T-Pain

Rappers Who Are The Biggest Gamers: Soulja Boy, T-Pain & More

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Being a hip hop artist and gamer is more common than people realize. Biggie’s iconic “Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis / When I was dead broke, man, I couldn’t picture this” bars often come to mind when one thinks of the connection. N.E.R.D’s iconic cover art for In Search Of… features member Shay Haley playing a PlayStation. Other rappers have referenced games and characters throughout the years. These days, many rappers spend their downtime playing video games. Many stream themselves playing for fun because it serves as another income stream. Gaming has become quite a successful business, with eSports leagues generating and paying out hundreds of thousands of dollars—and sometimes even more. We’ve compiled a list of seven rappers who have been quite open about their love of gaming.

T – Pain

T-Pain is a hip hop gamer who might be able to say he was one of the “first” in that lane, too. The auto-tune legend has been streaming himself playing video games since 2016. Nowadays, he does it through his brand Nappy Boy Gaming. He already had a positive attitude, and that continued during his streams. T-Pain has played several Call of Duty games on his streams over the years, leading to a big opportunity for him. He was a co-host for the world premiere of Call of Duty: Vanguard in 2021. Supporters may remember the…unique moments he shared on the mic during that event. Still, his hosting was a testament that sticking with something can lead to significant opportunities to do something with it.

Tee Grizzley

Tee Grizzley is a hip hop gamer that has made quite a profit doing something that was once called a “waste of time.” Grizzly streams Grand Theft Auto 5 on Twitch, and his brand is Grizzly Gang Gaming. He plays on a private server, and players pay to join it. He plays a variation of the game called “roleplay” (RP), where various customizations are added to make it even more stylized and fun.

Tee has stated he made $200,000 a month through his streaming. “I stream it on Twitch. I get paid from Twitch. I take the Twitch videos I already streamed, and I put those videos on Youtube. I get paid from YouTube. And I get paid from the server. Then, you have sponsorships, ads, and all this s**t I get paid from too.” he shared on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast.

Xavier Wulf

Xavier Wulf is a hip hop gamer with one of the most interactive gaming sessions. Due to being an underground artist, he doesn’t have thousands of people watching his streams. However, since recently appearing in a song with Juicy J, his listeners and viewers may increase. Xavier celebrated the release of his most recent project, Blood Shore Season 3, by playing Fall Guys with fans and then having a listening party for the project. He did so through his Discord server and talked to his supporters through an audio channel as they played together. While his music is often quite aggressive, Xavier’s natural demeanor and voice are quite calm. Xavier is very into cars and naturally has played Need For Speed: Unbound on Twitch. However, his music nor his likeness has appeared in the game…yet. 

Soulja Boy

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include Soulja Boy’s hip hop gamer accolades in this list. Soulja’s foray into the gaming world dates back years ago. Listeners may recall when he made his Xbox gamertag public. In the same infamous YouTube video, he tossed well over 50 copies of games he had on the floor and said he bought a white PlayStation 3 because it “matched the room.”

Soulja has elevated quite a bit since then and has had a podcast about gaming as well as “made” several gaming consoles. However…these consoles are just cheaply made Chinese emulators with his branding on them. Customers expressed frustration after not receiving orders for one of their handheld consoles after waiting over a year. Also, his ban on Twitch, which lasted over a year ended in April 2023, so supporters will likely catch him on there again soon. 

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion is a hip hop gamer but more in the “if you know, you know” lane. Her love for anime is well-documented in her lyrics, photoshoots, and merchandise deals. Anime lovers and gamers often overlap. However, at this point, she does not regularly stream herself playing video games. But she has done it once, and it was quite a big deal when she did. As a part of the promotion for Mortal Kombat 11, Meg did a cosplay of the game’s character Mileena and played the game on Twitch. Hosted by Fiona Nova, the gaming stream doubled as an interview (of sorts) for Megan, too. Infinitii, a notable Mortal Kombat Streamer, joined the fun and played against Megan. Fans will have to keep an eye out to see if Megan does anything for the upcoming Mortal Kombat 12. 

Snoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg being a hip hop gamer is not even surprising. Uncle Snoop has a catalog of business deals, has appeared anywhere and everywhere, and still records music. It’s only right he spends his downtime – still making money – on the sticks. He was once a part of FaZe Clan, an eSports and lifestyle brand, but parted ways with them in April 2023.

Snoop has streamed various games but is most known for rage-quitting games. This is when something happens in a game so frustrating that the player gets mad and stops playing altogether. However, Snoop has gone beyond playing video games…he’s literally in them. Snoop Dogg is an Operator in Call of Duty: Vanguard and Call of Duty: Warzone. His character’s face and outfit mirror him quite accurately, and his unmistakable voice comes from his character too. 

Logic

Logic is one of the most locked-in hip hop gamers. Upon announcing his (now voided) retirement, he shared that he had signed a seven-figure deal with Twitch’s streaming platform in 2020. But, before this, Logic was very open about his love of gaming. On his YouTube channel, he regularly shared tours of his gaming room, including memorabilia for various games, movies, and shows. He also streamed periodically on YouTube and played multiple games there, too. One of his favorites was The Last of Us; he voiced a character in The Last of Us Part II. As of 2023, he plays video games like Fortnite with fans and streams them on Twitch. Segments of these streams are regularly uploaded to his YouTube for anyone who can’t watch it live.

Who are some of your favorite rappers that play video games? Let us know in the comments section.

[Via]

T-Pain Songs: Top 10 Best, Ranked

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T-Pain rose to fame in the early 2000s with his signature use of Auto-Tune. He has released numerous hit songs and collaborated with several notable artists in the music industry. From classic hits like “Buy U a Drank” to newer tracks like “Up Down (Do This All Day),” T-Pain’s discography is full of catchy hooks and standout productions. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering his music, these ten tracks are a great starting point for exploring T-Pain’s music.

10. “Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin’)” feat. Yung Joc (2007)

“Buy U a Drank” is a classic T-Pain hit released in 2007. The song featured Yung Joc and was produced by T-Pain himself. The song’s infectious hook and catchy melody made it an instant hit. It was nominated for a Grammy Award and reached the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

9. “I’m Sprung” (2005)

“I’m Sprung” is one of T-Pain’s earliest hits, released in 2005. T-Pain uses his signature Auto-Tune effect for this one. The song’s catchy melody and relatable lyrics about falling in love make it a fan favorite. “I’m Sprung” peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped establish T-Pain as a rising star in the music industry.

8. “Bartender” feat. Akon (2007)

“Bartender” is a 2007 hit single from T-Pain’s second studio album, Epiphany. The song featured Akon and was produced by T-Pain himself. The song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook make it a club favorite. “Bartender” reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and helped cement T-Pain’s status as a hitmaker.

7. “Can’t Believe It” feat. Lil Wayne (2008)

“Can’t Believe It” is a 2008 hit single from T-Pain’s third studio album, Thr33 Ringz. The song featured Lil Wayne and was produced by T-Pain and his frequent collaborator, Akon. The song’s infectious hook and Lil Wayne’s verse stand out. “Can’t Believe It” reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is still a fan favorite today.

6. “I’m In Luv (Wit A Stripper)” feat. Mike Jones (2005)

“I’m in Luv (Wit a Stripper)” is a 2005 hit single from T-Pain’s debut album, Rappa Ternt Sanga. The song featured Mike Jones and was produced by T-Pain. The song’s catchy hook and Jones’ verse make it a memorable track. “I’m in Luv (Wit a Stripper)” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has become a cult classic in the years since its release.

