Grand Rapids Hip-Hop Took the Court — And Changed the Game

By Doug D. Sims

On December 27, 2025, something special happened in Grand Rapids. What began as a regular basketball game turned into a historic cultural moment for the city.

Inside Van Andel Arena, thousands of fans gathered to watch the hometown Grand Rapids Gold face off against the Wisconsin Herd. But during halftime, the spotlight shifted from basketball to music, and for the first time ever, local Grand Rapids hip-hop artists performed on the arena floor during a professional NBA G League halftime show.

Taking center court were Sonny Ski, Gwopped Up $peedy, and Lady Ace Boogie, performing the hometown anthem “Grand Rapids.” Behind them was a live band delivering the powerful sound of the city, led by drummer and musical director Orlando James of Bedrock The Foundation.

For James, stepping onto that court was a moment he immediately recognized as something bigger than just another performance.

“The second I got the phone call, I knew we had to lock in,” James said. “This was a huge opportunity, and I didn’t want to step onto that platform and not give our best for the city.”

Although James had attended events at Van Andel Arena before, performing there was an entirely different experience. Walking onto the arena floor with a drum kit in place and thousands of people watching created an atmosphere he had never experienced before.

“It was electric,” he said. “I’ve been in that building plenty of times, but never from the perspective of actually performing. When you step into that environment and feel the energy from the crowd, it really hits you that you’re part of something major.”

Nearly 10,000 fans were in attendance that night, and while many came for basketball, they witnessed something far bigger than a halftime show. They saw a representation of the city’s creative community take the spotlight.

As the band leader and musical director, James was responsible for more than keeping the rhythm on the drums. He worked closely with the artists to shape how the performance would sound and feel inside such a large venue.

“A lot of what we do starts with relationships,” James explained. “We sit down with the artists, listen to the music, and talk about what feeling we want people to walk away with. Once we figure that out, we start shaping the music to give it more life than just pressing play on a track.”

The song at the center of the performance, “Grand Rapids,” carries deep meaning for those who call the city home. The track references neighborhoods, businesses, and landmarks familiar to residents, turning it into more than just a song — it becomes a reflection of the community.

“To be from Grand Rapids and perform a song that represents the city like that means everything,” James said. “It highlights the places we grew up around and the pride people have for being from here.”

For years, Grand Rapids has quietly built a strong and diverse hip-hop scene. Local artists have spent time performing at clubs, community events, and festivals, building a culture that has often gone unnoticed outside the region. Moments like this halftime show help bring that culture to a wider audience.

“The hip-hop scene here is unique,” James said. “It’s always been strong, but now people are starting to recognize it on a larger level and appreciate the work that’s been happening in the city.”

He also believes organizations connected to the city play an important role in opening doors for local talent.

“When you’re an organization that represents the city, it’s important to tap into the people and the culture that support it,” James said. “Moments like this bring the community together and show the level of talent that already exists here.”

Beyond the excitement of the performance, the moment also carried meaning for the next generation. Somewhere in the arena that night were young musicians watching from the stands, imagining what it might feel like to one day perform on that same floor.

For them, James offers straightforward advice.

“Lock into your craft,” he said. “Don’t limit yourself to one type of music. I’ve played drums in church, hip-hop shows, and even rock bands. The more you explore different sounds, the better you become as a musician.”

Since that night, Bedrock The Foundation has continued performing, collaborating with artists across the city, and supporting events that highlight local talent. The group remains deeply connected to the community and committed to helping push the culture forward.

Looking ahead, James believes the December 27 performance will be remembered as an important milestone for the city’s music scene.

“Honestly, I think we’ll be back doing it again,” he said. “Grand Rapids has too much talent and too much creativity for that moment to only happen once.”

What happened that night inside Van Andel Arena was more than a halftime performance. It was a moment when music, community pride, and opportunity came together on one stage — proving that the sound of Grand Rapids is not only alive, but ready for even bigger platforms.