Keeping the beat: Tunes that get athletes going on and off the court

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

It’s been fun sharing a bit of my personality on paper this summer, whether through my Pacific Huddle recaps or the sports stories I’ve covered.

One thing I’ve noticed that consistently fuels athletes is something many of us take for granted: music.

For athletes, music isn’t just background noise. It can hype you up before a big match, calm your nerves during recovery, or help you settle into the rhythm of the day.

I’ve seen athletes start their mornings with calm country or worship music, then an hour before game time, they’re blasting hardcore rap. And honestly? I love it.

Music shows personality, and it’s generous of athletes to share that side of themselves with me. I’ve tried to capture that energy with three songs that cover a typical game day for me.

Ruben Love of the All Blacks with earphones in during warmup. Photo/Facebook

Joey Bada$$ - For my people

Narrowing my list to just three songs wasn’t easy, but Joey made the cut. The calm, melodic beat compared to the intense sound works anytime, and the storytelling behind it sticks with me. Joey explores social and political issues faced by people of colour and reflects on his role as an artist.

For me, this song speaks to perseverance. After multiple injuries over the past three years, I’ve often felt like my back’s against the wall. Joey’s lyric in verse one reminds me to keep going through the rough patches.

“It’s hard when your backs against the wall… So I thank the Lord when I wake up in the morn cause to inform the world the very reason I was born.”

Million Dollar Bill - Whitney Houston

I’ve always wrestled with the perspective that “everything has a deeper meaning”.

Some people say things just exist, and honestly, that’s where I land with this song. I can’t claim a profound reason for why it hits me other than it makes me feel good, and sometimes that’s enough.

This is a classic captain’s run or post-match-back-to-the-sheds anthem. No matter what mood you’re in, the late, great Whitney Houston will make you feel like a million dollars. Thanks, queen!

Adonis Interlude (the montage) - Dreamville, J. Cole

Switching from pop back to rap, I think this song will always be my number one game-day anthem.

The Adonis Interlude from the Creed series blasting through my now-dead black-and-gold Beats Studio 3s got me through some of the toughest times in injury recovery.

J. Cole’s interpolation of Dr. Dre and Jay-Z hits differently, even if I can’t relate to their iconic experiences. That’s the beauty of music: you don’t always have to and you make it your own.

The opening keys alone make me feel strong, ready to run a marathon in a grey tracksuit, living out what my cousin calls a “training montage.” You know the vibe, those comeback stories in films where a troubled but insanely talented youth finally harnesses their emotions… yeah, exactly that.

What makes music really special is how you share it with the people you love. Million Dollar Bill always brings back memories of a lost friend, while Adonis Interlude is something I share with my older brother. Music and sports together create these intimate, unforgettable moments, and that’s what keeps me coming back.