Longtime NBA broadcaster Ernie Johnson stars in a new promotional video for ESPN's "Inside the NBA" studio show, delivering a spirited rendition of DMX's 1999 hit "Party Up (Up in Here)." The clip, released Thursday, shows the veteran TNT host embracing the track's energetic chorus in a lighthearted departure from his usual measured studio demeanor.
Johnson, who has anchored Turner Sports' NBA coverage for over three decades, appears in the promo alongside the network's push to highlight the show's move to ESPN and ABC platforms beginning with the 2025-26 season. The promotional spot aims to blend the program's established chemistry with fresh presentation for a broader broadcast audience.
The video quickly circulated across social media platforms Thursday afternoon, with viewers noting the contrast between Johnson's polished broadcasting style and the gritty, high-energy DMX anthem. "Inside the NBA" has long been celebrated for its mix of analysis and entertainment, and the promo signals ESPN's intent to maintain that balance under its new rights agreement.
