grand theft auto v

Songs In Video Games: Best Rap Tracks

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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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GTA 6: What We Know

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Many players are waiting on Grand Theft Auto 6’s release date. It is one of the world’s most popular video game series. Most players were introduced to it in their childhoods. Some could only play it at an older family member’s house. The game’s title is a clue to the type of activities players can do. However, the carnage goes far beyond stealing cars. Grand Theft Auto has caused controversy several times across the years. Yet, new entries continue to come in. Players eagerly (and impatiently) await the next entry, GTA 6.

Grand Theft Auto 5 Has Been Around for Years

Close view of the packaging of the console game Grand Theft Auto 5 at the midnight opening of the HMV music store in central London on September 17, 2013. One enthusiastic fan camped outside the store for three days. AFP PHOTO / LEON NEAL (Photo credit should read LEON NEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

The release date for Grand Theft Auto 6 seems elusive for all players. This is because the game’s creator, Rockstar, still makes content for Grand Theft Auto 5. The game was initially released on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2013. Since then, the game has been upgraded for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 – as well as the Xbox counterpart.

For many players, this shows two things: the power of technology and how some things can be changed to keep up with current times. It also shows that Rockstar wants to continue working on something existing instead of making something new. Some players appreciate that new content is still being added. They enjoy that new missions, vehicles, clothes, and other features are still being put in the game. Other players would prefer the studio focus on creating a new game altogether.

Players are asking about the release date for GTA 6 every day. People often share how long they have been playing the game in a frustrated way. When the PS5 version of the game was first announced, they rewarded players on the PS4. Players received one million dollars of in-game currency every month until the PS5 version was released. For many players this was an incentive to keep playing. 

The Grand Theft Auto 6 Release Date

Rockstar has not shared the release date for GTA 6. One issue that players have is the mystery surrounding the game. In 2023, video game studios pride themselves on being transparent with their players. Many games have dedicated Twitter accounts for assisting players with issues they may have in a game. Additionally, they have regularly posted blogs with announcements or reveals.

Franchises like Call of Duty use a Trello board where players can see specific aspects of the game being worked on. Rockstar has not been transparent about their process with GTA 6. In fact, the only thing players have heard is “the next entry in the series is well underway.” This came from a tweet from Rockstar in February 2022. 

Players have been clinging to leaks and rumors. The only confirmed report suggests the year 2024 as a release window. This did not come directly from Rockstar but through Microsoft – which created Xbox. However, before this, the year 2025 was rumored and once again – not stated by Rockstar. Leaks have confirmed rumors of the game being set in a modern-day version of Vice City. That was the location of Grand Theft Auto’s 2002 game of the same name based in Miami. These leaks also confirmed that players could control at least two main protagonists in the story mode – a man (Jason) and a woman (Lucia). The latter would be a first for the series on next-gen consoles.

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50 Cent Developing “Vice City” Show Based On “Grand Theft Auto”

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Despite how big of a franchise Grand Theft Auto is, there hasn’t really been many moves to take the story to the big screen. There have been rumors of a GTA film and television series, though none of them materialized. However, it seems as though 50 Cent is the one man who’s preparing to take the famous video game series and bring it to the big screen. This is especially the case, given his success with crime-related dramas.

Last week, Fif hinted at some sort of project with Rockstar. The rapper shared a photo of GTA: Vice City logo and hinted that something big was in the works. “I will explain this later, GLG GreenLight Gang this shit bigger than Power trust me. Boom #bransoncognac #lecheminduroi,” he wrote. Despite blatantly showing off the Vice City logo, many believed he was helping with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case.

50 Cent Announces “Vice City” Show

According to Deadline, 50 Cent is currently developing a new show with the working title Vice City for Paramount+. The rapper’s G-Unit Film & Television, Lionsgate, and Paramount Television Productions are working together to produce the show. The upcoming series is an original production from seasoned vets, including two Transformers: Rise Of The Beasts alumni. Darnell Metayer and Josh Peters will work as writers and executive producers for the show. While Chad Stahhelski, who worked on the John Wick franchise, will also be an EP.

The story will take place in the mid-80s after three friends return home after being dishonorably discharged from the military due to their involvement in the Iran Contra scandal. “The three friends partner with a mysterious Colombian immigrant, uniting their financial needs and criminal ambitions to form a heist crew,” Deadline reports of the plot. “Fueled by the need for American green, they traverse a violent and dangerous path in pursuit of the American Dream.” 50 expressed his excitement on Instagram, writing, “From the director of John Wick Chad Stahelski & ya Boy 50 VICE CITY 🔥GLG🚦💣BOOM💨I don’t miss.” Check Fif’s post above and let us know your thoughts in the comments. 

