Nas and Britell provide soundtrack and visuals for NBA Finals
The National Basketball Association has introduced a new audio–visual feature called “History is Calling” to promote the 2026 NBA Finals, which will begin on Thursday. The initiative premiered on Wednesday with a collaboration between Grammy‑winning rapper Nas and composer Nicholas Britell, a three‑time Emmy winner known for work on “Succession,” “Moonlight,” and “Andor.”
Britell crafted a musical score that the NBA described as reflecting the emotional arc of a basketball game—from build‑ups and momentum shifts to decisive moments. He said the piece draws from the sport’s history and the intensity of championship play. Nas provided the narration, which references the league’s 80‑year legacy and the path to the Finals, emphasizing that only two of the thirty teams remain in contention.
The collaboration marks a first for the league, as Britell’s score introduces a new signature audio identity for the NBA. Both the composer and the rapper will enter an ongoing partnership with the organization. The “History is Calling” feature will run through the duration of the championship series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.