Stephen Curry 'Chef Curry' nickname, explained: How USA basketball star earned moniker from popular Drake song

Many of the world's best athletes have iconic nicknames, whether it's "The Black Mamba" for Kobe Bryant, "The Greatest" for Muhammad Ali or "The Sultan of Swat" for Babe Ruth.

Stephen Curry's nickname is one of the most memorable in modern history thanks to famous artist Drake.

The Canadian rapper debuted the moniker on his song "0 to 100/The Catch Up" in July 2013 , years before Curry became the superstar the world knows him as. Drake was ahead of the game, releasing his song after Curry's 2012-13 season in which he finished 11th in MVP voting but didn't earn an All-Star appearance. Golden State lost to the Spurs in the Western Conference Semifinals that season.

The nickname has held up for over a decade and doesn't appear to be losing any traction among fans. Here's a breakdown of the nickname, including the Drake lyrics that began it all.

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Stephen Curry's 'Chef Curry' nickname, explained

Curry is often referred to as "Chef Curry," which stems from Drake's song "0 to 100/The Catch Up." The song was released in July 2013 one year before Curry earned his first All-Star appearance.

"Chef Curry" is a play on Curry's ability to cook his opponents on the court. When a player cooks or is cooking, it means they're playing well. It also flows well, which is important for any nickname.

Here are the lyrics from "0 to 100/The Catch Up" that include Curry's famous nickname:

I been Steph Curry with the shot. Been cookin' with the sauce, Chef Curry with the pot, boy

Drake has name-dropped Curry multiple times throughout his career, though the "Chef Curry" line is the most notable. The two are friends, even engaging in some friendly trash talk during the 2019 NBA Finals.

MORE: Why Stephen Curry's Olympic debut came in 2024

Drake, Stephen Curry songs and lyrics

'Summer Sixteen'

Drake claimed he hosted the Warriors for practice at his house on his song "Summer Sixteen" released in February 2016.

"Golden State running practice at my house."

It has some truth to it, though the entire Warriors team did not practice at Drake's house. Curry and his brother-in-law played 1-on-1 at Drake's house, which is what inspired the line.

'Still Here'

Drake referred to Curry once again in 2016 amid the point guard's unanimous MVP season. "Still Here" landed on Drake's May 2016 album called "Views."

"I gotta talk to God even though he isn't near me. Based on what I got, it's hard to think that he don't hear me. Hittin' like that 30 on my jersey, man I'm gifted."

Rather than name-dropping the superstar, Drake used Curry's jersey number in the lyrics. Curry has worn No. 30 throughout his entire collegiate and NBA career.