New Orleans sports fans got some huge news the other day when the New Orleans Pelicans acquired DeMarcus Cousins from the Sacramento Kings in a surprisingly one-sided trade. While most people in the Big Easy are excited about the impact this will have on the city’s basketball fortunes, I’m more interested in the impact it will have on the city’s music.
You see, back in 2014, Mr. Cousins announced that he would be putting out an R&B album called Misunderstood under the moniker “Boogie Smooth.” He even produced a promo video for the release and confirmed that the first single would be a collaboration with Chance The Rapper called “Emotional,” though a bonus track titled “Big Fellas” would also be part of the package.
The announcement came on March 30, but two days later—on April Fool’s Day—he revealed that the whole thing had been a cruel, cruel joke. Fans were shocked and saddened, despite the fact that the original promo video makes it pretty clear that Cousins has no idea how to play the piano.
But Sacramento is no New Orleans. A Boogie Smooth album may have been a pipe dream in 2014, but Cousins will soon be surrounded by a bottomless well of musical talent. If anyone can turn this basketball star into an R&B hit maker it’s the musicians in this town. After all, they’ve been propping up pop stars since Earl Palmer moved to Hollywood back in 1957.
DeMarcus Cousins of the New Orleans Pelicans, if you happen to be reading this, we have suggestion. Why not consider turning your April Fool’s joke into a reality? Some of the best tools in the biz are at your disposal now. And if that’s not in the cards, we’ll settle for a decent playoff run.