15 NBA players and their rapper counterparts

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Recording artist Drake embraces Toronto Raptors guard Cory Joseph (6) as they celebrate a 89-84 win over Indiana Pacers in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 22, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook speaks to the media after the game against the Golden State Warriors in game three of the Western conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Russell Westbrook and Kanye West

What exactly is Kanye West? Is he a producer, rapper, maestro, fashionista, taste-maker, 2010 presidential candidate?

To that end, what exactly is Russell Westbrook? Is he a point guard, scorer, facilitator, fashion icon, X-man?

Both Westbrook and West (Ranye Westbrook?) are shape-shifting masters of their own universe, one that is occupied only by their own skill, confidence and ambition and just exactly that. There is no room for doubt. There is no room for failure. There is no room for anything without purpose or without the art’s integrity. Life is a canvas for West and Westbrook, and they’re going to Jackson Pollock the s— out of it while bumping the craziest beats you’ve ever heard and pounding Mountain Dew.

If you can get past the costumes and abrasive public personas you can appreciate the art. Find me anyone else who can make Ultralight Beam and I’ll believe that there is another Russ-sapien out there somewhere.

Sure, maybe you don’t like West’s braggadocious thefts of stage time or Westbrook’s inability to contain his laughter at the idea of Steph Curry playing defense, but if you can past it these two will take you to an enlightened state of an art form.

Neither of them make it easy for you to like them, but that’s not their job. Their job is to create Amazing. It’s your job to consume it.

Next: 11. Draymond Green