NBA 2K23 puts Aussie Hip Hop artists on the court

NBA 2K23 released just a couple of months back, but adding some more fuel to the basketball fire is a new collaboration with Universal Music Australia.

The special partnership includes collaborations with Aussie recording artists; Chillinit, Sahxl and Barkaa, called “Court in Session”. This unique musical performance series “puts Australia’s best hip-hop artists alongside the beats created from the self-expression of the basketball players within NBA 2K23.”

The soundtrack of NBA 2K has always been a highlight and focus over the years, and the launch of this new “cultural platform” right here in Australia is set to continue that trend in a big way.

It certainly sounds like a unique kind of show. “Stood upon a basketball court, these Hip Hop artists will perform a bespoke track inspired by the game. Performing alongside huge vertical screens that sync game footage to the beats, the artists will MC over unique beats crafted from basketball sound effects. Ball bounces become beats, bleacher stomps become heavy drums and shoe squeaks become record scratches across the three original tracks.” says the media release.

The music videos have been directed by acclaimed twice ARIA-nominated music video and commercial director, Gabriel Gasparinatos, who said: “It’s been so fun getting back to my rap video roots on this project, it’s highly technical with massive LED screens, an enormous lighting set and motion control rigs but working with DOP Tyson Perkins and bolt operator Max Pepper from Cinoptix on it has been super rewarding.”

“Pulling inspiration from 2K gameplay highlight reels and modern rap clip sensibilities we had a blast pulling these individual videos together.” Gasparinatos continues. “It’s so cool to see such exciting, global brands willing to invest in & give a platform to Australian hip hop artists.”

Checked out the videos above and really feeling the beat on the basketball court? NBA 2K23 is available now.