Gracie Abrams Finds Inspiration in LeBron James’ Viral Meme for Her Hit Song
Pop star Gracie Abrams has taken a surprising turn in her creative process, drawing inspiration from none other than NBA legend LeBron James. Yes, you read that right. Abrams, whose music has been making waves in the pop world, found a spark for her hit song “That’s So True” in a viral meme featuring the Los Angeles Lakers superstar. And the story behind it is as fascinating as it is unexpected.
Released in October, “That’s So True” features the lyric: “Smiling through it all, yeah, that’s my life.” For those who’ve been paying attention to internet culture, this line might sound familiar. It’s a direct nod to a 2018 Instagram story posted by LeBron James himself. In the post, James is seen grinning while relaxing in a pool, accompanied by the caption: “Smiling through it all! Can’t believe this is my life.” The post came shortly after Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham infamously told James to “shut up and dribble.”
That Instagram post quickly became a viral meme, resonating with fans and social media users alike. Fast forward to 2024, and it seems the meme has left a lasting impression on Abrams, who channeled its energy into her music. “That’s So True” went on to peak at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking a major milestone in Abrams’ career.
A Meme That Became a Creative Muse
In a video shared by Entertainment Weekly back in June, Abrams opened up about the connection between the meme and her song. She revealed that she and her best friend, Audrey Hobert—who also co-wrote the track—would send the meme back and forth to each other during tough times. It became a source of comfort and humor for the duo, so much so that Hobert even gifted Abrams a blanket featuring the iconic LeBron selfie.
In the same video, Abrams joked about listing LeBron James as a co-writer on the track. While that didn’t happen, she all but confirmed the meme’s influence on her creative process when she posted a lighter with James’ selfie on her Instagram story earlier this week. The post was spotted by SB Nation’s Harrison Faigen, further cementing the connection between the NBA star and Abrams’ hit song.
Gracie Abrams’ Meteoric Rise
“That’s So True” has been a game-changer for Abrams. Not only did it become her first Billboard Hot 100 top-10 track in November, but it also spent an impressive six weeks on the charts. The song’s success is a testament to Abrams’ ability to blend personal experiences and cultural moments into her music, creating something that resonates with a wide audience.
But that’s not all. Abrams has been on a roll lately, with her track “us.,” featuring none other than Taylor Swift, earning a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” It’s clear that Abrams is carving out her place in the pop music world, and she’s doing it with a little help from unexpected sources—like a viral LeBron James meme.
Why This Story Matters
At first glance, the connection between a pop star and an NBA legend might seem random. But it’s a reminder of how interconnected our world has become. Social media has the power to turn a simple post into a cultural phenomenon, and in this case, it even inspired a chart-topping song. LeBron James’ 2018 Instagram story wasn’t just a moment of personal reflection—it became a symbol of resilience and positivity that continues to resonate years later.
For Abrams, it was more than just a meme. It was a source of inspiration during tough times, a reminder to keep smiling through life’s challenges. And for fans of both Abrams and James, it’s a fun and unexpected crossover that highlights the influence of sports and pop culture on each other.
Key Takeaways
- Gracie Abrams’ hit song “That’s So True” was inspired by a viral LeBron James meme from 2018.
- The meme originated from an Instagram story where James captioned a poolside selfie with: “Smiling through it all! Can’t believe this is my life.”
- “That’s So True” peaked at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and marked Abrams’ first top-10 track.
- Abrams’ collaboration with Taylor Swift, “us.,” earned a Grammy nomination for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.”
So, the next time you see a viral meme, remember—it might just be the inspiration for the next big hit. And who knows? Maybe LeBron James has a future in songwriting after all.
Originally Written by: Gracie Abrams
