In high school, Bryant was a member of a rap group called CHEIZAW, named after the Chi Sah gang in the martial arts film "Kid with the Golden Arm". The group was signed by Sony Entertainment, but the company's ultimate goal was to eliminate the group and have Bryant record on his own. The label wanted to capitalize on Bryant's youth and NBA fame. He performed at a 1997 concert by Sway & King Tech and recorded a verse for a remix of Brian McKnight's "Hold Me". Bryant even appeared on Lakers teammate O'Neal's "Respect", starting the track "3 X's Dope", though Bryant's name was not listed on the credits.