2K Sports, and its sports publishing company Take-Two Interactive have announced that they are honoring the legendary producer J Dilla by featuring exclusive tracks by the late great on its upcoming NBA 2K8 release.  Although Dilla was an emcee as well the records will be Dilla productions featuring focal from Common, Q-Tip, Talib Kweli and Madlib.

“For the NBA 2K8 soundtrack, we wanted to produce something diverse that bridges modern hip-hop with its rich heritage in funk and groove,” said Tim Rosa, 2K Sports Director of Brand and Lifestyle Marketing. “In addition to showcasing some of J Dilla’s finest and unreleased cuts with marquee artists like Common, Talib Kweli and Q-Tip, we’ve included a diverse group of artists whose music really captures the spirit of the game.”NBA 2K8 is scheduled to drop October 2, 2007 for Xbox 360, PLAYSTATION 2 & 3.

It looks like 2K Sports is trying to gain an edge over NBA Live, the recognized leader in the market by featuring an in-game soundtrack that focuses squarely on real hip-hop.  I think this is an excellent marketing idea.  As you’ll see from the track listing the songs and artist chosen are for a more mature hip hop audience.  The presence of such records suggest the game is targeted to the young adult male who like me may reject the current rap game but still pay homage to the classics as well as have a basic understanding and appreciation for funk which is also sprinkled throughout the soundtrack.   Good work 2K Sports.