3Alarm And Ahamyzin

The two brothers, Michael and Eric Thompson came up with the idea to write a new kind of hip-hop song –  clean, fun, and with sports themed lyrics that appeals to both parents and kids.

Using rented studio space, Eric, the composer, and Ahmad, the lyricist, wrote and recorded “Pass  Me the Ball”, a classical, funky, hip-hop tune complete with specialized lyrics to fit the sport. There  is a football version of the song, a generic basketball version, as well as team specific versions  written for several NBA franchises, including the 3-time NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, the  2005 All-Star host team Denver Nuggets, and their hometown team, the Washington Wizards.

“The challenge was to create hip-hop music that would appeal to all ages and races. A lot of older  people aren’t really into hip-hop music. But they will respond favorably if it’s the right kind of  music”, says Eric Thompson, aka “3Alarm”.

 “It’s important to us that our music be clean, and send a positive message. I think if you’re creative  enough, you can write songs without the profanity”, he adds. A talented composer, Eric drew  from his classical music background in writing the music for “Pass Me the Ball”. A former member  of a youth orchestra, Eric plays the drums, the trumpet and the tuba.

As for the dead-on sports themed lyrics, Ahmad Johnson, aka “Ahmayzin” is the creative force  behind those, and the featured rapper on “Pass Me the Ball”.

  “I thought this was a great concept” says Ahmad.

“This is the most fun I’ve ever had writing lyrics for a song”, he adds. He is currently working on  team specific lyrics of “Pass Me the Ball” for every football and basketball team in the league.  

“I’ve been playing football for fifteen years. I love the game and still have a passion for it. I wrote  the lyrics not only for the fans, but the players as well”, he adds. Ahmad is a coach and defensive  coordinator in a flag football league. He composed his football version first, then followed up with  the basketball versions of “Pass Me the Ball”.