Boyz II Men Talks about Paying Tribute to the Late Kobe Bryant
Boyz II Men lent their voice to that of those still paying tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and spoke on the best way to honor his legacy of hard work, dedication, and love.
Musical legends, Boyz II Men are part of those with a heart to honor the late NBA superstar, Kobe Bryant. The music group and the deceased are from the same hometown of Philadelphia.
Members of the group, Nathan Morris, Shawn Stockman, and Wanya Morris, were at the Staples Center Friday night to pay tribute to their fallen brother. They sang the national anthem at the first Los Angeles Lakers game since Bryant's tragic death.
GIVING ALL THEY HAVE
Before taking to the court for their performance, the group told ET about what they thought regarding finding a way to honor the deceased. Referring to late MVP's family, Nathan said,
"Anything they need from us, they'll always have. He deserves a hell of a lot more than what we can offer. We just give what we got."
Wanya took up from where his bandmate left off. He told the news outlet that the vital thing is for people to remember Bryant as he lived, for them to reflect on his impact and influence.
WHAT HIS LIFE MEANT
He added that the national anthem would create the right atmosphere for people to do that. But the singer also wanted the deceased's fans to celebrate his life, and what it meant.
He held back tears while addressing the crowd after tearing up a prepared speech
Wanya, who wore Lakers' shirt with the name "Bryant," with his bandmates, also recalled the late dad-of-four hosting a charity game in Philadelphia. Shawn noted it was before the NBA star got drafted, and they were honored to play with him.
GOODBYE TO YESTERDAY
The group had previously honored the deceased the night he died with a performance of their hit song, "It's So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday" at the Grammy Awards. They sang alongside Alicia Keys.
Bryant died last Sunday alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven others in a fatal helicopter crash. The Lakers moved their Monday game against Portland Trail Blazers because of the deaths.
A WELL-DESERVED TRIBUTE
The Friday game also saw LeBron James pay tribute to the deceased's 20 years of blood, sweat, and tears on the Staples court. He held back tears while addressing the crowd after tearing up a prepared speech.
The basketballer's speech was immediately followed by Usher singing "Amazing Grace." He gave the rendition standing in between floral arrangements of Bryant's jersey numbers.
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant watch during day 2 of the Phillips 66 National Swimming Championships on July 26, 2018 in California | Photo: Getty Images
Fans chanted "Kobe!" and Ben Hong, a cellist from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, performed while a video of the deceased played. It covered his words on his career and life outside basketball.
The two seats that Bryant and his daughter sat at their last Lakers game attendance was left empty. The crowd gave a 24.2-second silence as they honored the man who gave them the best of all he had and saw them as family.