NBA 2K has been one of the, if not the most superior basketball video game out for some time now. Each year, people want to grab the new 2K due to its graphics, gameplay, soundtrack, and more. What makes the NBA 2K soundtrack so unique is that about every month or two, NBA 2K will have an update which adds songs to the soundtrack so you will always have something new to listen to while playing the game. This first started in NBA 2K20. Prior to NBA 2K20 the soundtrack stayed the same and would only change when a new NBA 2K was released. Now that we are up to NBA 2K24, the soundtrack changes and makes the game feel more ‘fresher’ and enjoyable for the person playing.
As an avid NBA 2K player, I created my own top 10 ‘All Time NBA 2K Soundtrack’ list. This list is completely opinion based and doesn’t necessarily mean these are the best NBA 2K songs ever, just my top 10 (no particular order) based on what I like. So, here I go:
1. Come See Me – PARTYNEXTDOOR & Drake (NBA 2K17)
- I chose this song because it’s calm and relaxing. This is the type of song where I can just let it play in the background and not have to engage in gameplay on NBA 2K. In my opinion NBA 2K17 had one of the better soundtracks that 2K has offered.
2. I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times) – Jamie xx ft. Young Thug & Popcaan (NBA 2K17)
- This was definitely one of my favorite songs on 2K. I really like Young Thug’s verse, he made this song enjoyable. As I said before, NBA 2K17 had a great soundtrack, and this is one of the better songs.
3. Didn’t Cha Know – Erykah Badu (NBA 2K23)
- As I’m writing this I’m currently 25 years old, turning 26 this Sunday. I say that to say I’m young, but I am somewhat an old soul when it comes to music like this. Erykah Badu’s voice is super therapeutic and soothing. This is also another song I can just listen to without actually playing NBA 2K. This song is definitely in my top five.
4. Damage – PARTYNEXTDOOR, Halsey (NBA 2K19)
- This song is uptempo and just puts me in a good mood overall. Both PARTYNEXTDOOR and Halsey (who I’m not very familiar with as an artist) did a great job on this song.
5. West Like – Destiny Rogers, Kalan.FrFr (NBA 2K23)
- I like the west-coast style sound this song offers. I became hip to Kalan.FrFr when I first heard this song, I like his sound. This is another song that puts me in a good mood.
6. B.R.O. (Better Ride Out) – A Boogie Wit da Hoodie ft. Roddy Ricch (NBA 2K24)
- Me being a New York native, A Boogie is somewhat a pioneer to my generation. I would’ve listened to this song whether it was on 2K or not. I actually like A Boogie’s music. His sound is very unique. The hook is my favorite part about this song.
7. Doo Wop (That Thing) – Lauryn Hill (NBA 2K15)
- As I said before, I have an old soul. I’ve always liked this song even before NBA 2K15, but as I heard more and more as I played, I fell more in love with it. From the beat to the hook this is just a great song. I really like the part of the song when Lauryn Hill says “How you gon’ win when you ain’t right within?” That lyric speaks volumes.
8. Rise & Shine – J. Cole (NBA 2K16)
- J. Cole used to be one of my favorite rappers when I was younger. This album came out in 2011, and this really stamped him in the Hip-Hop game, not to mention being signed to Jay-Z. Lyrically J. Cole is on a different level than other artists. One of my favorite lyrics from this song is “Hope my momma gets to see Jamaica before she meets her maker”. That line right there gives me goosebumps because it’s so relatable.
9. Chosen – Blxst, Tyga ft. Ty Dolla $ign (NBA 2K22)
- This song is just chill vibes. I enjoy the hook alot, it’s catchy. Subconsciously you’ll just catch yourself nodding your head to it.
10. Gold – Kiiara (NBA 2K17)
- This song is legendary when it comes to NBA 2K17. This was the song that would first play as your at the loading screen. I started hearing it so much that it became a favorite. I’m not exactly sure what she is saying, however I do know it’s catchy and has a great rhythm to it. Definitely a top five. This just goes to show how good the NBA 2K17 tracklist was.
Honorable Mentions
1. Black and White – Nasty C, Ari Lennox (NBA 2K24)
- I really like the hook on this song. Ari Lennox did a great job on this track. I wasn’t familiar with her prior to this song.
2. Dior – Pop Smoke (NBA 2K21)
- Being from NY, I felt as if I had to include Pop in this list. This song had New York in a frenzy when it first came out. R.I.P. Pop Smoke.
3. AEAO – Dynamicduo, DJ Premier (NBA 2K16)
- Every OG 2K player knows this song. This is a fan favorite for sure. The hook is extremely catchy.
See playlist “>HERE