5. “Chopped ‘n’ Skrewed” feat. Ludacris (2008)

T-Pain and his frequent collaborator DJ Montay produced “Chopped ‘n’ Skrewed,” a hit single from T-Pain’s third studio album, Thr33 Ringz, that features Ludacris. They released it in 2008. The song’s slow tempo and unique style make it a striking addition to T-Pain’s discography. “Chopped ‘n’ Skrewed” reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

4. “Best Love Song” feat. Chris Brown (2011)

T-Pain and his frequent collaborator Young Fyre produced “Best Love Song,” a hit single from T-Pain’s fourth studio album, Revolver, which features Chris Brown. They released it in 2011. This one joins the ranks of T-Pain’s fun, danceable tracks in his catalog. “Best Love Song” peaked at No. 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

3. “Booty Wurk (One Cheek at a Time)” (2011)

Young Fyre produced “Booty Wurk (One Cheek at a Time),” a hit single from T-Pain’s fourth studio album, Revolver, that uses a sample from the classic 90s hit “Rump Shaker” by Wreckx-N-Effect. They released it in 2011. The song’s infectious hook and playful lyrics make it a crowd-pleaser. “Booty Wurk (One Cheek at a Time)” reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

2. “5 O’Clock” feat. Lily Allen & Wiz Khalifa (2011)

T-Pain and his frequent collaborator Young Fyre produced “5 O’Clock,” a hit single from T-Pain’s fourth studio album, Revolver, which features Lily Allen and Wiz Khalifa. They released it in 2011. “5 O’Clock” reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and has become a fan favorite.

1. “Up Down (Do This All Day)” feat. B.O.B (2013)

T-Pain and hitmaker DJ Mustard produced “Up Down (Do This All Day),” a hit single from T-Pain’s fifth studio album, Stoicville: The Phoenix, that features B.o.B. They released it in 2013. “Up Down (Do This All Day)” reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and is still a favorite among T-Pain fans.

T-Pain Announces ‘Escape From Wiscansin: The Invasion’ Live Dates

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t pain

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s… T-Pain?! Wiscansin University has become the epicenter for an alien outbreak that’s spread across the country and T-Pain is here to save the day! T-Pain has announced his Escape From Wiscansin Festival and Escape From Wiscansin: The Invasion live dates via a The Faculty-inspired video – PRESS HERE to watch.

The tour kicks off with his 2nd Annual Wiscansin Fest on June 10th (the eve of “T-Pain Day” in the state of Wisconsin) at The Rave/Eagles Club in Milwaukee, WI (featuring performances by T-Pain, Chance The Rapper, Tobi Lou, and many more soon to be announced) and will continue to Detroit, Chicago, Denver, Washington, DC, New York, Boston, and Atlanta, with support from Tobi Lou. Tickets for the tour and festival are on sale April 14 at 10am local time at www.wiscansin.co.After T-Pain’s lyric “Put you in a mansion, somewhere in Wiscansin” from his 2008 hit “Can’t Believe It” went viral on Twitter in 2016, the fictitious Wiscansin University was born, complete with its own humorous merch and T-Pain as its dean. T-Pain named his 2022 tour “The Road to Wiscansin,” which culminated in the first annual sold-out Wiscansin Fest in 2022 and saw400k people tune into the official livestream, featuring performances by artists such as T-Pain, Lil Jon, Hannibal Burress, and more. 

During T-Pain’s performance, state representative Kalan Haywood surprised him with a proclamation from Mayor Cavalier Johnson deeming June 11th “T-Pain Day” to be celebrated annually throughout the state. 

The post T-Pain Announces ‘Escape From Wiscansin: The Invasion’ Live Dates appeared first on The Source.

T-Pain Releases His Highly Anticipated Covers Album ‘On Top Of The Covers’

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Grammy Award-winning, multi-faceted artist and entrepreneur T-Pain has released his highly anticipated, long-awaited covers album On Top Of The Covers, out now via Nappy Boy Entertainment. PRESS HERE to listen. 

The album features an eclectic and unexpected mix of reimagined hits that all mean something special to T-Pain, done in his own style and showcasing his stunningly soulful and smooth natural, non-AutoTuned voice which shocked audiences when T-Pain won the first season of FOX’s The Masked Singer after previously delivering what was then the most-watched NPR Tiny Desk session of all time.

On Top Of The Covers features creative covers of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Dr. Hook’s “Sharing The Night Together,” Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” ft. NandoSTL (a Nappy Boy Entertainment artist), and Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs,” plus an interlude “Skrangs” (in K Major Sus). 