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Kodak Black Makes “GTA V” Player Strip At Gunpoint On Stream

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Rappers are just like the rest of us sometimes. After a hard day’s work, an award ceremony, or performance, sometimes they just want to get online and destress with some video games. Kodak Black recently did so in hilarious fashion while streaming GTA V with friends. Moreover, he tried the role-play mod on PC for the first time, which lets players assume specific roles like policemen and delivery workers, but still involved the typical Grand Theft Auto shenanigans. In fact, Kodak held a player at gunpoint and told him to strip, which made for a hilarious interaction.

“I don’t want them jeans, fam,” the “ZEZE” rapper demanded in the viral clip. “Okay, that boy butt naked. Take them boxers off, take them boxers off, homie. Let me see how big that d**k is, fam. Let me see if you’re a man, homie.” For what it’s worth, pretty sure that’s not a feature in the game yet, but it prompted some funny reactions from the game chat. Many shouted “pause” in response to the Florida rapper’s comments. Still, Yak laughed along with his colleagues, and for any gamers out there, it does take you back to those early days of random encounters through game chat. You’re probably just not used to a famous rapper holding you up in-game.

Kodak Black Wilds Out On GTA V

In fact, the crossovers between GTA and rap are quite interesting and come from many different levels of experience. For example, the game often includes tracks from prolific hip-hop gamers like Danny Brown in its soundtrack. However, when Dr. Dre appeared on GTA Online: The Contract with new music with Eminem, Anderson .Paak, Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, the late Nipsey Hussle, Ty Dolla $ign, and Rick Ross, he wasn’t even a fan. “[Dre] had no idea what [Grand Theft Auto] was about because he’s not a gamer at all,” producer DJ Pooh expressed around its release. “He never played them. He was blown away [by] how deep you can get into the whole thing. He’s like, ‘Oh s**t!’”

Meanwhile, Eminem almost starred in a GTA movie back in 2001 after the release of Grand Theft Auto III. “[The agent] said: ‘Kirk, we’ve got Eminem to star, and it’s a Tony Scott film. $5 million on the nose. Are you interested?’” Kirk Ewing remarked, a friend of series creators Sam and Dan Houser. “And I phoned up Sam and I said: ‘Listen to this. They want Eminem in the Grand Theft Auto movie and Tony Scott to direct.’ And he said: ‘Not interested’ … They realized that the media franchise that they had was bigger than any movie that was going on at the time.” Regardless, the series is still one of the most iconic franchises and certainly video games of the past thirty years. Still, come back to HNHH for the latest funny gaming moments from hip-hop stars like Kodak Black.

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‘GTA Online’ Has A New Story Featuring Exclusive Music From Dr. Dre

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When Grand Theft Auto V was first released back in 2013, it set records as one of the best-selling media franchises ever. That said, nobody expected the game to last as long as it has. GTA V is just as popular now as it was back in 2013 and a huge reason for that is the game’s online mode, GTA Online. The concept was pretty simple: give players the opportunity to explore the fictional city of Los Santos in a sandbox environment while having a few missions they can play every once in a while.

The results of that simple idea turned GTA V into the most profitable piece of media ever made and GTA Online has people still logging on to play it all these years later. So it’s no surprise to see that the developers over at Rockstar are still finding new ways to support the game. Their latest update sees GTA Online bring back a GTA V favorite, Franklin, in a new set of story missions. Not only that, but these new missions are going to feature Dr. Dre as himself in the game. Rockstar is also telling us that this story will feature new exclusive music from Dre himself in the game. Via Rockstar Newswire:

“Get ready for a wild and hilarious ride through Los Santos, from the mean streets of Franklin’s old neighborhood to the hottest parties in the city, from debaucherous mansions to the offices of the FIB and everywhere in between as you join Franklin, expert hacker Imani, Chop the Dog, and crew to secure Dr. Dre’s precious tracks and return them to their rightful owner.

Stay tuned to the Rockstar Newswire in the coming days for more info on The Contract, arriving December 15 to GTA Online — including details of an eclectic new radio station from some very special guest hosts, huge first-of-their-kind updates to existing radio stations including a ton of new and unreleased exclusive tracks from Dr. Dre and a heavy-hitting line-up of artists, plus additional opportunities for agency work including choice hits for players willing to get their hands dirty, plus new weapons, vehicles, and much more.”

A while back, Snoop Dogg revealed that Dre was working on new music for Grand Theft Auto. While he didn’t clarify what GTA game that was, it seems more than likely that he was referring to this upcoming GTA Online update.

This is all really exciting news. GTA fans have to be excited to see Franklin back in the fold after going so long without seeing him and we get new music from Dr. Dre on top of that. For anyone that’s big into GTA Online, this is going to be a must play update.