NBA 2K13 News Post

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

08:48 PM - July 31, 2012 by Steve_OS

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As mentioned yesterday, 2K Sports has officially announced Jay-Z as the as Executive Producer of NBA 2K13. 2K Sports has been promoting this "BIG" announcement for weeks.

In an article, over at ESPN, Jon Robinson describes some of the details he brings to the game.

Quote:


	Carter has not only personally selected the game�s 24-song soundtrack, but he�s also been working with 2K designers on the overall look and feel of the game�s presentation.

24 Song Soundtrack includes:

The Hours: �All in the Jungle�
Too Short: "Blow the Whistle" (Main)
Eric B. and Rakim: �I Ain�t No Joke�
Phoenix: �1901�
Jay-Z: �Pump it Up� (Freestyle)
Puff Daddy and the Family: �Victory� (feat. Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes)
Daft Punk: �Around the World" (Radio Edit)
Santigold: �Shove It� (feat. Spank Rock)
Kanye West: �Amazing�
Jay-Z: �Run This Town�
The Dirty Projectors: �Stillness in the Move�
Nas: �The World is Yours�
Coldplay: �Viva La Vida�
Roy Ayers: �We Live in Brooklyn, Baby�
Justice: �Stress�
Jay-Z: �The Bounce�
Kanye West: �We Major� (feat. Nas & Really Doe)
Mobb Deep: �Shook Ones, Pt. II�
Meek Mill: �Ima Boss� (Instrumental)
Kanye West: �Mercy� (feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz)
U2: �Elevation�
Jay-Z: �On to the Next One�
Jay-Z: �Public Service Announcement�
Jay-Z: �H.A.M.� (Instrumental)

If you're interested in listening to some of the tracks, head on over to the official NBA 2K Facebook page.

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Member Comments

# 301 jbthegreat @ 08/01/12 01:06 PM

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.

# 302 LRBTODAY @ 08/01/12 01:08 PM

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.

# 303 Yeah...THAT Guy @ 08/01/12 01:12 PM

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.

# 304 kevin23 @ 08/01/12 01:19 PM

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.

# 305 kevin23 @ 08/01/12 01:32 PM

This is a huge announcement for casual gamers and another fail for the minority of sim players. It's us against the world and 2k isn't going to pass up a dime for us.

# 306 NDAlum @ 08/01/12 01:39 PM

I was hoping for substance, not flash. Hopefully it will come at a later date.

This announcement does nothing for me, personally. I think Jay-Z is alright and the soundtrack is just that, alright. I don't see how Jay-Z could positively influence the game from a basketball perspective and I don't see why they'd want his input on presentation.

I would prefer hip-hop culture not be a focal point in the game. I want what I see on television, not what I would see at Rucker park or in and And-1 game. If the game is so geared towards it I'm just going to have to move on and stop playing 2K basketball.

We'll see...

# 307 Tomba @ 08/01/12 01:46 PM

AS much as i like a good soundtrack...This is marketing that is not gameplay or game related in ANY WAY. NBA Street 2 had a amazing soundtrack. This is essentially jay Z's personal playlist for a game....Which is fine with me just makes sure the music doesnt stink at least

# 308 King_B_Mack @ 08/01/12 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

This here. I want to see him and the rest of the guys fully flesh out My Player. I don't want to lose my jersey number at the end of my contract with a team when I re-sign with them because I was completely removed from the roster during the free agency process. I wanna see Jay's fashion sense on display with my guy's clothing choices for pre-game and post game interviews instead of that same suit that I wore at the draft. I'm ready to hear the rest of Jay's involvment already.

# 309 kevin23 @ 08/01/12 02:05 PM

The reason I know this is all hype is because why should I get excited about Jay's involvement without knowing what he will contribute. It's not like he is a basketball genius. This is my point. This is all fluff and I'm not an airhead. I can;t get excited without more details. Jay does music and you showed the tracklist. What will he contribute when he is not a software designer? He can only do so much so this announcement, even with more coming, is a disappointment in multiple ways. You don't explain what he's doing but there's supposed to be excitement. Sounds like the only excitement should be from 2K themselves getting their name out there but what's in it for me? Why should I care even a little bit at this point with zero details.

# 310 kevin23 @ 08/01/12 02:13 PM

Since I'm already ranting this is alchemy. Just how paper money has no value it is rooted in faith. This announcement has zero substance but is rooted in our faith in Jay as a difference maker without having any details. The easiest way to generate wealth is to tie it to faith instead of substance because all you have to do is just keep people believing in you by using the fact that everyone else does it or plays this game. Ok I'm done.

# 311 OG_McNabb @ 08/01/12 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kevin23


	The reason I know this is all hype is because why should I get excited about Jay's involvement without knowing what he will contribute. It's not like he is a basketball genius. This is my point. This is all fluff and I'm not an airhead. I can;t get excited without more details. Jay does music and you showed the tracklist. What will he contribute when he is not a software designer? He can only do so much so this announcement, even with more coming, is a disappointment in multiple ways. You don't explain what he's doing but there's supposed to be excitement. Sounds like the only excitement should be from 2K themselves getting their name out there but what's in it for me? Why should I care even a little bit at this point with zero details.

All of the above. Jay-Z involved in a Basketball game......So. MJ is already involved. This cant be the biggest announcement in history. I was planning on sticking with 2K11 anyway but damn. I'm still pretty sure 13 will be nice.

