What is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander listening to? NBA MVP debuts Spotify playlist

By helitra·November 14, 2026·3 min read

Do you wonder what music powers SGA?

Here’s your answer!

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a guest editor for Spotify and is curating a playlist called “Heat Check.” The first edition of the playlist was released on Thursday, Nov. 12 and is made up of 50 tracks with a hip-hop heavy angle. He plans to update it monthly for the foreseeable future.

In a promotional interview with the streaming platform, the Oklahoma City Thunder star said that he especially wants to highlight new artists with the playlist.

“I’ve been an underdog my whole career, obviously, up until now,” he said, noting he finds new music via social media. “I just always think opportunity and spotlight, whenever I can give it, because of my journey to the top, I try to do so.”

Along with lesser-known artists like Summrs, Tezzus and Icez, there’s several songs by some of today’s top hitmakers. Gilgeous-Alexander’s friend Drake, who is a fellow Canadian, has a handful of placements. His new single “Ya Hit” with Future and Travis Scott, “Cold Shoulder” with Don Toliver and Yebba, “Whisper My Name” and “Little Birdie” are on the playlist. There’s also a throwback with Justin Bieber’s “Right Here,” which features the OVO ringleader.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander credits parents for music passion

Gilgeous-Alexander, who is currently fourth in the league averaging 29.7 points per game, credits his parents for developing his passion for music from an early age. He recalled fond memories of his dad listening to Lil Wayne and there’s two songs from the Young Money leader on the playlist.

He also flexes his international muscle with songs from British rappers Central Cee, Dave and Nemzzz. Tems has an appearance via the smooth and reflective “Me & U,” and her fellow Nigerian artist Mavo brings feel-good vibes with “Aura Salad.” “Lei Anti O.R.U.A.M.” is from Brazilian rapper Oruam.

“Both of my parents listened to music of different cultures,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “So it was like Vybz Kartel sometimes. … My parents, because they’re Caribbean, it was so much more diverse than like the average.”

The two-time MVP also tossed in “SGA,” the viral song by Atlanta rapper Zukenee, which is a gritty, fast-paced tribute to the basketball superstar. The song has also become popular as the backdrop for highlight videos dissing Klay Thompson.

Gilgeous-Alexander, the No.1 player in USA TODAY’s preseason rankings, admits that he actually doesn’t listen to music before a game.

“I used to, like growing up playing AAU,” he said. “And then it got to a point where the music was getting me too riled up and I couldn’t focus on the game. So I just like stopped and then it was working for me. And ever since then, I stopped listening to music before the game.”