One of the great things about the NBA 2K franchise is how important music is to the overall gameplay experience. As NBA 2K22 nears its public release this September, it's worth wondering what current and past musical artists will be included on the eclectic soundtrack and how it will compare to the previous franchise entries.
As for NBA 2K21, a total of 50 songs are included on the soundtrack. While most of the music belongs to the hip-hop and R&B genres of music and feature some of the biggest names in the industry, there is a wide selection to satisfy almost everyone who plays the game.
Kobe - Dame D.O.L.L.A. Feat. Snoop Dogg & Derek Milano
While there may be more sonically appealing songs on the soundtrack, the heartfelt ode to one of the game's most iconic basketball stars cannot be omitted as one of the best concepts. Moreover, that NBA star Damian Lillard aka Dame D.O.L.L.A. rhymes so well on the track makes the song much more germane for a basketball video game, and Snoop Dogg's star power doesn't hurt either.
The song "Kobe" pays affectionate homage to Kobe Bryant, aka the Black Mamba, one of the NBA's all-time greats who tragically died with his daughter G.G. in a helicopter crash. Dame articulates how inspirational Kobe was to him personally and how much he'll be missed globally.
What's Poppin - Jack Harlow Feat. Dababy, Tory Lanez & Lil Wayne
With well over 175 million YouTube views, it's safe to say Jack Harlow's "What's Poppin'" is a pretty popular track. Thanks to featured verses from such gigantic rap names as Lil Wayne, Dababy, and Tory Lanez, the song features breathless acrobatic rhyme schemes and a chilled-out beat with a mellow hook that mentions NBA legend John Stockton's passing skills.
In addition to the impressive lyricism, engaging NBA references, and the enjoyable beat, it's the searing chemistry between the four emcees that makes the song flow so well.
Blinding Lights - The Weekend
The most popular song on NBA 2K21 is The Weekend's "Blinding Lights," a commercial pop smash hit that the artist performed at the last Super Bowl halftime show. The catchy dance song currently has over half a billion YouTube views.
As a massively enjoyable crowd-pleaser, the song has shades of 80s synth-pop mixed with a driving tempo, electric keyboard, and a colorful melody somewhat redolent of new wave bands. While the song has little to do with basketball, it won multiple awards for best song of the year, including a Juno Award for Single of the Year.
Bad Decisions - The Strokes
If for no other reason to break the rap monotony and enjoy some guitar-playing rock music, The Strokes' "Bad Decisions" is among the 10 best songs on the game. Like The Weekend's "Blinding Lights," the song has a nostalgic 80s Modern English and Duran Duran vibe that is sure to tug at the heartstrings at some.
Reflecting on the poor choices made in life, the song has a melancholic tinge to go with its uptempo backbeat. A huge sonic shake-up comes during the bridge of the song, making it almost sound like two distinct tracks in one. All told, the tune is a snappy toe-tapper that stands out among the more hip-hop-laden soundtrack.
Let Me Know - Juice WRLD
While there are probably better-produced tracks featured in the game, there's something so real, honest, and unpretentious about the late Juice WRLD's song "Let Me Know" that makes it hard to forget. Also known as "I Wonder Why Freestyle," the song feels like it was recorded as a lark on a whim and hasn't any pressure to be a hit record.
As such, the song has a hypnotic, laid-back vibe that shows a raw, vulnerable side of the fallen artist, allowing fans to get to know his personality even more.
Photograph - Ill Nicky, Jared Anthony & Cheeba Hawk
In a sonic fusion of rock, rap, reggae, and a dash of R&B, the song "Photograph" by Ill Nicky, Jared, and Cheeba Hawk is one of the catchier and more enjoyable songs in the game. In addition to the melodic downtempo music itself, the chorus is as catchy as can be.
Thematically, the lyrics express regret over the passage of time and how much a person can change in the blink of an eye. However indirect, the theme can be applied to a basketball player's career longevity and how difficult it is to remain at the top of the game. Songs like these are what help give NBA 2k21 one of the best video game soundtracks.
How It Is - Malz Monday
Fans of 90s-era boom-bap hip-hop who dislike modern mumble trap-rap are sure to enjoy "How it Is" by Malz Monday. With some of the best lyrics and rhyme patterns on the soundtrack, the song signifies golden-era hip-hop.
With a pleasant high-pitch piano beat, Malz Monday rhymes about his struggles growing up and coming of age in his neighborhood, reciting such lyrics as "police pull me over and ask me why I look nervous, the bloody murderer ain't here to protect and serve us." Whereas most rap songs on the soundtrack brag and boast about cars and jewelry, here is a socially conscious rap song with real substance.
Venom - Little Simz
In terms of sheer lyricism, few artists on the NBA 2K21 soundtrack are able to out-pace female British rapper Little Simz. On a haunting beat for the song Venom, Simz rhymes circles around the other artists in the game while addressing issues of inequality the stigma female rappers face in a male-dominated industry full of misogyny.
The counterbalance between Simz's extremely fast-tempo verses and the simple, slowed-down chorus make the song indelibly unique. There's an eerie, almost horror-core quality that really stands out from the rest of the songs.
Crown - Chika
Beyond "Blinding Lights," the most feel-good and uplifting song on the NBA 2K21 soundtrack belongs to CHIKA's "Crown." The breezy summertime vibes and sunny harmonies conjure images of sipping daiquiris on the beach.
Reminiscent of a 90s R&B pop hit, the song has a nostalgic groove that is sure to appeal to older and younger crowds alike. Chika's second verse about the perils of depression is also bound to help countless listeners through tough times, allowing them to feel seen and heard and know they are not alone in the struggle.
Same Team - Jerreau
One of the least-known artists on the 2K21 soundtrack has one of the best songs, a staple of the NBA 2K franchise. The song "Same Team" by Jerreau is a highly enjoyable, socially conscious rap song with extremely clean production and a chill, head-nodding piano beat that remains satisfying on repeat listens.
While many of the more popular rap songs on the soundtrack highlight shallow materialism, Jerreau expresses the profundity of "the irony of growing up poor is you gotta pay for it," and other childhood hardships.