{"id":2456835,"date":"2026-06-12T19:34:44","date_gmt":"2026-06-12T19:34:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2456835"},"modified":"2026-06-12T19:34:44","modified_gmt":"2026-06-12T19:34:44","slug":"kosha-dillzs-new-knicks-song-celebrates-basketball-new-york-and-jewish-pride","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/kosha-dillzs-new-knicks-song-celebrates-basketball-new-york-and-jewish-pride\/","title":{"rendered":"Kosha Dillz&#8217;s new Knicks song celebrates basketball, New York and Jewish pride"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/unpacked.media\/rapper-kosha-dillz-embracing-jewish-identity-through-hip-hop-and-bald-hashana\/\">Jewish rapper <strong>Kosha Dillz<\/strong><\/a>, whose real name is Rami Matan Even-Esh, is known for his love of New York City and sports. So it was only a matter of time before the Brooklyn resident released a music video celebrating the Knicks\u2019 run to the 2026 NBA Finals, where they are facing the San Antonio Spurs.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\n<div class=\"jeg_video_container jeg_video_content\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Kosha Dillz - Parade (Knicks Anthem 2026)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/171TPV9AVHk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><noscript><\/p>\n<div class=\"jeg_video_container jeg_video_content\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Kosha Dillz - Parade (Knicks Anthem 2026)\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/171TPV9AVHk?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p><\/noscript>\n<\/p>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The upbeat anthem captures the excitement surrounding the Knicks\u2019 deepest playoff run in more than two decades and features a cast of distinctly New York characters.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe City is alive and I hope the Knicks can win it all, it\u2019s been a long time,\u201d Dillz told Unpacked.<\/p>\n<p>He said he recognized that the Spurs pose a major challenge, particularly because of center<strong> Victor Wembanyama<\/strong>, who stands 7-foot-4. Wemby is widely regarded as one of the NBA\u2019s most unique talents, earning the nickname \u201cThe Alien\u201d from fans and commentators.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI know there are a lot of Jewish Knicks fans and it\u2019s great to see the team get to the finals and I hope this gives a chance for New Yorkers of all religions and cultures to unite,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>He said he thought the Knicks would win, but added that in sports and in life, one should never underestimate an opponent. He also said he hopes fans celebrating in the streets will stay safe, regardless of whether the team wins or loses.<\/p>\n<p>The Knicks currently hold a 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals after winning Games 1, 2, and 4. A victory in Game 5 would secure the franchise\u2019s first championship since 1973.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x\"\/>\n<p>The team\u2019s playoff run has attracted a number of celebrity fans. Jewish actors <strong>Timoth\u00e9e Chalamet <\/strong>and <strong>Ben Stiller <\/strong>have been a regular presence courtside throughout the postseason, while comedian <strong>Larry David<\/strong> attended at Madison Square Garden. Game 4 drew an even more star-studded crowd, including Jewish sisters <strong>Este Haim<\/strong>, <strong>Alana Haim,<\/strong> and <strong>Danielle Haim <\/strong>who attended alongside <strong>Taylor Swift<\/strong>. Other Jewish celebrities spotted throughout the Finals have included <strong>Jerry Seinfeld, Adam Sandler, <\/strong>and longtime Knicks superfan <strong>Spike Lee<\/strong>, underscoring how the team\u2019s championship run has become a citywide cultural event.<\/p>\n<p>Dillz has filmed videos at iconic New York locations, including outside Katz\u2019s Delicatessen on the Lower East Side and outside Chabad-Lubavitch World Headquarters in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. With ticket prices soaring throughout the Finals, many New Yorkers will be watching from sports bars, watch parties, and living rooms across the city.<\/p>\n<p>In \u201cParade\u201d (Knicks Anthem 2026), Dillz appears alongside a colorful cast of New Yorkers. At one point, he raps next to a man balancing a tire on his head. The video also features <strong>Georghe \u201cThe Messiah\u201d Papoutsis<\/strong>, a social media personality known for playing basketball at the famed West 4th Street courts in Manhattan. Several young Jewish Knicks fans wearing kippot also make appearances.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI hope people can enjoy the song and have a great time,\u201d Dillz said.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-17852\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-768x1024.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-285x380.jpg.webp 285w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-126x168.jpg.webp 126w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-1152x1536.jpg.webp 1152w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel.jpg.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Kosha Dillz with a Knicks-themed bagel (courtesy of Kosha Dillz)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-285x380.jpg 285w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-126x168.jpg 126w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KDBagel.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kosha Dillz with a Knicks-themed bagel (courtesy of Kosha Dillz)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The song includes an homage to Jewish entrepreneur and rapper <strong>Jesse Itzler\u2019<\/strong>s famed \u201cGo New York Go,\u201d which he recorded in 1993 and which has since become synonymous with Knicks basketball.