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Happy Birthday! Ron Artest's Most Badass Moments
Ever since being selected outta St. John's by the Chicago Bulls in 1999, Ron Artest has taken the badass baton from Dennis Rodman and run with it. Of course, they don't cross-dress in QB (thankfully), so our collection of Ron Ron's greatest hits focuses on everything from his hilarious music career to his on-court (and angry fan) confrontations to his crazy talk-show appearances—basically, everything that makes #15 (and #23, #91, #93, #96...and then #15 again) the most exuberant and eccentric player the NBA has had in a long time. In celebration of his 31st birthday tomorrow, here is a collection of Ron Artest’s Most Badass Moments.
"Nas Is Like" Video
Date: Spring 1999
Moment: Not yet an NBA pro, Artest appears in Nas' "Nas Is Like" video, repping Queensbridge.
Complex says: The minute he appeared on the scene at St. John's, we knew Artest was that dude. This video just confirmed it.
The Circuit City Application
Date: 1999
Moment: During his rookie season in Chicago, Artest applied for a job at Circuit City so he could get the employee discount on a stereo system he wanted. On his application, Artest listed GM Jerry Krause as his reference. While reviewing Artest's application, the manager called Jerry Krause, who quickly put an end to Ron Ron's job search.
Complex says: Maybe Krause should have let him work there to learn how to deal with irate customers...future events could have been avoided.
Halftime Henny
Date: 1999-2003
Moment: During his time with the Bulls, Ron admitted to drinking Hennessy during the halftimes of games. He attributes the Bulls' poor records during his time there to his excessive drinking.
Complex says: Sounds like a valid reason. What's the Clippers' excuse?
Breaking Down MJ
Date: June 2001
Moment: Artest broke two of Michael Jordan's ribs during an especially heated offseason pickup game.
Complex says: Whether you're the GOAT or just a scrub, Artest will cover you tighter than Drizzy on Weezy's nuts. Black Mamba would learn that later on...
Pants on the Ground
Date: January 2004
Moment: While guarding Paul Pierce, Artest pulled down the Celtic forward's shorts. He later sang an apology.
Complex says: One of the oldest schoolyard tricks in the book. Artest will do anything to get into an opponent's shorts...er, head.
The Palace Brawl
Date: November 19, 2004
Moment: The Malice in the Palace.
Complex says: Nothing much more to be said about this one. Just wait until the ESPN "60 for 60" series in 30 years.
"My Heart Will Go On" Cover
Date: 2009
Moment: Ron sings "My Heart Will Go On"—by his favorite artist, Celine Dion
Complex says: What is more badass than admitting Celine Dion is your favorite artist and then singing her most heartfelt song on camera? "My heart will go on...nahmean?!?!?"
Enemies Before Friends
Date: May 6, 2009
Moment: Ron Artest takes an apparent elbow from Kobe Bryant, then confronts him and gets ejected.
Complex says: Ron Ron and Mamba would later make nice and end up on the same team after the infamous shower meeting. But let's not act like Kobe's heart wasn't beating out of his chest when Ron let the QB loose on him.
Kick Toss
Date: November 15, 2009
Moment: Trevor Ariza's shoe falls off and Artest tosses it into the stands.
Complex says: The only thing funnier than Artest's act of impudence is Ariza's "Like, dude, really?!!?" look.
Relaxed on Late Night
Date: November 23, 2009
Moment: Ron Ron goes on Jimmy Kimmel Live! wearing only his boxer shorts.
Complex says: This from a dude known to do naked push-ups in the locker room. At least he didn't pull that routine on network TV.
QB's Finest
Date: June 21, 2010
Moment: Ron reps for QB in a post-game interview with Craig Sager.
Complex says: After the Lakers' title run, Artest would release his first song that doesn't really suck: "Champions." Sure, Dr. Dre had to help out a little bit, but by athlete x musician standards, this is a certified classic.
Ron the Racer
Date: September 6, 2010
Moment: Ron is pulled over for driving an Indy car in the streets of L.A.
Complex says: Driving a race car on a city street ranks high on the badass list. Even higher? The fact that Ron Ron was driving a car that wasn't even registered in his name, but some random dude in Tennessee.