Although fans (and okayplayers) have known who was behind the music on game nights for a minute, the Barclays Center--AKA 'Jay-Z's new stash house'--has officially named J. Period, friend of OKP (and Black Thought's DJ whenever he's a solo MC), as their new music supervisor:
A borough often called “The Planet” for its unparalleled diversity, setting the musical tone in an arena of 18,000 fans is a unique undertaking. Where else but Brooklyn do communities of every cultural origin on Earth rub elbows so closely, move to the same sounds, and cheer for the same team? With the arrival of the Nets to their new home in Barclays Center, a challenge emerged: how do you entertain Brooklyn? ALL of it. At once.For the Nets debut season, part of the answer lies in the team’s newly appointed Music Supervisor: DJ/producer, remixer, Brooklynite and basketball aficionado: J.PERIOD.
The first clue that this announcement was coming might have been the Nets theme song, written by Grammy-award winning Fugees member John Forté, and remixed by J.Period. “Brooklyn: Something to Lean On (J.Period Remix)” (watch below) now plays beforeevery home game, accompanying an opening video montage and Brooklynettes dance routine.
Although several NBA teams boast “official DJ’s,” no NBA team to date has employed the services of a Music Supervisor, making J.Period's position with the Nets a first of its kind. Equally groundbreaking is the creative concept behind this position: a fully customized playlist of songs, edited specifically for NBA game-flow, mixed to appeal to Brooklyn’s broad audience, brimming with borough pride.
The progressive approach to music is the brainchild of Nets’ Senior Vice President of Event Marketing and Community Relations, Petra Pope, who states:
"J.Period has played an integral part in reinventing how we musically entertain our fans. He has strong ties to the Borough of Brooklyn and the diversity it represents... we are fortunate to have him as a part of our team."
“It is truly an honor to be part of the Nets’ groundbreaking approach to music at Barclays Center,” adds J. “As a Brooklynite for over 10 years and a lifetime hoops head, I’m excited to play a role in shaping the musical identity of the Brooklyn Nets in their debut season. Barclays is the new epicenter of Brooklyn, and the arena experience is all about capturing that essence. As Music Supervisor, my goal is simple: energize the entire crowd and help make it fun for everyone... Brooklyn-style.”
