2K Sports Announces Jay-Z as NBA 2K13 Executive Producer, 24 Song Soundtrack Included

[TalenT]

Quote: Originally Posted by VDusen04

I think the backlash isn't so much about the soundtrack itself, but more in response to this line from 2K's VP of Marketing Jason Argent in articles released over a month ago: So, had the soundtrack news trickled out on its own, I'm betting the overwhelming response would have been positive. Instead, folks clamoring for ground-breaking news on par with the greatest announcements in 2K history (if not the biggest) really set themselves up to be let down (with some assistance from 2K marketing). Yep, all we can do now at this point is guess but from the information provided, the guesses aren't particularly pretty. I'd love to be pleasantly surprised with the manner which Jay-Z was able to contribute. Unfortunately, I can't stop thinking it's going to be more along the lines of, "With his wealth of knowledge both on the court and in the off-court limelight, hip-hop mogul and worldwide icon Jay-Z aka Hova was able to bring his personal flavor and style to NBA 2K13 firsthand. J-to-the-Izzo's unprecedented wealth of street savvy and stylistic knowledge will be a welcomed addition to the 2012 #1 best selling NBA video game." I see Jay-Z directed game introductions in our future.

I got ya. I just think we don't know the whole scoop. There's still more to this that hasn't been revealed yet. I do agree that they were fools to tag this "the biggest announcement" though. I guess I'm not as bummed because I wasn't expecting as much. Lol Some of these guys were expecting something that was gonna cure cancer.

[TwinCitiesJHawk]

what a bummer. I was so hoping for FIBA teams or 92 dream team. Damn you 2k!

[Retropyro]

How many people actually listen to the soundtrack? I hope they don't take away the option to mute it because it's Jay-Z putting it together.

[jbthegreat]

Quote: Originally Posted by VDusen04

I think people have read that, they just don't know what it means. For starters, mostly everyone understands how the marketing game works. Even if all Jay-Z did was make a soundtrack and then hang around for a day and watche the game get made, 2K would still spin this very positively in a news release ("Jay-Z not only put together an exclusive soundtrack, he was also here firsthand playing a role in the development process"). So in that regard, I think folks are at least a little tentative as to what his role means and whether 2K is just fluffing up another media release. Secondly, if other folks are anything like me, I think we're wondering what it is Jay-Z could have provided that'd be unique to him. What information about the atmosphere would Jay-Z be able to provide that 2K employees somehow couldn't grasp themselves? Are people assuming he's in there saying things like, "First of all, during time-outs, it's not always the same 7 cheerleaders out there doing the same dance" while the rest of the 2K crew nods their heads in amazement? You're right, he does know how to brand, and that worries me a little as well. I was satisfied with 2K's integration of classic players and legends into their game because they're all a part of the NBA and its experience. On the contrary, I feel someone like Jay-Z has less to do with the NBA than many may believe. I wouldn't be looking forward to an NBA video game setup that reminds me it is clearly and obviously branded by Jay-Z every single time I start things up. I'm hoping this all ends up being Jay-Z complementing the 2K series instead of stamping himself all over it. I'd prefer it similar to Trent Reznor's approach to doing the soundtrack to The Social Network. We knew it was him, but his music didn't scream "I'm Nine Inch Nails and this is my music dominating a movie!" Instead, it was a small contributor to a total effort that knew its role in the grand scheme. As such, I'd favor an NBA 2K13 that benefitted from the presence of Jay-Z over a 2K13 that had Jay-Z stamp his mark all over it, essentially making it "NBA 2K13: With Jay-Z" instead of just "NBA 2K13". In short, maybe "low key" would be the phrase I'd be looking for.

# 325VDusen04 @ 08/01/12 03:47 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by theprocess

I said it in the other post when they released the video.

"o Jay-Z didn't just curate the game's soundtrack (at right). "The level of detail he wanted to talk about—down the road, you'll find out about some of the ideas he had—was really surprising," Argent insisted. "Getting a phone call from Jay-Z in the middle of the day, with him saying 'You know, here's something I've been thinking about,' is a surreal experience."

