The hip hop evolution of Kendrick Lamar songs in video games
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His unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics amplify the atmosphere, whether it's the gritty streets of Los Santos or the high-energy basketball court. Lamar's presence in these games highlights how music can enhance the gaming experience, connecting players to the story and emotion of the game.
2009 - NBA Live 10: "We Ballin'" (Murs ft. Kurupt & Jay Rock)
Kendrick Lamar's early appearance in the gaming scene was through this collaboration track alongside Murs and Jay Rock. As part of the EA Sports Soundtrack Volume 2, it brought West Coast vibes to the basketball gaming community.
2012 - Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Future Soldier: "War Is My Love"
In this gritty military shooter, Kendrick Lamar's track captures a haunting yet determined tone. The song's intensity complements the game’s tense missions and futuristic combat scenarios.
2013 - Saints Row IV: "Swimming Pools (Drank) (Album Version)"
The wild open-world chaos of Saints Row IV was a perfect backdrop for Kendrick Lamar's reflective track on substance abuse and peer pressure. Its placement in the game added depth to moments of in-game mischief.
2013 - Grand Theft Auto V: "A.D.H.D."
Kendrick Lamar standout track brought an introspective touch to GTA V's already immersive radio soundtrack. Its complex themes fit perfectly within the narrative-heavy game.
2013 - NBA 2K14: "Now or Never"
This motivational track from the deluxe edition of good kid, m.A.A.d city provided a powerful anthem for basketball enthusiasts grinding on the court in NBA 2K14.
2014 - EA Sports UFC: "Radioactive" (Imagine Dragons ft. Kendrick Lamar)
Kendrick’s collaboration with Imagine Dragons made its way into EA Sports UFC, delivering a high-energy boost perfect for intense matches in the octagon.
2014 - Grand Theft Auto V (Re-release): "Swimming Pools (Drank) (Single Version)"
When GTA V was re-released for newer platforms, Lamar’s signature hit was included again. The layered storytelling in the song complemented the ever-deepening experience of Los Santos.
2015 - NBA Live 16: "Classic Man (Remix)" (Jidenna ft. Kendrick Lamar)
This smooth and infectious remix brought a touch of sophistication to the basketball court. Lamar’s dynamic verse elevated the vibe of NBA Live 16’s soundtrack.
2016 - MLB The Show 16: "Classic Man (Remix)" (Jidenna ft. Kendrick Lamar)
Lamar's impactful presence in sports gaming continued with this inclusion in MLB The Show 16. His verse kept the game fresh with vibrant, confident energy.
2016 - Rock Band 4 (DLC): "The Greatest" (Sia ft. Kendrick Lamar)
Adding rhythm to the Rock Band 4 playlist, Lamar's collaboration with Sia introduced a high-energy anthem that players could jam to.
2017 - DropMix: "HUMBLE."
Kendrick’s hit track was a natural fit for the rhythm game DropMix, where players mixed beats to create their own soundscapes. The iconic beat of "HUMBLE." became a fan favorite in the game.
2017 - NBA Live 18: "DNA."
The powerful, aggressive anthem from DAMN. added intensity to NBA Live 18, motivating players to dominate on the virtual court.
2017 - NBA 2K18: "HUMBLE."
This chart-topping track seamlessly blended into NBA 2K18's dynamic soundtrack, giving players a fierce soundtrack to elevate their game.
2017 - Madden NFL 18: "DNA."
Lamar’s aggressive and unapologetic track became a perfect adrenaline-pumping addition to Madden NFL 18, energizing players in their pursuit of victory.
2018 - Forza Horizon 4: "All the Stars" (with SZA)
The melodic track from Black Panther: The Album was a fitting addition to Forza Horizon 4's expansive and visually stunning world, giving players a powerful soundtrack while racing through picturesque landscapes.
2018 - NBA Live 19: "X" (Schoolboy Q, 2 Chainz, and Saudi)
Kendrick’s presence on this collaborative track added a dynamic element to NBA Live 19, resonating with players as they moved through the game.
2019 - NBA Live 19 (1.21 Patch): "Something Dirty/Pic Got Us" (Swizz Beatz ft. Kendrick Lamar, Jadakiss, and Styles P)
This hard-hitting collaboration brought East Coast-meets-West Coast vibes to the court, adding flair to the game’s ever-expanding playlist.
2020 - Mortal Kombat 11 (Aftermath Trailer): "DNA."
The visceral and intense nature of Mortal Kombat was amplified by Kendrick's fierce track "DNA." for the Aftermath trailer, setting the tone for high-stakes battles.
2020 - Fortnite: "Goosebumps" (Travis Scott ft. Kendrick Lamar)
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Fortnite’s dynamic events featured Travis Scott's hit with Kendrick Lamar, giving players a surreal and energetic in-game experience.
2020 - Madden NFL 21 (Stadium Only): "DNA."
The stadium-exclusive track kept Lamar's presence alive in Madden NFL 21, providing energy for crowds and players alike.
2021 - Grand Theft Auto Online (The Contract Update): "Wow Freestyle" (Jay Rock ft. Kendrick Lamar)
Lamar’s collaboration with Jay Rock was featured in GTA Online’s Contract update, bringing fire to the online streets of Los Santos.
2022 - Just Dance Now: "All the Stars" (with SZA)
The dance game’s inclusion of this collaboration gave players a chance to move and groove to Kendrick's infectious verse alongside SZA.
2022 - Madden NFL 23: "N95"
Kendrick’s bold and thought-provoking track from Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers elevated Madden NFL 23’s soundtrack, offering players a mix of introspection and high energy.
2022 - Beatstar: "HUMBLE."
The rhythm-focused Beatstar made use of Kendrick’s iconic track, challenging players to tap in sync with the song's hard-hitting beat.
2023 - EA Sports FC 24: "The Hillbillies" (Baby Keem & Kendrick Lamar)
This playful collaboration between Kendrick Lamar and Baby Keem brought fresh energy to the EA Sports FC 24 soundtrack, capturing the duo's dynamic chemistry.
2023 - Beatstar: "N95" and "DNA."
Both tracks added more depth to Beatstar's playlist, challenging players to master Kendrick's complex flows and beats.
2023 - Fortnite Festival: "i"
Kendrick's self-love anthem found a fitting place in Fortnite Festival, where players could experience joy and celebration while grooving to the track.
2023 - Tap Tap Reloaded: "Swimming Pools (Drank) (Extended Version)" and "Alright"
Tap Tap Reloaded brought these fan-favorite tracks to its playlist, giving players a nostalgic blast of Kendrick Lamar’s powerful storytelling and infectious beats.
2024 - Fortnite Festival: "All the Stars" (with SZA) and "HUMBLE."
The festival continued to showcase Kendrick Lamar's discography, ensuring that fans could vibe to his iconic tracks in the vibrant Fortnite universe.