Kobe Bryant’s Lost Rap Album Finally Surfaces

Kobe Bryant accomplished a lot in his career. He was one of the greatest to ever step on a basketball court. He also took on the music industry, but venture has been tucked away until now.

Bryant’s 2000 album, Visions, leaked online today. Fans are really loving this uncovered gem. Kobe wasn’t alone either. He had an all-star list of featured performers including: Nas, 50 Cent, Beanie Segal, Black Thought, and Destiny’s Child. Kobe’s fellow CHEIZAW member, Broady Boy, is also featured on five tracks.

Kobe’s dreams of getting into music was no secret. He loved music and supported many artists. He signed with Columbus Records and released one single: “K.O.B.E.” featuring Tyra Banks in 2000. That was the only single from Visions.

The backstory for this album is pretty interesting. Shaq’s rap career didn’t turn out, but Steve Stoute wanted to replicate the success of Shaq’s first album, because it did go platinum. That is where Kobe came into play. Stoute, President of Sony’s Urban Music at the time, then signed Kobe Bryant and his rap group CHEIZAW to a deal in 1999.

For weeks, Kobe trained in the studio and recorded tracks at the Hit Factory. Visions, the newly leaked album, was the result of all that work.

Kobe’s record was never released because the album’s lead-off single “K.O.B.E” didn’t sell well with audiences. That is why the entire project was shelved and never meant to see the light of day… until now.

You can check out a video with the entire album below.