JAY-Z once turned down a former NBA player who attempted to play him some beats.
Maurice Ager, the basketball player in question, shared this story during an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
Ager, who played for the New Jersey Nets during the late 2000s when JAY-Z was a co-owner, recounted the event during the team’s preseason trip to London. He met the rap icon after a practice session.
“I make beats and everything, that’s my passion,” Ager said, recalling his then-side hustle. “JAY-Z comes to our practice, and I remember having a really good practice! This was my second season with the Nets. I went over to Jay. He was chilling. He had on all black, the leather coat, and baggy jeans. I introduced myself. I was like, ‘I make beats, fam. I would like for you to check out my beats.'”
However, Ager did not receive the response he hoped for. “He’s like, ‘Oh, word? I need you to concentrate on that court, though,'” Ager recalled. “I was like, ‘Alright. Appreciate it, bro.’ He said nothing else after that!”
Undeterred, Ager decided to focus on his music, creating 30 beats in his hotel room that night. Despite putting on an impressive first-half performance against the Miami Heat in London, JAY-Z reiterated his advice.
“After the game, we had this big party at the O2 Arena. I just remember trying to go talk to Jay. I was like, ‘What’s good, man?’” Ager said. “He was like, ‘I see you did your thing tonight. No more beats, though. Concentrate on that court.’ I was like, ‘He double-backed!’ I was like, ‘Alright!’ But in my mind, I was like, ‘More beats.'”
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Following his retirement from basketball in 2010, Ager pursued music full-time, signing with Akon’s Konvict Muzik label as a producer. He has since produced songs for notable artists such as E-40, Royce Da 5’9″, B-Real, Layzie Bone, and Tobe Nwigwe. Ager also created the “Forever I’m a Spartan” rally anthem for the Michigan State University football team in 2010.
In a 2011 interview with ESPN, Ager explained his decision to leave the NBA, citing his status as an unrestricted free agent. “With everything that’s going on in basketball, I felt that it was the right time to come out here and try to do this full time,” he said, referring to his move from Minnesota, where he was playing for the Timberwolves, to Los Angeles. “Making music is something that’s always been in me. I feel like I have a talent for it and I’m going to try to make it work.”
Ager’s journey from the NBA to the music industry highlights his dedication to his passion for music, despite the initial rejection from JAY-Z. His success as a producer and his contributions to various artists demonstrate his talent and determination to succeed in his chosen field.
