In recent years, 2K Sports has looked to big names from the world of music to craft the soundtrack for their NBA 2K games. With NBA 2K13, it was Jay-Z, executive producer of that year's game. Pharrell Williams put together the list of songs for 2K15.
For NBA 2K16, the company is going even bigger by creating the largest soundtrack in the history of the series with three genre-defining collaborators at the helm: legendary hip-hop producer DJ Premier, renowned producer DJ Khaled and super-producer DJ Mustard.
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2K16's soundtrack will be comprised of six in-game playlists, including three lists individually curated by each producer, an international “Around the World” playlist, the 2K Classics Mixtape featuring fan favorites from previous 2K titles, and a master playlist that includes all 50 tracks from this year’s selection.
The expansive music library spans a wide range of genres, including hip-hop, electronic, pop, rock and alternative, from throwback tracks from the ‘70s through today’s Top 40, including The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop,” Nas’ “Represent,” and Zedd’s “I Want You to Know” featuring Selena Gomez. Gamers will also have the opportunity to listen to all-new instrumental tracks created by each producer, which will be available in-game at various points during the MyCareer and MyGM experiences.
NBA 2K16 is set to release on September 29, but those who pre-order the game will get it four days earlier. The game's MyCareer Mode is written and directed by Spike Lee, and the three covers for the game will feature Stephen Curry, James Harden, and Anthony Davis . An $80 special edition with Michael Jordan on the cover and bonus content has also been announced.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, has co-founded the new site HitThePass.com, is a regular participant in the Press Row Podcast, and can be reached on Twitter @Pastapadre.