“Each one of these songs means something to me and helped me fall in love with music at different points in my life. I’m releasing this covers album from the view of what I hear when I listen to each song. I can’t wait to share with the world what I’ve been working on the past several years,” says T-Pain.

The post T-Pain Releases His Highly Anticipated Covers Album ‘On Top Of The Covers’ appeared first on The Source.

The Best New Music This Week: 6lack, EST Gee, Lil Keed, Doechii, and More

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Image via Complex Original

  • 6lack, “Fatal Attraction”


  • EST Gee, “The One and Only”


  • Doechii “What It Is (Block Boy)”


  • Lil Keed f/ Young Thug, “All I Wanna Know”


  • Ni’jah f/ Childish Gambino & KIRBY, “Sticky”


  • T-Pain, “A Change is Gonna Come”


  • Diddy, Metro Boomin, The Weekend, and 21 Savage, “Creepin” Remix

T-Pain Channels Ozzy Osbourne In A Rocking Cover Of Black Sabbath’s ‘War Pigs’

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Remember a few years ago when everyone learned that T-Pain could actually sing? Well, he’s putting those skills to the test with a new album of cover songs, On Top Of The Covers. On it, the Tallahassee crooner takes on such R&B classics as Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come” and Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me” — but he doesn’t stop there.

Why only stick with one genre, when you have the sort of talent T-Pain has? The answer is: you don’t. That’s why he’s got American Songbook standards like Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life,” country hits like Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” and iconic rock anthems like Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” on the album. But one of the standouts is his take on heavy metal; that’s right, T-Pain sings Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs” on the album too!

As he takes on the metal band’s 1970 anti-war protest song, he does his best to channel Ozzy Osbourne and does a pretty decent job of it, even if no one can really duplicate that signature wail. Check it out above.

This weekend, T-Pain is playing three shows at Sun Rose at Pendry in West Hollywood to celebrate the album’s release; you can get tickets here.

On Top Of The Covers is out now via Nappy Boy Entertainment. You can listen to it below.

T-Pain Ditches The Autotune For “On Top Of The Covers” Album

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He’s known as the God of Autotune, but T-Pain is a crooner without the extra help. He’s delivered some of our favorite hits with the help of autotune, but it’s been well-established that T-Pain’s natural singing voice doesn’t need assistance. He dominated on The Masked Singer and has flexed his R&B stylings when performing live, so it was only a matter of time before we received an album. T-Pain delivered, and he’s revisiting classics on his record, On Top Of The Covers. The Nappy Boy Entertainment release is an anticipated arrival as fans are excited to hear the other side of the singer-producer’s talents.

On Top Of The Covers features T-Pain’s creative take on Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come,” Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Dr. Hook’s “Sharing The Night Together,” Sam Smith’s “Stay With Me,” Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey,” Frank Sinatra’s “That’s Life” ft. NandoSTL (a Nappy Boy Entertainment artist), and Black Sabbath’s “War Pigs.” Additionally, there is an interlude, “Skrangs” (in K Major Sus).

T-Pain Explains Why He Chose These Tracks

“Each one of these songs means something to me and helped me fall in love with music at different points in my life,” the musician said in a press release. “I’m releasing this covers album from the view of what I hear when I listen to each song. I can’t wait to share with the world what I’ve been working on the past several years.” Further, he has planned a special weekend in Los Angeles to help celebrate the project.

Today (March 17) through Sunday, T-Pain will perform intimate shows for three nights. He’ll take over The Sun Rose at Pendry in West Hollywood for ‘An Intimate Evening with T-Pain,’ as he and his live band showcase his covers and fan favorites. The carefully curated setlist is a secret as of now, but we’re sure T-Pain will share highlights from the event in the days to come. Check out On Top Of The Covers by T-Pain, and let us know what you think.

Tracklist

  1. A Change Is Gonna Come
  2. Don’t Stop Believin’
  3. Sharing The Night Together
  4. Skrangs (in K Major Sus)
  5. Stay With Me
  6. Tennessee Whiskey
  7. That’s Life ft. NandoSTL
  8. War Pigs