V! Recap: Jay-Z & Meek Mill "Flex" At 2K Sports' NBA 2K13 Launch Party
Question: How do you make one of 2012's best-selling video games even better for next year? Answer: Get Jay-Z to executive produce the project.
NBA2K13, the follow-up to the 5-million-sold NBA2K12, had its launch party Wednesday (Sept. 26) night at Hova's 40/40 Club in New York City.
While NBA2K13 doesn't roll out until October, stars ranging from rappers to NBA players came out to try the new video game. While Jay-Z talked politics on the red carpet and Meek Mill performed at the event, other rappers like Cassidy and Bow Wow also made their way into the party, as did the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose, Brooklyn Nets' Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries and more.
Check out VIBE's coverage of the red carpet in the photo gallery that follows.
NBA2K13, the follow-up to the 5-million-sold NBA2K12, had its launch party Wednesday (Sept. 26) night at Hova's 40/40 Club in New York City.
While NBA2K13 doesn't roll out until October, stars ranging from rappers to NBA players came out to try the new video game. While Jay-Z talked politics on the red carpet and Meek Mill performed at the event, other rappers like Cassidy and Bow Wow also made their way into the party, as did the Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose, Brooklyn Nets' Brook Lopez and Kris Humphries and more.
Check out VIBE's coverage of the red carpet in the photo gallery that follows.
"You don't want to know what happens when I stop smiling!" —
NBA 2K13 cover athlete Derrick Rose was all teeth when he walked the red carpet at New York City's 40/40. Everyone was excited to see Chicago's MVP, yet in 2K Sports' latest iteration, Rose may be giving a lot of the opposite reactions. His slick ball-handling, dazzling array of inside-outside moves, and pure strength will make those on the opposite side of the ball sweat just a bit harder.
"Have you ever seen the inside of a jail cell?!" —
Tyson Beckford may be eye candy to millions of women around the world, but last night, Brooklyn's own was a gamer. Rushing past press along the red carpet, Beckford got an early start to playing this year's must-have sports title.
"I lost my video game virginity at..." —
The Kid came to New York! Kevin Durant arrived at the 40/40 bringing with him a distinguished cool and disarming sense of humor that caught plenty off-guard. Jovial, cracking jokes with press and 30 Rock star Tracy Morgan, Durantula told us when he lost his video game virginity, which you can see at the last slide.
"Somebody boo that man!" —
With NBA 2K13 hitting stores in October, Brooklyn Nets power forward Kris Humphries is beaming with excitement for the upcoming season. Possibly looking to get some practice in, Kim K's former beau took to the Xbox 360 to brush up on his post work with teammate Brook Lopez as his opponent. While no one really "boo'd" the 27-year-old baller, there will be a lot of trash talk when that East River rivalry starts brewing.
"It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog." —
Bow Wow stepped in the building as one of the few celebrity gamers who weren't shy about their skills. It's no secret that the YMCMB rap star loves gaming, but did he challenge anyone at last night's event at the 40/40? Throughout the night, Bow Wizzle was playing one-on-one with a gorgeous cheerleader, but any time he wants to pick up a controller, we'll be right here with the challenge.
"I want rings like the Olympics!" —
Brooklyn Nets' Brook Lopez, fresh off his appearance at Brooklyn Navy Yard, rocked his new do' at the 40/40. The self-admitted Sonic the Hedgehog stan is excited for NBA 2K13's October release and spent the night hamming it up with his teammate, Kris Humphries, and getting hands-on time with the sports game.
"Knicks vs. Nets: Are You Ready?!" —
The young gunners of the New York Knicks managed to stir up a bit of commotion during the pro-Brooklyn Nets feeling during the night. Iman Shumpert, along with brother J.R. and Chris Smith, made a definite statement in reasoning why the Knicks are the hottest ticket in the city.
"I'm not a politician!" —
The host of the evening made his appearance, and in true global fashion, made a statement that resonated beyond the regular news cycle. Who do you know fresher than Hov? Riddle us that. The rest of y'all can see where is focus is at. Branding himself into the city that birthed him, Jay-Z is looking to tan the video game industry. NBA 2K13 is a great first showing if you ask us.
"99 Questions, But This Ain't One!" —
Jay looks like he wants the interviewer to hurry up and ask the question, so he can go and challenge Kevin Durant to a Dream Team vs. Team USA match.
"I can park at my own arena!" —
NBA 2K13 intriguingly uses footage from Jay-Z most recent memorable moments interspersed with gorgeous gameplay. While you were unable to catch Jay-Z perform, you can relive those moments while getting ready to take your MyPlayer to the promise land.
"Paging Sir Charles, Paging Sir Charles!" —
If you missed out on our 5 NBA Changes You Can Thank Jay-Z For (see: http://www.vibe.com/photo-gallery/5-nba-2k13-changes-you-can-thank-jay-z-for) then you'd be impressed to hear that Hova is the reason why Charles Barkley is in NBA 2K13. Check out that article to see what else Young did for 2K Sports' critically acclaimed title.
"Empire State of Mind, Body & Gorgeousness" —
Charismatic host and Empire Girl, Julissa, came through to the 40/40 ready to stunt on all would-be ballers and MVPs. Armed with a devastating smile, a killer crossover, and an All-Star wit, Julissa might not be an ultimate gamer, but she'll sure surprise you in a racing game or two.
Charismatic host and Empire Girl, Julissa, came through to the 40/40 ready to stunt on all would-be ballers and MVPs. Armed with a devastating smile, a killer crossover, and an All-Star wit, Julissa might not be an ultimate gamer, but she'll sure surprise you in a racing game or two.
"I'm a hustla on the streets and the baseline!"
Philly's own top shotta on the mic, Cassidy, was in rare form as he graced the 40/40 with his presence. With an air of regality his cologne, the bully of the booth was one of the few who was secretly championing a Fight Night tournament. Okay, okay, that was us, but wouldn't you pay to see your favorite rap titans on the PS3 in HD?!
"Will we see this Philly guy on top of the Billboards?!" —
The gracious as ever host, Jay-Z, watched Meek Mill’s entire performance perched at his table at the top of the VIP section of the 40/40 where the MMG maverick manically maneuvered megastars and mavens alike. Try saying that Twista-style! If you ever wondered who would win in a one-on-one hoop game between Meek and Sigel, you'll have to follow us @VIBEMagazine to find out his answer!
"Clueminati is behind all this fly shiiite!" —
DJ Clue is no stranger to spirited video game competition. The New York radio disc jockey is more than just a glorified music-maker, he is nice on the controls, too. If you don't believe us, then challenge him on Twitter and see what happens.
"And since when did Black men become Kings?"
—The 40/40 could have made true history last night as folks were able to get their hands on 2K Sports' acclaimed title. These young Zulus are out there working to achieve something while managing to get some playing time in. Who do you think would win in this NBA 2K13 match? Leave your thoughts below!
"This vest was made from the skin of a royal steer!" —
Knicks' two-guard J.R. Smith and a comrade share a quick moment at the launch party for NBA 2K13 to stunt. Not extremely flashy or pompous, one these gents is ready to jumpstart the East River rivalry and we're all ready to watch.
For a shortened version of our night, be sure to watch this video recap of the event below:
Photo Credits: Jesse "@__Macgyver" Vega and Johnny "@JohnnyNUBUZZ" Nunez
Video By: Jason Chandler
