Damian Lillard is one of the most unique superstars in the NBA — not just for his clutch shooting and leadership, but also for his second career as a rapper under the name Dame D.O.L.L.A.. Over the years, he has released multiple albums, collaborated with big-name artists, and built a loyal fan base that respects him both on the court and behind the mic.
His off-court impact mirrors his financial success in the league, where a 2025 NBA salary report revealed how many players earn over $40 million annually — a tier that Lillard himself has consistently been part of.
But is it all true? It’s an intriguing story that ties together his basketball journey and his passion for music.
Beyond hoops and hip-hop, Lillard also continues to give back to his alma mater, taking on new responsibilities as he landed a surprising new role at Weber State, further strengthening his legacy beyond scoring and rapping.
Damian Lillard’s Early Passion For Rap
Long before the NBA spotlight, Damian Lillard was already into rap:
College Days at Weber State: Teammates and coaches often mentioned that Lillard would freestyle during team trips or in the locker room. According to ESPN, rap was a bonding activity for him and his teammates.Childhood Influence: Growing up in Oakland, Lillard was surrounded by hip-hop culture. He often spoke about how rap was part of his environment as much as basketball.4BarFriday Origins: Even before his pro career, Lillard enjoyed posting short freestyles and rhymes among friends, which later became the foundation for his #4BarFriday social media series.The Draft Combine Years
Damian Lillard entered the 2012 NBA Draft Combine after a standout college career. At the time, the focus on him was almost entirely about his potential as a basketball player:
Combine Coverage: DraftExpress, ESPN, and NBA media outlets covered Lillard’s interviews and workouts extensively.Rap Connection? While it’s true that Lillard was already a rapper before the Combine, there is no verified evidence that he performed or showcased rap publicly at the Combine itself.Misinterpretation: Over time, fans may have confused his early passion for rap with Combine coverage, leading to the idea that he was already rapping in a formal setting before being drafted.When Did His Public Rap Career Really Start?
Q: Did Damian Lillard rap before being drafted into the NBA?
A: Yes, Lillard rapped informally in college and with friends, but he didn’t release music professionally until after joining the NBA.
Q: Did Damian Lillard rap at the NBA Draft Combine?
A: No verified evidence suggests he performed rap at the Combine. The claim appears to be a myth.
Q: What is Damian Lillard’s rap name?
A: He goes by Dame D.O.L.L.A. (Different On Levels the Lord Allows).
Q: When did Lillard release his first rap album?
A: His debut album The Letter O was released in 2016, four years after his draft.
The post Fact Check: Did Damian Lillard Rap Before The NBA Draft Combine? The Truth Explained originally published on Total Pro Sports.