<\/p>\n<p>Throughout the track, Dillz packs in references to current Knicks stars. A shoutout to \u201cCaptain Clutch,\u201d point guard <strong>Jalen Brunson<\/strong>, highlights the team\u2019s leader, while the lyric \u201cKosha Dillz in the Towns, I\u2019m an OG\u201d references both <strong>Karl-Anthony Towns<\/strong> and forward <strong>OG Anunoby<\/strong>. The line also plays on the term \u201cOG,\u201d meaning \u201cOriginal Gangster.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The song also contains a nod to 1999, the last time the Knicks reached the NBA Finals, when they ultimately fell to the Spurs. In keeping with the team\u2019s signature orange-and-blue color scheme, Dillz sports a bright orange blazer throughout the video. The video\u2019s orange-and-blue bagels provide another playful nod to the team\u2019s colors.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><picture decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-17851\"><source type=\"image\/webp\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-768x1024.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-285x380.jpg.webp 285w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-126x168.jpg.webp 126w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-1152x1536.jpg.webp 1152w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin.jpg.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=\" http:=\"\" alt=\"Kosha Dillz sets up the Knicks dreidel with social media star, actor and skateboarder Kayo Martin (courtesy)\" data-lazy-srcset=\"https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-285x380.jpg 285w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-126x168.jpg 126w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin.jpg 1536w\" data-lazy-sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" data-lazy-src=\"https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-768x1024.jpg\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Kosha Dillz sets up the Knicks dreidel with social media star, actor and skateboarder Kayo Martin (courtesy)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-285x380.jpg 285w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-126x168.jpg 126w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/b283bbfe.delivery.rocketcdn.me\/wp-content\/uploads\/KD-Kayo-Martin.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\"\/>\n<\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kosha Dillz sets up the Knicks dreidel with social media star, actor and skateboarder Kayo Martin (courtesy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-jewish-history-of-the-knicks\">Jewish history of the Knicks<\/h3>\n<p>For many Jewish New Yorkers, the Knicks\u2019 Finals run feels personal. Basketball was once known as the \u201cJewish game,\u201d especially in New York\u2019s immigrant neighborhoods, where the children of Eastern European Jews embraced the sport as a path into American life. Settlement houses, YMHAs, and neighborhood gyms across the city helped make basketball a fixture of Jewish culture long before the NBA existed.<\/p>\n<p><em><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/unpacked.media\/the-jewish-history-of-basketball-how-ashkenazi-immigrants-turned-the-jewish-game-into-the-american-dream\/\">The Jewish history of basketball: How Ashkenazi immigrants turned the \u2018Jewish game\u2019 into the American dream<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n<p>That connection extends directly to the Knicks. When the franchise played its first game in 1946, six Jewish players were on the roster, including <strong>Sonny Hertzberg, Leo \u201cAce\u201d Gottlieb, <\/strong><span style=\"box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;\">and<strong>\u00a0Ossie<\/strong><\/span><strong> Schectman<\/strong>, the Jewish Brooklyn native credited with scoring the first basket in NBA history.<\/p>\n<p>Hall of Fame coach <strong>Red Holzman<\/strong> led the franchise to its only two NBA championships in 1970 and 1973, while former All-Star <strong>Amar\u2019e Stoudemire<\/strong> became one of the most prominent Jewish figures in modern Knicks history after embracing Judaism and later receiving Israeli citizenship.<\/p>\n<p>Today, Jewish fans remain a visible part of the Knicks community. As the team moves within one win of its first championship since 1973, many Jewish New Yorkers have embraced the run as a rare moment of civic unity in a city often divided by politics, religion, and current events.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source unpacked.media \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz, whose real name is Rami Matan Even-Esh, is known for his love of New York City and sports. So it was only a matter of time before the Brooklyn resident released a music video celebrating the Knicks\u2019 run to the 2026 NBA Finals, where they are facing the San Antonio Spurs. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2456836,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25179],"tags":[22485,25614,21945,21848],"class_list":["post-2456835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-music","tag-basketball","tag-new-york-city","tag-rap","tag-sports"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Kosha-Dillzs-new-Knicks-song-celebrates-basketball-New-York-and.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2456835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2456835"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2456835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2456837,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2456835\/revisions\/2456837"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2456836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2456835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2456835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2456835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}