We had the opportunity to speak to pro basketball player Anthony Lee Jr., aka Ant Lee. His spent his life playing ball, doing ministry, and now is releasing his debut mixtape. On October 5th, he is throwing the Light Up the City concert to launch his mixtape and bring CHH to Canada. Get tickets here.
When did you realize basketball was a valid career option for yourself?
Right before I entered college and went on to play D1 at Temple University/Ohio State but I had to choose, and I chose basketball. How could I turn down a free scholarship and education to play a game I love?
How did hip-hop come into play throughout your ball career and when did you take the steps to become a rapper?
Since I’m new to the Christian Hip hop mainstream world there are plenty that’s not surprised who’ve seen me rap and perform growing up over the years. Old to some but new to many. I was 13/14 when I first started rapping with guys from New York who did secular rap (Sharif & Preme) and got saved and came to my parent’s church and invited me and introduced me to that style of rap. They let me join their group called Kingdom of God Builders (KGB) where they groomed and discipled me as a little brother and young person in the faith.
Did you have aspirations toward the NBA and where/what stops have you taken along the way?
Yes, I had aspirations to play in the NBA, and despite not actually playing in the league I have had the opportunity and I’ve been blessed to play all over Europe and South America (Israel, Turkey, Greece, Slovakia, Spain, Austria, Lithuania, Estonia, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Macedonia, Kosovo, Canada, and a small stint in the G-League (Windy City Bulls).
When did you begin the transition to ministry and motivation speaking?
I’ve always had opportunities to speak, minister, or preach at certain camps, and youth group events throughout my career as a pro when asked upon and my availability was open in the summertime. It wasn’t until last year on a fast when I decided to look deeper into transitioning into that arena more heavily while figuring out where to plant roots for my family. And then seeing God’s plan for me for the next couple of years for my basketball and how he wants me to use that platform with the few years I have left.
Is there a particular testimony or story that stands out in your years of doing this?
My testimony is very fresh because it was just last year when my wife and I were pregnant and I was trying to figure out if I should go overseas or play in Canada. I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to let a team find me here and that “staying here would be worth more than money can buy.”
That wasn’t the most exciting news to hear because the sacrifice to play in Canada was a result of a lower salary compared to overseas which is much greater. But what I’ve seen from my obedience is God showing His faithfulness in bringing connections, me speaking at schools, organizational events, and music most importantly all while being a Christian athlete. The benefit in playing in North America and using my basketball platform opens up a plethora of things to venture into where I can have a greater impact in using all that God has gifted me with and so this is just the beginning.
Why was now the time to record a hip-hop album and how long have you been working on it?
Now was the time because of my obedience to God directing my steps. I have been rapping since I was 14, been around Christian rappers all my life, gospel singers…I grew up listening to music playing the drums, writing songs, and have done mixtapes but it was never as public and brought to the forefront for platforms and media like it is now. It only took me about three sessions to finish this 17-track mixtape because I feel like I’m seasoned and I know my style.
But really I wanted to take advantage of the moment and pick different types of beats for this mixtape so people could hear and get a taste of how I am musically. That way different labels, or those in this space that listen can see or ask who is ‘Ant Lee’? Sort of like the mixtape or EP KB did when he first dropped, Who is KB? The goal is that once the music hits the ears of people in the Christian rap industry, (ones that have only known me for being a pro basketball player and never was fully aware of this side) and I begin to drop singles, people are already familiar with me having some type of product out to fall back to.
What are your immediate plans as you move into artistry and how does this change your goals?
My immediate plan is to use Proverbs 3:5, connect and network, make content, and for people to be exposed to what God is speaking through me as one who is not just an athlete but gifted in writing and telling my story so I can relate, uplift and uniquely empower those with the gospel.
Tell us about the album release show and everything you have planned.
So October 5th, 2024 in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada I created this event called “Light Up The City” as a way for me to debut my mixtape release in concert form and drop it on multiple platforms to build a foundational base with followers willing to listen and get hip to the vibe I’m rocking with.
I have a few local artists that are performing that night as well. I have a praise and worship group named Kingdom Life Worship which is a high-energy praise and worship group. Then I have Gabriel Marchuk, who is a Contemporary artist, DJ Kamau, and lastly myself (Ant Lee). Here at this event I’m doing giveaways, and have gotten sponsors to do something in Ontario that hasn’t been done before in the Christian hip-hop space and since I’m from America I am introducing this I think can start a revival and a revolution. I’ve partnered with Faith Live CA who heard my mixtape and saw the talent and in faith wanted to join me in sparking something that could infuse and enlighten the churches, young people, and Christians looking for things like this to enjoy.
Are you in touch with other Christian athletes or organizations?
In terms of Christian athletes, I know and I’m pretty cool with Jonathan Issac from the Magic and overseas basketball pros that are also repping Christ. I’m in touch with the Raptors 905 organization as well as AIA (Athletes in Action) and cool with different well-known pastors and ministries in the states just from growing up in Maryland, and Florida.
Anything else to add?
The mission with (Light Up The City) is for it to be a yearly event where teens, young adults, and adults alike, who are Christians and Believers in Canada who like to have fun and do it without compromise can come and enjoy fellowship in Christ with dope music. My goal is to use my gift in rap music as far as the Lord takes me to help form contacts, and relationships I have in the States to bring different Christian artists here to parts of Canada to Light Up The City and give people an outlet to enjoy their life as a Christian in great fun, great music, and the main purpose in bringing people to Christ.
Better Late Than Never Mixtape Vol 1 – My journey through basketball and life and how all this is full circle in terms of purpose and destiny is in my mixtape as an introduction to the world. How I lost trust in God as a Believer in college, strayed away, lived a lukewarm double life while being one of the top players in college basketball, then fell hard my last year at Ohio State. [I was] struggling morally as a pro the few years, and then returning once people actually listen, and catch wind to what I’m doing, the lyrics, the vibe, I believe the Lord will do the rest in whatever way that looks like. Music has always been in me but timing is everything and basketball with my height and talent was almost undeniable, but I believe God can also redeem the time.
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