When kicking back and relaxing after a long day with a little you time on whatever game tickles your fancy, a must for every session is the perfect playlist to go with it. And what better place to start that than with some hip-hop tracks? From influencing games such as Def Jam Vendetta to referencing titles such as Street Fighter, hip-hop music has been tied to video games for decades, and for good reason. Here we will look at why hip-hop music is the perfect soundtrack to your gaming session and what tracks absolutely need to be on your playlist.
Hip-Hop and Videogames
With games such as the Def Jam series combining hip-hop and videogames and songs such as Nicki Minaj’s I Am You Leader referencing Street Fighter, we can see Hip-hop and video games have a long history of going hand in hand. However, this has become even more prominent in modern gaming. Whether you’re racing in Need for Speed: Unbound, having a virtual kickabout in FIFA 2023, or destroying your opponent in Mortal Kombat, chances are there will be a hip-hop track somewhere on the soundtrack to set the tone, boost morale, and provide an adrenaline rush where necessary. So, if it’s already featured on video game soundtracks, it just makes sense to add hip-hop to your playlist with some of the best music for gambling, shooting, punching, and drifting games whose soundtracks might be lacking your personal tastes.
Top Tracks
X Gon’ Give It to Ya- DMX
Known for its hard-hitting beat and aggressive lyrics, X Gon’ Give It to Ya has become an anthem for rampages and ‘badassery’ in pop culture. The song initially only managed to reach position 30 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs list by Billboard, but it gained massive popularity when it was featured in the 2016 movie Deadpool, which propelled it to position 23 on the same chart. Its sales also increased by over 400%, making it one of the most successful tracks of the year.
You get quite the powerful beat when you bring together the ominous tone of the bass walking down, the surprising leap down to the last note, and those trumpets supporting everything you hear from the bass. Overall, this is the perfect track for getting hyped up while waiting in a lobby or for mid-killing spree on your favourite FPS.
Immortal- 21 Savage
If you’re a Mortal Kombat fan, this track is a must, and you may already be familiar with it. Immortal featured in the trailer for Mortal Kombat 11, and with its variety of references to the game itself, such as ‘Draco get to kickin’ like Liu Kang’ and ‘Neck on froze like Sub-Zero, dawg’ it’s easy to see why. Add this track to your playlist if you’re after something a little more tenacious and rawer.
The Game- Denzel Curry
Another track tailored towards a game; Denzel Curry’s The Game was made for Madden NFL 22. The art and visuals for the track visualizer all take inspiration from the Super Nintendo game Madden NFL 95, a nice call back to the series’ roots. Bringing a more chilled-out and laidback vibe to a pretty hype-heavy list, The Game details overcoming adversity and navigating through the challenges that come with success.
Straight Outta Compton- N.W.A
Calling on another timeless classic, second on Rolling Stone’s The 100 Greatest West Coast Hip-Hop Songs of All Time Straight Outta Compton is yet another track with a huge influence. The track and its B-Side, F*ck tha Police, had the music industry tearing its hair out, with the videos for both even being banned from MTV. It’s dark, illuminating some of the harsh realities of the LA streets at the time, with references to gun violence and scheming women, but it’s these brutal and hard-hitting lyrics that make this track a perfect inclusion in any hip-hop playlist.
Home Run- Big Hash
A more recent addition to the videogame hip-hop hall of fame, The Big Hash is a South African artist who featured on the track High Level on the FIFA 2023 soundtrack. However, it’s his single Home Run that fits perfectly on any video game playlist. Featuring FLVME contributing vocals, the track is more relaxed than some of the earlier hard hitters mentioned in this list. Its smooth beat makes it perfect for winding down and taking it easy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Hip-Hop and videogames have gone hand in hand for as long as many fans can remember. The genre has featured in games almost as often as it has referenced them, and with such a deep-rooted connection between the two, it’s no wonder it’s so easy to find some classic tracks to add to your gaming playlist. Whether you’re after some hard-hitting motivation boosters or something to wind down and relax to, there’s sure to be something in this genre of music that fits perfectly with the vibe of anyone’s next gaming session.
