10 Great Songs You Associate With Great Games
Licensed music and video games go together like chocolate and peanut butter.
Music plays a huge role in the development of a great video game, and everyone has a soundtrack they're particularly fond of, from GTA to Super Mario 64 and beyond. As technology improved and games grew in scope, so too, did the breadth of their soundtracks.
Now, modern games are filled with licensed music which is a far cry from the 8-bit tones many gamers grew up with - not that there's anything wrong with those classic 8-bit theme songs. It was simpler time.
Licensed music now plays a key part in video games, immersing the player, helping establish narrative drive or really nailing a particular tone or atmosphere.
Sometimes those tracks set the mood for a game's marketing campaign. Other times they enhance the mood in important scenes.
Of course, best of all, there are times when they're just fun to listen to.
10. "I Ain't No Joke" By Erik B. And Rakim
The 2K NBA franchise has been packed with amazing songs over the years, but the 2K13 soundtrack was a standout. Why was this one filled with bangers? Because it was curated by Jay-Z, who was on his game when he put this list together.
Hova curated a track list that included Kanye West, Rhianna, Nas, Puff Daddy and U2, as well as his own tunes. It sets the perfect mood for running up and down the court with the likes of cover players Derrick Rose, Kevin Durant and Blake Griffin. The one track that stands out the most is "I Ain't No Joke" by Erik B. and Rakim.
"I Ain't No Joke" was the second single from the iconic rap duo's debut album, which was released in 1987. Paid in Full is one of the biggest albums in rap history and this track is one of the best songs on it.