Some hard-hitting lyrics and the big brands that rappers endorse aren’t just on show in the hip-hop music people know and love. In fact, the hip-hop genre has transitioned over to the gaming category over the years. Some games have gone to plan, while others haven’t hit the spot with rap fans and gamers alike. We’re focusing on some truly iconic releases here, though.
Alongside playing puzzle games and exploring iconic table products like blackjack online, these hip-hop-themed masterpieces have delivered. They’ve also perfectly represented the culture and offered strong doses of entertainment. From PC favorites to console classics, there is an abundance of success stories to focus on, with these games containing hip-hop elements, such as music and vibes, plus styles and powerful lyrics.
So, with a number of iconic releases coming to the fore over the years, below we look at some fine hip-hop games that will never be forgotten.
50 Cent: Blood on the Sand
Regarded by many as rap royalty, it was no surprise to see a name like 50 Cent enter the gaming genre. In 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand, gamers could take on the role of the South Jamaica-born star in a third-person shooter that was set in the Middle East. With an array of weapons to use and some memorable scenes to play their part in, fans of 50 enjoyed the storyline in a game that focused on diamond heists. Overall, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand wasn’t perfect but it delivered in terms of its entertainment.
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PaRappa The Rapper
A game for all the family to get stuck into, PaRappa The Rapper was initially released in 1996 and has since gone on to become known in households around the world. In this much-loved rhythm game, players had to improvise in the best way they could and keep in time with the beat. The game’s freestyle mode was a particular favorite in that respect, although there was plenty to get stuck into in this one. A title many gamers still session today, PaRappa The Rapper is brilliant.
Def Jam Rapstar
A release from 2010, Def Jam Rapstar was accessible on prominent platforms like the PlayStation 3, Wii, and Xbox 360, and it delivered plenty of hip-hop-related fun. Players had to essentially rap their way to glory in this one, as this MC karaoke title contained iconic tracks from the likes of Wu-Tang, Public Enemy, and 2Pac. A game many aspiring rappers particularly enjoyed, Def Jam Rapstar will never be forgotten.
Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style
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This unforgettable release from 1999 came out at a time when numerous Wu-Tang-themed products entered the market. While some projects didn’t go to plan, Wu-Tang’s venture into the gaming sphere can be considered a success thanks to Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style. A great game on PlayStation, players could take part in epic battles with their favorite Wu-Tang stars. For example, RZA had dangerous swords to use and ODB was a drunk boxer with powerful punches to pull off. For fans of one of hip-hop’s greatest ever groups, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style was a joy to play.
Def Jam: Fight for NY
If you’ve played Def Jam: Fight for NY before, then you’ll understand why it’s made this particular list. In fact, Def Jam: Fight for NY is an iconic release. Playable on platforms like the GameCube and the PlayStation 2 when it was released in 2004, players could go to war in some fighting match-ups against some masterful lyricists. A fun game to tackle with a great soundtrack, it featured names like Bubba Sparxxx, Lil’ Kim, Method Man, Fat Joe, and Snoop Dogg.