Baller Beats: 10 Songs Jay-Z Should Use For NBA 2K13

It's no secret that with Electronic Arts taking its dormant hoop franchise NBA Live off the bench, it's now a two-game race once again for hoops supremacy. Publisher 2K Sports has been sitting on the throne for awhile now, and looks to add another trophy to the case with their latest, NBA 2K13. Equally having a dope summer waiting for the season to begin is Jay-Z. The Brooklyn boy who done good will be returning to the borough that birthed him this fall and he's bringing along with him a hoop squad that already has New York buzzing with excitement for a rivalry match against the Knicks.

It's the Brooklyn Nets vs. the New York Knicks. 2K vs. Live. For one to rule supreme, the motivation is in the music. Sure, the God MC already has Barclays debut planned out and the NBA 2K13 soundtrack ready for you to listen to, but we here at VIBE Pop Culture believe that going the unconventional route is the sometimes the most guaranteed way to seeing banners raised in your gym. With Jay-Z executive producing one of the more electric video game soundtracks to hit this year, we imagine 10 NBA 2k13 Songs Jay-Z Should Use for your all-star gaming pleasures.

Trust us, unlike that big guy over at La-La land, we know how to make choices everyone can enjoy.

Action Bronson "Steve Wynn"

The Flushing, Queens tough guy could cook up the competition on the courts and in the booth, but his track "Steve Wynn" would properly set off tone for NBA 2K13. Spitting fire-lame gourmet goodness over Party Supplies dope seasoning, this cut is prime enough for those looking to go gargantuan in the paint while playing My Player.

Big K.R.I.T. "Boobie Miles"

Mississippi's own, Big K.R.I.T. knows a thing or two about playing to crowds who fill up the rafters, and his cut "Boobie Miles" is just the motivational music that would make for a great addition to the NBA 2K13 soundtrack. Even if the name is from Friday Night Lights, gamers can easily identify with the ghetto gospel when the King raps, "Get money, don't be no lame/Bench warmers never ride foreign, so play the game."

Joey Bada$$ "Waves"

The 90's digital don, Joey Bada$$ has an IT factor that is made for a new generation. Audiophiles already know who he is and with Jay-Z as the H.N.I.C., he can only put some more points on the stat sheet by letting young Joey rock on the video game soundtrack. If you haven't heard the soon-to-be A-list Brooklynite flow, you can see the cut for yourself below:

Kendrick Lamar "Michael Jordan"

Any online player worth their weight in Nikes should put their three's up the moment after 2K13's intro segue-ways into the "Press Start" screen. The #HiiiPowered cut would add an element of electricity that would fare better with new and familiar gamers of the popular hoop franchise. Besides, who can get enough of saying, "Michael Jordan b!*^#" over and over again on the track?

I know we can't, can you?

Jay Electronica "Victory Is In My Clutches"

On the official NBA 2K13 soundtrack, there's one glaring omission, namely Jay Electronica. Jay ElecHannukah. You get the point. Without the Voodoo Man's presence on the game's soundtrack, players are missing out on some primetime trash talking lyrics they can use against their friends—if their third eyes are open. The song's title alone, "Victory Is In My Clutches," can be referred to when dunking on AI opponents, friends and Grandmama while playing this year's go-to hoop game.

Skrillex "First Of The Year"

Wherever you go you cannot escape seeing Mau5trap artist Skrillex on something—except the NBA 2K13 soundtrack. With the Bangarang EP still charging glow sticks around the globe and an appearance in Hova's "Made In America" festival, why isn't the stylish producer's "First Of The Year" not giving gamers goosebumps? You can only imagine the fervor this track would produce in the arena during a moment such as the Eastern Conference Finals. While your player wouldn't go full Russell Westbrook on you, you can admit that it would get you pumped up to launch that game-winning shot.

Kanye West "Way Too Cold"

Jay-Z "little brother," Kanye already adds an element of excitement on the current 2K13 soundtrack. But imagine if you will, that "Way Too Cold" was blaring out of Madison Square Garden instead of the played-too-many-times cut, "Mercy." Asking questions before and after the game could never be more fun than when saying it in a Yeezy tone.

I wish you would say this cut doesn't bang.

Jay-Z "Public Service Announcement"

The Roc Nation CEO's grand declaration that the tanning of America is complete would be in the form of this banging cut from The Black Album. Instead of "shooting at rappers like movie directors," Jay-Z would be slangin' flamers at gamers like Mario. The song featured in the trailers which proclaimed the Michael Jordan of Recordin' involvement in the project would cement his place as one of the all-time greats to ever be involved in video game culture.

Are you not entertained?

Santigold "GO!"

No stranger to sports video game soundtracks, Santigold would be rounding all the bases in this powerful cut off the "Master of My Make-Believe" album. With 2K Sports looking to defend its crown, who better than executive producer Jay-Z to include this on a soundtrack which would completely separate itself from other sports video game soundtracks. The energy, message and bravado presented by Santi on the cut is another reason why using this for NBA 2K13's soundtrack would be a look ahead into gaming's future.

Skyzoo "Jansport Strings"

Last year's "Shout the Winners Out" added an element of street to NBA 2K12 which was provided by Brooklyn's own Duck Down Records. This year, Jay can keep the tradition going with the addition of Skyzoo's "Jansport Strings" on the NBA 2K13 soundtrack. Produced by 9th Wonder, who is also no stranger to gamers, this salute to Chi Ali could forever cement all parties involved. Besides, with the Brooklyn Nets featured in this year's title, they should be able to show all their hometown heroes love.

Don't believe me, just have a listen below: