In the NBA 2K franchise, music plays a significant role in the overall gameplay experience, which is one of the franchise's best features. As the release of NBA 2K22 MT nears in September, it's worth considering which current and former musical artists will be featured on the game's eclectic soundtrack, as well as how it will compare to the previous franchise entries in terms of quality and diversity.

1. The Strokes Make Bad Decisions
When it comes to rap music, Bad Decisions by The Strokes is one of the best songs in the game if for no other reason than to break up the monotony and listen to some guitar-playing rock music. It shares a nostalgic 80s Modern English and Duran Duran vibe with The Weekend's Blinding Lights, which will undoubtedly tug at some people's heartstrings.

To accompany its uptempo backbeat, the song has a melancholy undertone that reflects on the bad decisions made in life. It almost sounds like two separate tracks are being mixed together during the song's bridge section, thanks to a massive sonic shakeup. As a whole, the song is a snappy toe-tapper that stands out among the more hip-hop-heavy background music.

2. Juice WRLD - Let Me Know -
While there are probably better-produced tracks in the game, there's something about the late Juice WRLD's song Let Me Know that is so genuine, honest, and unpretentious that it's difficult to forget about it. The song, which is also known as I Wonder Why Freestyle, has the feel of something that was recorded on the spur of the moment and is not under any pressure to be a hit.
Thus, the song has an hypnotic, laid-back vibe that reveals a raw and vulnerable side of the fallen artist, allowing fans to gain a deeper understanding of his character.

3. Nicky, Jared Anthony, and Cheeba Hawk pose for a photo.
One of the more memorable and enjoyable songs in the game is Photograph by Ill Nicky, Jared, and Cheeba Hawk. The song is an amalgamation of various musical genres such as rock, reggae, and RB with a dash of RB sprinkled in for good measure. Aside from the melodic downtempo music itself, the chorus is one of the most catchy songs you'll hear all day.
The lyrics express regret over the passage of time and how much a person can change in the blink of an eye, which is a central theme of the song. The theme, however indirect, can be applied to the longevity of a basketball player's career and the difficulty of remaining at the top of the game. NBA2K21 MT has one of the best video game soundtracks around thanks to songs like these.

4. Malz Monday's "How It Is"
How it Is by Malz Monday is sure to please fans of 90s boom-bap hip-hop who are tired of modern mumble trap-rap. The song, which features some of the best lyrics and rhyme patterns on the soundtrack, is a representation of hip-hop's golden age.

Malz Monday raps about his struggles growing up and coming of age in his neighborhood, reciting lyrics such as "police pull me over and ask me why I look nervous," "the bloody murderer ain't here to protect and serve us," and "the bloody murderer ain't here to protect and serve us."Instead of bragging about cars and jewelry, as is the case with most rap songs on the soundtrack, here is a socially conscious rap song that actually has some substance.

5. Place: Jerreau's team
NBA 2K21's soundtrack features one of the best songs ever written by one of the least-known artists in the world, a song that has become a staple of the NBA MT. This socially conscious rap song by Jerreau is a highly enjoyable and thought-provoking listen. It has an extremely clean production and a chill, head-nodding piano beat that is satisfying even after repeated listens.

When compared to many of the more popular rap songs on the soundtrack, Jerreau expresses the profundity of the irony of growing up poor and having to pay for it, as well as other childhood hardships, in his song "You Gotta Pay For It."