J. Cole and Meek Mill to headline 2019 NBA All-Star Game

Although football fans are busy prepping their Super Bowl plans for this Sunday (Feb. 3), the NBA has come through with an exciting announcement of its own.

As shared on Tuesday (Jan. 29), J. Cole and Meek Mill have been tapped to perform during the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, set to take place on Feb. 17. The Dreamville rapper previously played in the game in 2012.

Per the announcement, Meek will open the night and perform as the All-Star teams make their introduction and head to the court. Later, during halftime, the North Carolina native will take to the stage as the annual event’s headlining act. Additionally, pop singer Carly Rae Jepsen will sing the Canadian National Anthem, while Anthony Hamilton will handle the U.S. National Anthem prior to tip-off.

As fans can recall, N.E.R.D. performed during halftime last year and Migos made a guest appearance. To add to the event’s excitement, Quavo also was awarded M.V.P. at last year’s celebrity game.

Given his hometown of Fayetteville being a three-hour drive from where the event will be held in Charlotte, J. Cole makes for a fitting booking for this year’s rendition. Not to mention, the rapper has also vocalized his love for basketball over the years, ranging from showing off his talents on the court and making ample references to the game through his music. The same can be said for Meek Mill, who recently launched a new non-profit organization alongside JAY-Z, Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin and others.

The 68th NBA All-Star Game will be broadcasted on TNT beginning at 8 p.m. ET and will be held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C. It will be viewed by fans in more than 200 countries and territories and will be translated in more than 40 languages.

Take a look at the NBA’s official announcement, which draws from the artwork of J. Cole’s new single “Middle Child,” in the posts below.