Hip-hop and games have had a relationship that spans several decades. These industries draw inspiration from each other in a unique way. Several rappers draw inspiration for their lyrics, sound, and music videos from games from video games to other traditional titles. The interesting part is that these industries also seem to pull the same crowd.
Many people who enjoy playing games also enjoy rap music. Moreover, some of the rappers themselves are also avid gamers, from Kanye West to Snoop Dogg. So, it is no wonder that these industries influence each other.
Let’s start with jackpot slots. These games have been heavily influenced by hip-hop in various ways. One way is by adopting hip-hop themes to create engaging experiences for players. Slot machines often have symbols and graphics that were inspired by hip-hop music. Players will often find pictures of rappers like 2Pac and Rick Ross.
Another way hip-hop influences the game of jackpot slots is through the soundtrack. Slot games need pulsing beats and energetic rhymes as the backdrop to offer gamers excitement. Hip-hop music offers just this. Research papers have shown that the sound of a slot machine influences players’ preferences. Slot machines, especially hip-hop-themed ones often have rap songs playing in the background. The music often determines the vibe of the game and how enjoyable it will be.
Hip-hop artists have recognized how appealing video game aesthetics can be. So, of course, many of them are incorporating gaming aesthetics into their music videos. As video game graphics grow, this trend grows alongside, resulting in all sorts of visuals across generations of artists.
Let’s take Travis Scott’s “Astronomical” for example. The song was first performed at a virtual event hosted by the Fortnite game. The music video is just a recording of him performing the song at the event. It is a unique mix of an interactive game and what you expect from a music concert. Fans joined as avatars to witness a larger-than-life Scott performing amid surreal, shifting landscapes. This event showcased Scott’s music and demonstrated the potential for new forms of digital entertainment merging gaming and music.
Other artists have created music videos mimicking popular video games’ look and feel. These videos feature pixelated graphics reminiscent of retro games or adopt third-person perspectives common in modern action games. By tapping into gaming nostalgia or current trends, these videos create instant connections with viewers who are also gamers.
Aside from visual inspiration, many game developers have created games that have hip-hop artists as characters. These characters typically show the personality and style of the artists that inspire them. For example, the Def Jam series of fighting games featured stars like DMX, Ludacris, and Method Man. Players could choose the artists for over-the-top brawls with signature moves and themed arenas.
Recent games like “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II” have had Snoop Dogg and Nicki Minaj as characters. The developers gave these characters unique looks and voice lines. This integration allows fans to interact with these artists in new contexts as they battle alongside them.
The NBA 2K series also has artists on soundtracks and as playable characters. For example, J. Cole was on NBA 2K23’s “Dreamer Edition” cover and as a character in MyCAREER mode.
Finally, hip-hop accounts for most of the songs used in games as soundtracks. The Grand Theft Auto series is a good example of this. The game “San Andreas,” is known for its playlist which mainly consists of rap songs. The radio stations in the game feature hip-hop songs from artists like 2Pac and Ice Cube. This attention to musical detail creates a more authentic and engaging game world.
We can see this trend in sports games too. The NBA 2K series is renowned for this. They have rappers like JAY-Z work as executive producers. They then curate playlists featuring other rappers for their soundtracks.
Even games that are not set in urban settings recognize how hip-hop can boost gameplay. Racing games like Need for Speed have long featured hip-hop tracks. They use driving beats to enhance the thrill of high-speed chases and competitions.
Hip-hop and video games continue to establish a relationship. Each industry keeps finding new ways to complement and inspire the other. From music videos resembling games to games sounding like hip-hop playlists, the line between these entertainment sectors keeps getting blurred.
This fusion has created exciting experiences for fans of both mediums. Gamers interact with their favorite artists in games, while music fans enjoy music videos inspired by game aesthetics. We expect more innovative collaborations between hip-hop artists and game developers in the future.
