2K Sports have announced that their upcoming release NBA 2K13 will feature a soundtrack comprised of 24 songs selected by rapper/partial Brooklyn Nets owner Jay-Z.

Photo courtesy of 2K Sports.

The songs range from Jay-Z’s own hits to songs from his “Watch the Throne” partner Kanye West as well as cuts by Coldplay, Daft Punk and even U2 (marking their first ever foray into video games.)

The move elevates 2K13, already considered a must-own for sports fans, to an even higher level and the inclusion of Jay-Z shows that 2K Sports are looking to maintain and build upon NBA 2K12, last year’s highly praised installment.

“We aren’t content with just being the best, and we will continue to grow the NBA 2K franchise into one of today’s premier entertainment experiences,” said Jason Argent, vice president of marketing for 2K Sports. “JAY Z’s role in NBA 2K13 represents a unique fusion of basketball, music, art, and entertainment, and illustrates the evolution of NBA 2K into something much bigger than simply the best basketball video game series ever made.”

Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, noted that the experience was a chance to build upon 2K’s already high reputation and believes that 2K13 could serve as a launching point to a new level for the series.

“This has been a unique opportunity to collaborate with 2K Sports and be a part of one of the best sports video games in history,” commented JAY Z.  “NBA 2K13 will be the next evolution in sports and basketball culture, and I’m ready to usher in the new era of the franchise.”

Fans are encouraged to listen to select songs from the soundtrack at 2K13’s official Facebook page.

NBA 2K13 will be released for the PS3, XBOX 360, PSP, PC and Nintendo Wii in the United States on October 2, 2012 and internationally October 5. Fans can currently pre-order the game at select retailers and receive a day-one download of the NBA All-Star content.

NBA 2K13 Official Soundtrack:

Artist:                                                Title:

The Hours                                  Ali in the Jungle

Too Short                                    Blow the Whistle (Main)

Eric B. and Rakim                     I Ain’t No Joke

Phoenix                                       1901

JAY Z                                            Pump it Up (Freestyle)

Puff Daddy and the Family       Victory (feat. Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes)

Daft Punk                                     Around The World (Radio Edit)

Santigold                                     Shove It (feat. Spank Rock)

Kanye West                                 Amazing

JAY Z                                             Run This Town

The Dirty Projectors                   Stillness is the Move

Nas                                               The World is Yours

Coldplay                                       Viva La Vida

Roy Ayers                                     We Live in Brooklyn, Baby

Justice                                          Stress

JAY Z                                             The Bounce

Kanye West                                  We Major (feat. Nas & Really Doe)

Mobb Deep                                  Shook Ones, Pt. II

Meek Mill                                       Ima Boss – Instrumental

Kanye West                                  Mercy (feat. Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz)

U2                                                  Elevation

JAY Z                                             On To The Next One

JAY Z                                             Public Service Announcement

JAY Z                                             H.A.M. (Instrumental)

NBA 2K13 Official Jay-Z Announcement video-