Lillard on Rapping vs. Playing: “I don’t approach it the same way”

Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard will take center stage at this weekend’s All-Star events as a musical performer, not as a player. Due to a groin injury, Lillard’s impact will come from behind a microphone.

Prior to entering the spotlight, Lillard spoke with Rolling Stone contributor Daniel Kreps about performing in front of a large audience.

“I don’t approach it the same way, but I think I’ve performed enough now where there’s no anxiety,” Dame says, noting that he joined YBD Cordae onstage when that rapper played Portland’s Moda Center in 2019. “There was a big crowd in the arena and I felt fine. It was cool. I feel comfortable in my music so I don’t even worry about it.”

Lillard’s performance could leave first-time listeners asking for more. In regards to adding to his catalogue of music, Lillard revealed that the Blazers’ struggles have stalled the debut of a handful of already-recorded entries.

“I got some stuff that’s already recorded but I think that plan got messed up when [the Trail Blazers] came out and weren’t winning. I got off that idea because we haven’t been winning enough games, so I haven’t really been as in tune with that idea,” Dame says. “I got a few songs that are unreleased and I’m just trying to figure out a plan for them.”

You can read the full interview at Rolling Stone.