You never know quite what to expect when there's a product launch; some are better than others and 2K Games' NBA 2K8 press launch was a nice lil' mellow affair that struck a mix of music and sports with, Q-Tip and Egon of Stones Throw repping the music side, Chris Paul and Baron Davis reppin' the jocks, and NYC legend Bobbito coming somewhere in between.As always it's the little moments -- and the free Jack -- that make parties interesting; Bobbito taking sheer delight in the unveiling of his video game character which hosts the slam dunk contest that's now part of the game. When he presented Q-Tip with a new pair of sneakers, everybody else in the room acted like they weren't looking on with mild envy. I was chuffed as chips when Bobbito said of my own shoes (yes, NB) "those are ill".So basically, we went to this event to check out a video game and we really scored, getting additionally, a fascinating five-minute oral history from Bobbito and an update from Q-Tip who announced the formation of a new group with Common, the re-formation of Tribe, discussed his upcoming album, and argued about the overall ranking of the borough of Queens in Hip-Hop. A few times to our delight, a lovely hostesses passes by us pointing out the (after he inquires) nude and semi-nude women in the art on the walls to us, offering various hors d'oevres and hipping both 'Tip and myself on where the big-name parties are at.Bobbito's viddy autobio of course, discusses spinning then-unsigned artists including Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, Nas, Biggie, Big Pun, and this is a classic story for good reason. In this brother's life, basketball is definitely the fifth element. He's a music biz promo legend, a DJ, international pro athlete, author, magazine and website publisher (bouncemag.com) and star of Nike's bounce commercials with those smooth ball tricks.I addition to whatever strikes his fancy, Q Tip additionally vents on the over- collaboration on albums and on his use of young musicians plucked fresh from The New School in NYC. It was cool to get a mix CD of the soundtrack ' made for nice 'pod fodder with a few classic gems in their entirity even though we love (and are more used to) the cut-ups. Woulda been great if it was the long version of the Stone Roses' "Fool's Gold" instead of the radio edit, but we have the 12" and this shortcoming was more than compensated for by the inclusion of Ernie & the Top Notes' "Dap Walk" which is indeed well-suited for repeat subway listening. Sigh. Thanks for that, Mr. DJ, I needed it.

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