of be in awe of, because I loved him for so long and his talent his just ridiculous. André, to me, he’s your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper. You got to really appreciate him. A lot of people don’t really give him the credit because he never did a solo album, but he’s definitely one of the top rappers that ever spit, to me. He’s in my top 5 period. I always play the “Players Ball (Reprise)” ’cause it reminds me of the time when I started making a name for myself in high school. Just always play that; it takes me back to that time. “Jezebel,” the Babyface version with him singing on that.

How far do you think the LA Clippers can go?
I think the sky’s the limit. You know, in the beginning of the season you want to be optimistic and over the course of the season, things happen. But for us, we feel like our chances are just as good as anyone else’s. Obviously Miami is the champs and we got to respect them for that. But I think there are probably 7-8 teams that are really going for it, and I think we’re one of those teams. Honestly, I think we’re more talked about [than the Lakers] right now, but the Lakers have so much history. The only thing to change that is to win championships. So we’re not on that level in the big picture. Were just trying to make our own mark. They did what they did and you have to tip your hat to them and respect them. We’re just trying to make our own mark and not just in the city but in the league period.

Do you have the best crossover in the game?
It’s hard because if you ask Kyrie [Irving], he’ll say his is the best. You ask CP3 [Chris Paul], he’ll says he’s the best. If you ask me, I’d probably say the same thing. It’s hard to say you are. I won’t say I have the best, I’d say no person has a better one than me, if that answer your question. It’s weird, ’cause I play with Chris and Kyrie comes into the conversation. We talk about it, it came up. We definitely know who’s there in that room.

Emmanuel C.M., XXL

[TheNewEra]

Kyrie is very close in the crossover game.