This story is a part of our new Hip-Hop: ’73 Until Infinity sequence, a celebration of the style’s fiftieth anniversary.
Rap tradition and video video games are intrinsically linked, entwining collectively for the final a number of a long time. One evokes the opposite, one options the opposite, on and on from from Biggie Smalls and his Sega Genesis to Megan Thee Stallion stomping on hoes so onerous that Mario tokens fall out.
However what are a few of the greatest online game references in rap? What are the most effective methods rappers have cleverly thrown a nod to their favourite recreation or character right into a track in such a fashion you could’t assist however make a face of appreciation if you hear it? Positive, Travis Scott was in Fortnite, however he’s not on this checklist as a result of he doesn’t have any good video game-related lyrics. Sorry, Travy.
To get on this checklist I’m in search of references that really feel pure, like these video games and consoles are literally part of the rapper’s life. Most of the artists listed here are additionally avid gamers—a few of them have streamed themselves enjoying their favourite video games, whereas others level to getting sure consoles as an indication that they made it. One track on this checklist even rips the Tremendous Mario Bros. theme for a beat, although you’ll be able to’t discover it on Spotify for that cause. There’s a wild quantity of Mortal Kombat and Road Fighter references in rap, too, however they’re not the one video games which have made it into your favourite rapper’s songs.
Listed here are the 20 greatest online game references in rap music.