# 312 b0z1c @ 08/01/12 02:54 PM

First the guitar hero slam dunk contest and now this...strike two

# 313 TheLetterZ @ 08/01/12 02:55 PM

I'm intrigued. Jay-Z is a brilliant musician and entrepreneur. He has a great mind and a unique perspective on the NBA. He apparently loves the NBA 2K series.

We've talked about how we want a fresh look at the game.

This could be fun.

# 314 coolcras7 @ 08/01/12 03:01 PM

Did some of you even read the article or did you just read sound-track, they said he was involved beyond the soundtrack he did not want his name to be slapped on the box for the sake of it, he was actively involved during the making of the game with other aspects of the presentation, so can we all wait and see before we all call this nothing but fluff, this a a guy who started off as a drug dealer, created his own records label, because the president of def jam, create a fashion line, married one of the hottest women on the planet, owns his own island and is by most accounts consider the greatest rapper alive ooo and is a partial owner of an NBA team, so I would said lets give this under achiever a chance to prove himself.

# 315 poloelite @ 08/01/12 03:05 PM

I didn't read through all 18 pages of comments, but I wanted to say, as a fan of 2k since 99-00, that is is the WORST announcement of ALL TIME. Not only is it underwhelming, but Jay-Z strikes me more as an EA ploy, with their corporate sponsors that drive sales. If you're doing a lifestyle and soundtrack producer, go with someone more in tune with your core audience (e.g. Mos Def, The Roots, Just Blaze, 9th Wonder, Lupe Fiasco etc.). And after that, don't make a big deal of it because it's not. That should be the last dev insight after the game drops. Not even mentioned on the box.

Jay-Z hasn't been core to the culture since the Black Album (in a real hip hop head way). This screams of out of touch lames being infatuated with a celebrity. If he wanted to be involved, put his wack gear in as an option and let him tell his out of touch celebrity followers how sweet the game is now because an old washed up rapper is involved.

I'm so upset because I loved 2k and what it stood for in it's basketball game. All about the game and not about the splashy headline, or the hollywood features. It was core to what bball fans loved and cherished. Just having this guy involved almost ruins it. 2k was like hip hop and Live/EA was like rap (MF Doom Vs. Gucci Mane) and 2k was winning by sticking to the script. Soon as they win they go and get Jay-Z, who for the record hasn't done anything solid for real. What artist has he put on that's successful? (Kanye/Dame, Rihanna and Neyo/LA Reid) J.Cole maybe?? I don't see a ton of people wearing Rocawear anymore, but I'm sure our myplayers will now have it on in some fashion smdh.. Just all bad. I will buy the game because I love ball, but soundtrack and over exposed celebrity endorsement (non player) doesn't entice me to buy a game. ALL soundtracks are wack by month 2 anyway.

# 316 marcbitw1992 @ 08/01/12 03:07 PM

Thats a awesome list

# 317 VDusen04 @ 08/01/12 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolcras7


	Did some of you even read the article or did you just read sound-track, they said he was involved beyond the soundtrack he did not want his name to be slapped on the box for the sake of it, he was actively involved during the making of the game with other aspects of the presentation, so can we all wait and see before we all call this nothing but fluff, this a a guy who started off as a drug dealer, created his own records label, because the president of def jam, create a fashion line, married one of the hottest women on the planet, owns his own island and is by most accounts consider the greatest rapper alive ooo and is a partial owner of an NBA team, so I would said lets give this under achiever a chance to prove himself.

I think the thought of some is, what does being a former drug dealer who created his own record label, became the president of def jam, created a fashion line, owns an island and is married one of the hottest women on the planet have to do with creating a basketball video game?

As I mentioned a few pages back, we're all obviously in wait-and-see mode and I'd love to be pleasantly surprised by what Jay-Z is able to provide. However, I can totally and completely understand where the skepticism is coming from in terms of Jay-Z's apparent hands-on involvement with NBA 2K, even if it is just off court.

# 318 TeamBuilder @ 08/01/12 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by coolcras7


	Did some of you even read the article or did you just read sound-track, they said he was involved beyond the soundtrack he did not want his name to be slapped on the box for the sake of it, he was actively involved during the making of the game with other aspects of the presentation, so can we all wait and see before we all call this nothing but fluff, this a a guy who started off as a drug dealer, created his own records label, because the president of def jam, create a fashion line, married one of the hottest women on the planet, owns his own island and is by most accounts consider the greatest rapper alive ooo and is a partial owner of an NBA team, so I would said lets give this under achiever a chance to prove himself.

Good story... but I don't see how he's going to improve things that matter to most of the people on this forum. Presentation is nice, but I think most of us would prefer improvements in gameplay and game modes (like association).

He can sing, start a fashion line, marry an attractive woman, acquire his own island, and own part of a basketball team... but none of that has to do with video games.

# 319 Eman5805 @ 08/01/12 03:26 PM

This is clearly not a move designed to appeal to the Sim Nation types. It's for the casual players. The ones who bought 2K11 not cuz it improved such and such did such and such and had great such and such. Nah, it was cuz Micheal Jordan was on the cover.

I got no problem with it. Some people have that sense of entitlement to them and think they deserve to have their desires catered to above all else, like the big announcement would've had anything to do with some innovative gameplay thing that on average most people wouldn't appreciate or even understand.

# 320 magicman32 @ 08/01/12 03:26 PM

The announcement was over hyped. But great soundtrack.

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