Argent referred a couple of times to professional basketball as a sport where the intersection of lifestyle, competition and culture is more visible than in other sports. It would seem that Jay-Z coming aboard would help deepen NBA 2K's appeal as a broader lifestyle product, as opposed to a hardcore sports simulation."

Nobody wanted to listen to me.

I think people have read that, they just don't know what it means. For starters, mostly everyone understands how the marketing game works. Even if all Jay-Z did was make a soundtrack and then hang around for a day and watche the game get made, 2K would still spin this very positively in a news release ("Jay-Z not only put together an exclusive soundtrack, he was also here firsthand playing a role in the development process"). So in that regard, I think folks are at least a little tentative as to what his role means and whether 2K is just fluffing up another media release.

Secondly, if other folks are anything like me, I think we're wondering what it is Jay-Z could have provided that'd be unique to him. What information about the atmosphere would Jay-Z be able to provide that 2K employees somehow couldn't grasp themselves? Are people assuming he's in there saying things like, "First of all, during time-outs, it's not always the same 7 cheerleaders out there doing the same dance" while the rest of the 2K crew nods their heads in amazement?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yeah...THAT Guy

I'm guessing we're in for an even bigger upgrade to presentation this year. I don't even love Jay-Z as a rapper, but he's a very talented guy, and he knows how to brand.

You're right, he does know how to brand, and that worries me a little as well. I was satisfied with 2K's integration of classic players and legends into their game because they're all a part of the NBA and its experience. On the contrary, I feel someone like Jay-Z has less to do with the NBA than many may believe. I wouldn't be looking forward to an NBA video game setup that reminds me it is clearly and obviously branded by Jay-Z every single time I start things up.

I'm hoping this all ends up being Jay-Z complementing the 2K series instead of stamping himself all over it. I'd prefer it similar to Trent Reznor's approach to doing the soundtrack to The Social Network. We knew it was him, but his music didn't scream "I'm Nine Inch Nails and this is my music dominating a movie!" Instead, it was a small contributor to a total effort that knew its role in the grand scheme. As such, I'd favor an NBA 2K13 that benefitted from the presence of Jay-Z over a 2K13 that had Jay-Z stamp his mark all over it, essentially making it "NBA 2K13: With Jay-Z" instead of just "NBA 2K13".

In short, maybe "low key" would be the phrase I'd be looking for.

[LRBTODAY]

Quote: Originally Posted by aholbert32

LOL. 70-80% of NBA2k's soundtracks have always been rap/hip-hop. The same as this year. Bottom line is the game is 7 weeks away and there will be plenty of videos, blog posts and screenshots for people. Today wasnt a day for OSers...its was for the casual fan.

I agree. I'm not going to get all butt hurt because I'm not getting the news right away. They seem to be taking there time releasing info on the game. They actually have comp this yr in NBA Live 13 so I really don't expect them to give all the goods away so soon. When Live puts out there big (WE BACK TO TAKE THE CROWN) news, that's when I expect 2K to drop the bomb. I mean that's what I would do.

[Yeah...THAT Guy]

I'm curious as to whether or not he might provide some ideas for My Player mode and getting more of the lifestyle into the mode.

[kevin23]

I love you guys you want to know why? Because you have not left me on my own when I say we are not suckers! I'm so sick and tired and everything being about hype hype hype. When you think about this being a big announcement it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see how underwhelming this announcement is. Whoever runs their PR must have a handbook close by because this marketing campaign this year is absolutely terrible starting with needing to preorder a game that doesn't even have all the details released just to get all-star mode. These scumbags are trying to slowly release details while forcing us to preorder. You may be pinching every penny from others and I but in terms of having a good reputation as people, I don't respect the guys at 2K.

[Dirk504]

NBA 2K14 featuring Justin Bieber's playlist

I don't even like Jay-Z so I could really care less about this announcement or his involvement in the game. Until I feel like I'm actually in control of my player and it doesn't fell like an ANIMATION train wreck, or the cpu AI is fixed, then they can keep all that fluff. Oh and good job by making us preorder in order to get the All Star weekend. Yea that was done for the fans? LMAO... I wasted my money last year, but not this year. Good thing I don't only play sports games.