Detroit Pistons bring on rap star, native Big Sean as creative director of innovation

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Big Sean and the Detroit Pistons have long had a loose affiliation with each other. The Detroit-based rapper has repped his hometown team through his music, attended games and performed concerts at both The Palace of Auburn Hills and the Little Caesars Arena.

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On Wednesday, the Pistons formalized Big Sean’s role within the organization. He is their new Creative Director of Innovation, the franchise announced, and the rapper will be involved in a number of community, marketing, merchandise and in-game initiatives.

“It’s a dream come true and a real honor to get to work with the iconic Detroit Pistons,” Big Sean, whose real name is Sean Anderson, said in a release. “I grew up in the city, which naturally made me a fan of the Bad Boys. I would later have a Grant Hill poster on my wall and then, against all odds, would watch the ’04 Pistons go on to win the Championship, inspiring the whole city of Detroit. I look forward to creatively finding new ways to contribute to their legacy and continue their dedication to the community through sports, art, and, of course, music.”

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The Pistons will partner with Big Sean’s charity, the Sean Anderson Organization, on various community projects. Some of his other responsibilities include working with the Pistons’ design team on on merchandise lines, and shaping the in-game music playlist and halftime performances.

“Big Sean embodies everything the Pistons organization and our D-Up campaign is about — creativity, hard work, and the people of Detroit,” Pistons chief business officer Mike Zavodsky said. “Big Sean and the Pistons are both a part of the fabric of Detroit, and we look forward to this partnership reflecting the culture of the city we both call home.”

Contact Omari Sankofa II at osankofa@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @omarisankofa.

This article was originally published by Freep.com. Read the original article here.