Hip-hop and video games go hand-in-hand. The Def Jam series, for instance, paired hip-hop with video games to incredible success. As time passed, they added current artists to the NBA 2K soundtracks and the Madden NFL series. These additions often split players down the middle. Some were excited about the full playlist while others took pride in sharing which songs they had on mute. Nonetheless, music plays a critical part in video games, these days. Not only do they set the tone but they can provide an adrenaline rush at the right moments. Below, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best songs in video games in recent years.
Cordae & Hit-Boy - “Checkmate (Madden 23)” (Madden NFL 23)
The soundtrack to the Madden games has built a legacy in its own right. Over the years, they've included varying genres to get the blood flowing during gameplay. However, Madden 23 included a star-studded soundtrack with a particular focus on hip-hop. Producer Hit-Boy not only curated the soundtrack but also created 33 exclusive beats that were used for the game’s cinematics. He also produced Cordae’s exclusive track for the game “Checkmate.” The original version finds Cordae reflecting on his come-up with motivational gems. In the Madden version, he restructures a few bars to parallel his own experiences with the sports world. This was a creative and fitting decision and allows the song to have a dual purpose without compromising it too much.
Denzel Curry - “The Game” (Madden NFL 22)
Denzel Curry's "The Game" was tailored specifically for Madden NFL 22. Of course, the song title is the first giveaway. Then, there’s the nostalgia-driven cover art, reminiscent of a 90s Nintendo game. The song’s visualizer on YouTube is a play-through of a vintage game of Madden that continues the aesthetics of the cover art. In the song, Denzel describes the adversity he's faced, overcoming said obstacles, and navigating through success. Even with its general laidback vibe, Denzel Curry's bringing heat to the table.
A$AP Rocky - “Sh*ttin Me” (Need for Speed Unbound)
This is one song from a video game that was unexpected. Not only is Rocky in the game as himself, but he also has his own custom Mercedes 190E. Naturally, players get to drive it during a mission where their character meets Rocky. The song has nothing to do with racing or cars but that’s okay. It's slightly surprising but it's an energetic banger that fits the game nonetheless. Rocky seems to have treated it as an official single in his discography. His custom car makes a cameo in the music video, too.
21 Savage - "Immortal" (Mortal Kombat 11)
This is one of those songs from a video game that nobody expected. Rappers have referenced the game in the past. Megan Thee Stallion even played Mortal Kombat 11 on live stream. However, it was 21 Savage that helped launch the campaign for this particular entry by debuting his single, "Immortal" in the official trailer. The Atlanta rapper uses references from the legendary franchise throughout the record, like, “Draco get to kickin’ like Liu Kang,” “Choppa cut you up like Kitana” and “Neck on froze like Sub-Zero, dawg.” Players and listeners thought 21 was a very fitting choice considering how his lyrics are typically as bleak as the gameplay itself. However, this song is not in the game itself. Fortunately, it was released on streaming services in 2019, even though the trailer was released in 2018.
Rage Against The Machine - “Guerrilla Radio” (Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2)
This entry is one of those songs from a video game that reached multiple generations. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 is a remaster pack for the two games from 1999 and 2000. “Guerilla Radio” is in the remaster pack soundtrack and was originally in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2. For players -- and millennials, in general -- this song has a certain nostalgia attached to it. Additionally, they used the song for the opening video of the game which combines footage from the past and present. Tony has spoken about including music that was directly connected to skate culture in all of his games. This includes having a variety of genres. Furthermore, for Rage specifically, the anti-establishment lyrics resonated with the rebel aspect of skate culture.
KoRn vs. Dem Franchize Boyz - “Coming Undone Wit It” (NFL Street 3)
This is one of the songs from a video game that you may only know of if you've played it. "Coming Undone Wit It" is nu-metal mash up of Dem Franchize Boyz and Korn. The song has a special nostalgic memory for players who downloaded the song to their mp3 players in their younger days. Furthermore, the song is still not on streaming services. Its only home is YouTube and computers/mp3 players from the 2000s.
What are some rap songs you remember hearing in video games? Let us know in the comments section.
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