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John Calipari hangs out with Lil Wayne before concert at Rupp Arena

Jack PIlgrimby:Jack Pilgrim04/30/23
Lil Wayne Coach Cal
@UKCoachCalipari

Legendary rapper Lil Wayne is in Lexington for a concert Sunday night at Rupp Arena. So what better way to pass the time leading up to the show than with John Calipari inside the Kentucky basketball facilities? They are friends, after all.

That’s exactly what the 40-year-old artist did, hanging out inside Coach Cal’s office during the day — with a photo to prove it.

“Loved spending time with (Lil Wayne) today,” Calipari wrote on social media. “Love his story, love that he surrounds himself with people who love and support each other. That’s team!!

“Just like (Drake), Wayne is a big part of #LaFamilia!! Loved having him in the office today!”

Wayne even talked with Oscar Tshiebwe on FaceTime, offering the star center some words of encouragement as he goes through the NBA Draft process — or told him to return to Kentucky to take care of some unfinished business, maybe?

Lil Wayne and John Calipari become friends over a song reference

How did the Hall of Fame coach and legendary rapper become friends? It goes back to 2021 when Wayne included a reference to Calipari in a new verse on Polo G’s “GANG, GANG,” mentioning the Kentucky head coach and Rick Pitino together in the line.

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I’m like Rick Pitino or John Calipari I’m leadin’ my team, yeah, right to the finals,” Lil Wayne said.

The two became texting buddies since then, with Calipari inviting Wayne to Kentucky’s game vs. North Carolina in Las Vegas back in December 2021. Wayne had to cancel last minute, but the program still sent him Wildcat gear to rock in his downtime.

There were also discussions between the program, Lil Wayne and Drake about a concert at Kroger Field last October, but they couldn’t get the schedule worked out with so many home football games.

It took a minute, but Wayne is officially in Lexington, ready to perform for Big Blue Nation. Rupp Arena, 8 p.m. ET.

*lighter flick*

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