NBA 2K and EMPIRE Launch Exclusive Vinyl Box Set for Season 2 Soundtrack
In a pioneering collaboration, NBA 2K has partnered with EMPIRE, an independent record label based in San Francisco, to unveil EMPIRE & NBA 2K Present: Music to Ball To. This limited edition vinyl box set is designed to celebrate the NBA 2K25 Season 2 soundtrack and will be available for preorder, launching officially on February 14, 2025.
Details of the Collectible Vinyl Set
The box set is priced at $150 and offers fans an exclusive collectible that pairs music with sports culture. It is available for preorder through multiple retailers, including Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, and Complex Shop. The anticipation around this release showcases the ongoing fusion of music and sports, appealing to fans of both realms.
The vinyl includes two discs featuring 13 tracks from a variety of well-known artists represented by EMPIRE. Here’s the breakdown of the tracklist:
VINYL 1:
- “Demons In The Dark” – Money Man & Key Glock
- “Magnum P.I.” – Larry June
- “Rules” – Sauce Walka (feat. BossMan Dlow)
- “Let’s Go” – Key Glock
- “Ballin” – Lil Yee & Lil Pete
- “Grab Yo Skates” – BabyTron
VINYL 2:
- “Wave” – Asake & Central Cee
- “Legacy” – Babyface Ray & Doughboy Clay
- “On Point” – LUCKI
- “2 Million Up” – Peezy
- “Triangle Offense” – Albee Al (feat. Dave East & Millyz)
- “Nothing is Forever” – HAARPER
- “Player’s Holiday ‘25” – P-Lo (feat. Larry June, Saweetie, G-Eazy, LaRussell, thuy & YMTK)
Vision Behind the Collaboration
Ghazi, the Founder and CEO of EMPIRE, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our partnership with 2K allows us to merge music, sports, and tech in an innovative way that feels authentic to the Bay Area.” This sentiment reflects the deep cultural ties that both music and basketball share, especially in regions where they thrive together.
Alexandra Moore, Chief Business Officer at EMPIRE, highlighted the significance of the collaboration: “We’re excited to be at the forefront of bridging basketball and music culture in a tangible, collectible format that appeals to fans of both worlds.” This merging of experiences speaks to a growing trend where digital and physical media intersect.
David Kelley, Director of Partnerships and Licensing at 2K, added, “We’re excited to give 2K fans and music lovers a chance to own this unique collectible that highlights the cultural intersection of music and basketball.” With this release, both 2K and EMPIRE aim to enhance the gaming experience while simultaneously celebrating the music culture intertwined with the sport.
Unique Features of the Box Set
The vinyl box set isn’t just a collection of tracks; it comes with specially designed features that reflect the NBA culture. The basketball-textured packaging and custom vinyl sleeves stand out, along with a “Music to Ball To” championship banner and a 2K25 x EMPIRE basketball keychain. Additionally, fans will receive 35,000 VC (virtual currency) for NBA 2K25, enhancing the gaming experience.
The unique design—featuring a hardwood glossed exterior—further emphasizes the connection between basketball and music, making this item particularly appealing for enthusiasts of both NBA 2K and EMPIRE’s diverse artist roster.
Conclusion: A Cultural Intersection
The release of EMPIRE & NBA 2K Present: Music to Ball To signifies a noteworthy moment in the music and gaming industries, marking a fresh approach to fan engagement. As more collaborations between music and gaming partners materialize, this box set may set a precedent for future projects aiming to delve deeper into the cultural intersections of these vibrant spheres.
For music lovers and gamers alike, this limited edition box set stands as not just a collectible but as a testament to how music can enhance the gaming experience, and vice versa. Fans eager to explore this unique offering can find it available for preorder through the EMPIRE website and various retail partners.
Listeners can also check out the soundtrack on various platforms.
