Samuel Bazawule, a.k.a. Blitz The Ambassador, is now based in New York, yet for his latest single, "DIKEMBE!," the rapper and producer was thinking back to his childhood in Ghana. The song, from his new EP, The Warm Up, glorifies former NBA star Dikembe Mutombo, who Bazawule idolized growing up. The track, which features a chorus of spitfire "no's" and a driving, soulful beat, also sees Bazawule name-checking the next generation of rising musical stars in Africa. While Blitz's gruff timbre might not be quite as pronounced as Mutombo's, he flows as ferociously as his idol would swat away shots on the basketball court.

Watch a video below of Blitz the Ambassador on Soundcheck in 2011.

Set List:

• "Dollar and a Dream"
• "DIKEMBE!"
• "African in New York"

Blitz The Ambassador plays The Studio at Webster Hall tonight.