Named as “Friends of the NBA,” CORTIS (Martin, James, Juhoon, Seonghyeon, and Keonho) recently released “Mention Me” on Feb. 13. Their latest single is a new original soundtrack from Sony Pictures Animation’s animated sports comedy GOAT, which NBA legend Stephen Curry co-produced and stars in. On top of that, CORTIS opened the NBA Crossover Concert Series and performed at the NBA All-Star Game halftime show during the 2026 NBA All-Star weekend. This makes them the first K-pop group to ever do so.
“Mention Me” is more than just a new single because it puts K-pop in the middle of a major Hollywood movie and a premier professional global sports league. K-pop groups usually stick to music shows or their own tours to reach fans. However, CORTIS is taking a different path by connecting with the NBA audience. By featuring their song in a Sony Pictures film with Stephen Curry, they reach people who might not even listen to K-pop yet. This collaboration shows that their music works just as well in a basketball arena or a movie theater as it does on a music chart. They are essentially using this movie soundtrack to prove that K-pop can be a natural part of American sports and mainstream entertainment.
What is the Movie GOAT About?
GOAT is a new animated sports comedy from Sony Pictures Animation, the same studio that created KPop Demon Hunters and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. The story takes place in a world full of animals and follows a small goat named Will Harris. Caleb McLaughlin from Stranger Things voices Will. Even though he’s small, Will wants to play “roarball,” a co-ed, full-contact, tough and fast version of basketball played by huge and fierce animals. His teammates don’t think a tiny goat can handle the game, but Will is set on showing everyone that “smalls can ball!”
Basketball star Stephen Curry did more than just voice a character in this movie. He also played a major role behind the scenes as a producer. The story is actually based on Curry’s own life and how he had to work hard to succeed in the NBA when people told him he was too small to play. By moving from the court to the producer’s chair, Curry brings the world of pro basketball and movies together. Because of this, his part in the film makes the story feel real for anyone who’s been told they weren’t big or strong enough to win.
Why CORTIS and GOAT Work Together?
CORTIS is the right group for this movie because they share the same “young creator crew” and “do it yourself” identity as the main character, Will. Just like the goat in the movie, the members of CORTIS are known for making their own way and creating their own music. Their loud and punchy sound fits the fast pace of a sports movie perfectly. Since the members write and produce their own songs, they represent the idea of working hard to change the game.
The studio chose a group that actually creates their own art to lead the soundtrack. This makes their music mirror a story about an underdog who overcomes his doubters. It doesn’t matter where you start or how small you are as long as you have the drive to revolutionize your craft.
“Mention Me”
CORTIS shared a teaser video and choreography snippets on their SNS before the song officially dropped. As expected, this created plenty of excitement among their fans, COERs. “Mention Me” is a Trap genre track that uses a heavy shaking bass to keep the energy high.
The members wrote and composed the song themselves, taking direct inspiration from Will’s journey in the movie. The lyrics talk about having the drive to make people look up to you, especially those who once underestimated you. At the same time, these confident words mix with a fast and aggressive beat. They show off the group’s “young creator” identity and their ability to make music that feels bold and personal.
From the Screen to the NBA Stage
Seeing “Mention Me” performed live at the NBA All-Star weekend showed how well the song works in a sports setting. The track’s heavy rhythm and the group’s sharp choreography turned the venue into a high-energy event. This was the first time the group performed the song live. The performance made it clear that CORTIS can command a large room. They brought the competitive energy of GOAT to a real-world basketball stage.
CORTIS 2026 Comeback
“Mention Me” is just a small taste of what’s coming next. During their NBA set, CORTIS also surprised fans by performing “YOUNGCREATORCREW,” also known as “youngkeukeu.” The track’s an unreleased song from their upcoming second mini album.
The group’s clearly ready to take on a bigger global stage in 2026. By finding success with both Hollywood and the NBA, they are reaching new audiences everywhere and “Coloring Outside The Lines.” With their next album arriving this April, the momentum from their recent NBA appearance is only the beginning.
CORTIS is already changing the game. Are you ready for what they do next? Let us know on Instagram and Twitter/X!
FOLLOW CORTIS ON THEIR SOCIALS
INSTAGRAM • X • JAPAN X • TIKTOK • WEVERSE • FACEBOOK • SPOTIFY • YOUTUBE
Featured Image Credit: Courtesy of BIGHIT MUSIC
