NBA 2K20 Soundtrack: Improving the Subpar Playlist

2K unleashed their soundtrack for NBA 2K20. The soundtrack included big names such as Drake, Lil Wayne, and J.Cole among others. While there were some good selections, the other song included lesser-known artists and some questionable choices. I decided to create a soundtrack that would be better suited for the video game. Here is my customized NBA 2K20 soundtrack.

1. J.Cole – Middle Child

This became one of J.Cole’s best selling singles. The song is about J.Cole being the bridge between old school Hip-Hop and the new school. As the “middle child” in rap, he’s old enough to be a statesman but young enough to accept the up and coming artist.

2. Drake- Elevate

Drake’s song Sandra Rose is featured on the actual soundtrack. One of the reasons was the many basketball references in the song. But, Elevate is a good fit. Drake raps about being on top of his game in the song.

3.Meek Mill- Intro (from Championships)

Meek Mill’s intro tracks are always fire. On his latest offering, Championships, the intro sets the tone for the entire album. Also, the song samples Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight”, which was featured on NBA 2K14.

4. Nipsey Hussle- Hussle & Motivate

The late Nipsey Hussle’s song, Grinding All My Life is on the actual 2K20 soundtrack, but this song suites the game better. This song hits harder and has a bigger presence.

5. Ed Sheeran- Remember the Name (featuring Eminem and 50 Cent)

2K likes to incorporate pop music into their soundtracks. Ed Sheeran is one of the biggest pop artists in the world. This song fits the 2k vibe. Ed Sheeran talks about everyone remembering him. Also, the song features Eminem and 50 Cent, in which both are among the top-selling rappers in history.

6. Imagine Dragons- Natural

Imagine Dragons “Radioactive” is one of the most memorable songs featured on NBA 2K14.  They deserve another spot. Natural is one of the top rock songs in the United States.

7. Cardi B- Get Up 10

NBA 2K20 will feature WNBA players. With the rise of the WNBA, this soundtrack includes a Cardi B song in which she raps about her rise to the top. Get Up 10 is motivational and is one of the standout tracks on her debut album, Invasion of Privacy.

8. Jay Rock – Win

Jay Rock is a relatively quiet artist who has been solid throughout his career. He was the first artist to sign to Top Dawg Entertainment, which houses world-renown Hip-Hop artist, Kendrick Lamar. This song, which features Kendrick’s vocals, is about determination and celebration.

9. Mustard & Roddy Ricch – Ballin’ 

Mustard, formerly known as DJ Mustard, recruited California rapper Roddy Ricch for Ballin’. Roddy Ricch is gaining more attention. Ballin’ is the new rags-to-riches story that is coveted in Hip Hop.

10. Freddie Gibbs – Giannis (featuring Anderson .Paak)

Although Freddie Gibbs is not as mainstream as most of the artists on this list, he is still one of the best lyricists in Hip-Hop. His track, Giannis, is a hard-hitting, lyrical affair. Also, Giannis Antetokounmpo is the reigning NBA’s MVP.

Overall, 2K20 had a lot of songs or artists that the HoopLifeTV staff were unfamiliar with. Here are a few that I had never heard along with my take on them!

Embed from Getty Images

About Author

Tagged with: Music, NBA 2k20, Pop Culture, Soundtrack