TheNBA 2Kseries is one of gaming’s most influential franchises. Ever since itsdebut in 2005, the developers over at 2K Sports have annually improved the gameplay, graphicsand animations of the games. But one of the franchise’sstrongest attributes has always been thesoundtrack. Recruiting some of music’s best,such as DJ Khaled, DJ Mustard, Pharrell, Jay-Z and Travis Scott, the musiccuration hasalways been on point and consistently enhances the experience.
Withmore than a decade of hoops video game excellence at our disposal, we’ve picked the greatest songs from theNBA 2Kfranchise.
Here’s our elite lineup of2Kjams.
9. The Cool Kids, “2K Pennies”
DebutinginNBA 2K9, the Cool Kids delivered theunofficial anthem of the game,“2K Pennies.”Itsslow, trappy beatmesheswell with a catchybeepingsoundthat helps toperfectly identify the style of this edition of the franchise: cool, calm and collected.
8. Big Boi, “Shutterbugg”
Produced by legendary hit maker ScottStorch,thisBig Boitrack brings that nostalgic Outkast rap- and funk-infused sound. Debuting onNBA 2K11, “Shutterbugg” adds somedope bars and heavy bass toa stacked rosterthat includesclassic NBA teams such as the 1985-86 Boston Celtics, the 1997-98 Utah Jazz, and the 1991-92 Portland Trail Blazers.
7. MGMT, “Electric Feel”
Debuting theyear MJ appeared in thefranchise, MGMTbringsthe hippy, indie pop vibes with“Electric Feel.”
Freshoff theirhit albumSeeing Sounds,Pharrellandcompanybringthe intensity and excitement for gamers who are ready to dominate theirrivals.“Spazz”is the perfect2Kwarm-up song thatlets gamers know youdidn’tcome just to play—you’re here towinat allcosts.
5. Kurtis Blow, “Basketball”
The song that perfectlymatchesNBA 2K12’s major pushtointroducenostalgic NBA hoops atit*best, Kurtis Blow’s ode to the game,“Basketball,”bringsa fun vibe to that edition, where fans can have a blast playing asMJ’s favorite rivals, includingPatrick Ewing (and the Knicksor Magic)and theL.A.Lakers.
4. Eric B. & Rakim, “I Ain’t No Joke”
Jay-Z produced the soundtrack ofNBA 2K13and ensured thatEric B.& Rakim’s“I Ain’tNo Joke”made an appearance. The songbrings an’80svintage swagger to the new generation,andif you grew upduring that time, you’ll naturally getextremely excited to hear this song while playing2K.
3. Jay-Z, “PSA (Public Service Announcement)”
The song that gets the crowd moving at partiesisthe song thatdefinesthe soundtrack that Jay-Z blessed fans with inNBA 2K13.“PSA”was the song of the moment, one that proved to the gaming world thatNBA 2Kwasnow the front-runner inbasketball video games.
2. Kanye West, “We Major"
Arguably one of Kanye’s greatest deep cuts, “We Major”bringsthe championship-winning feel to gamers. With some dopebars spitby Nas, Kanyebringselated vibes tothe track with his electronic piano keys,which ooze accomplishment and a feel-good vibe for the2Kgamer who just completed an insane comeback.
1. Puff Daddy & the Bad Boy Family feat. Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes, “Victory”
Now if you are looking for a theme song that perfectly describes what resilience, determination, and perseverance feels like, then “Victory” is the anthem for you. The entire song gets you amped up to hand your rival a major L, as Puff Daddy’sslew ofad libsin an annoyed tone of voice over the classicRockysample beat is sure to give you the focus needed to win.Biggielaysout the 411 on how to secure “Victory” despite the odds, which leadsto Busta Rhymes bringing the heroic noise and excitement on the track.
According to Sports Illustrated, only five players in history have ever received a 99 rating while actively playing: Lebron, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Only one player has ever received a 100 rating in the game — Shaquille O'Neal.
Perfected gameplay and an abundance of addicting modes make NBA 2K16 a heavyweight contender for the greatest sports game ever made. NBA 2K16 has raised the bar not just for future iterations of the series but for every sports game developed beyond this point.
Madden seems to make realistic gameplay as the top priority over everything else. So all other features/elements feel like a “bolt on”, and not well integrated. The 2K approach is more holistic. It's an integration between lifestyle and gameplay as a unit, not as a secondary afterthought.
NBA 2K16 is perhaps best known for its MyCareer mode with a story directed by acclaimed director Spike Lee. NBA 2K16 also featured full-body scans for NBA players creating a much more visually accurate representation of those NBA players.
Besides the gaming experience, it's the music in 2K that once again reigns supreme. This year, the NBA 2K24 Soundtrack features over 50 artists, including A Boogie, Lil Wayne, Central Cee, Ice Spice, Burna Boy, and more.
A 78 on Metacritic is a solid score but represents fairly low marks for a generally acclaimed series overall, and sadly, the series only saw further decline with its next year's entry only hitting a score of 68. NBA 2K20 was criticized primarily for lack of innovation or change from its previous year.
The graphics are still incredible.The soundtrack is still incredible. 2K17 has my favorite gameplay. Every other NBA 2K game before AND after just pales in comparison to NBA 2K17.
Overall, NBA 2K20 is a better looking game than NBA 2K19, but the improvement is slight. It comes down to lighting and a new facial animation concept that makes the players look more lifelike.
Introduction: My name is Stevie Stamm, I am a colorful, sparkling, splendid, vast, open, hilarious, tender person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
We notice you're using an ad blocker
Without advertising income, we can't keep making this site awesome for you.
