Both Universal Music Australia and NBA 2K23 lately declared a special collaboration with multiple Australian Hip Hop Artists, including Barkaa, Chillinit, and Sahxl.
The collaboration, which also goes by the name Court in Session, is a series of special musical performances based on the beats of the sport and players featured in NBA 2K23. This attempt lays the foundation for the future editions of the game. This partnership will facilitate branching out of the series to various cultures on NBA 2K23.
As stated earlier, each artist will be releasing a fresh track, made with game sounds such as slipping Basketball shoes, classic basketball sounds, swooshing net effects, etc. These tracks are being directed by Gabriel Gasparinatos. The two-time ARIA-nominated music video director has also directed movies and advertisements for big brands such as Spotify and Google.
Gabriel was thrilled to work on this project. He added, “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.”
He mentioned how 2K gameplay highlight reels and modern rapping style inspired them throughout the project. The director hopes this will fuel more global brands investing in and promoting Australian hip-hop artists.
NBA 2K23: Barkaa expresses her excitement
Acknowledged as the “new matriarch of Australian rap” by GQ magazine, Barkaa is seen as one of Australia’s next big act. Barkaa gave her voice for the track ‘Ball On ‘Em.’
Barkaa not only expresses herself through her music but also puts forth the real issues affecting First Nations people. She dedicates this track to Patty Mills and mentions that this is and has always been bigger than us.
The lady also gave a shout-out to Rhyan Clapham for going crazy on the beat, expressing her joy working with him.
Chillnit on being ‘the NBA fan’
For someone who loves promoting their music in a fresh and innovative manner, the ‘Court in Session’ has been an open invitation for the 29-year-old rapper Chillnit.
Chillnit has been a big fan of the NBA since his childhood. He remembers playing the video game for hours. Seeing his own banner within the game while playing the game with his brothers makes him feel surreal. The rapper feels honoured to work with the team and expresses his gratitude towards them.
Check out his NBA 2K23 track below:
Sahxl’s take on the Collab
Joining Chillnit, we have the teenage artist Sahxl onboard too. After starting out at the age of 13, Sahxl is believed to be Australia’s next big sensation.
Speaking about the collaboration, Sahxl speaks of facing difficulties using basketball sound effects for the first time. The 19-year-old performer embraced the process though. He had fun experimenting with the themes and experiences all along while creating the awesome track.
The original music from the three Australian artists is not only featured in NBA 2K23, but is also available across all the available platforms.
