When Hip Hop Meets Video Games

Jay-Z's new job is just the latest rap/gaming mash-up.

When Hip Hop Meets Video Games - Jay-Z's already got his hands in rap, books, clothing and sports, but he isn't done expanding his portfolio. Hov recently signed on as executive producer of NBA 2K13, the next yearly installment in the iconic basketball video game franchise. "This has been a unique opportunity to collaborate with 2K Sports and be a part of one of the best sports video games in history," Jay-Z said in a statement. "NBA 2K13 will be the next evolution in sports and basketball culture, and I'm ready to usher in the new era of the franchise." But Hov's new job is just the latest example of hip-hop and the gaming industry joining forces. Click on for other examples of rap/video game mash-ups.  (Photo: from left Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Moet Rose)
Def Jam Vendetta - This 2003 game combined rap with pro wrestling, with artists on the Def Jam roster, including DMX, Redman and Ludacris, going toe to toe in the ring. It led to two sequels, 2004's Def Jam: Fight for NY and 2007's Def Jam: Icon. (Photo: Courtesy of EA Games)
7. "Bucktown," Smif-N-Wessun - Before Barclays Center landed, before beards, bikes and bands took over Williamsburg, Brooklyn was known as "Bucktown," and for a reason. Boot Camp Clik duo Smif-N-Wessun bring the nickname for the "home of the original gun clappers" to life over one of the Beatminerz' best productions. (Photo: Courtesy of Facebook)PaRappa the Rapper - This bizarre 1997 PlayStation game featured a rapping dog that the player controls through buttons pressed in a specific rhythm. Players with skills would cop for the coveted "U Rappin' Cool" rating; sucker MCs were called out for "Rappin' Awful." (Photo: Courtesy of Sony Computer Entertainment)

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When Hip Hop Meets Video Games - Jay-Z's already got his hands in rap, books, clothing and sports, but he isn't done expanding his portfolio. Hov recently signed on as executive producer of NBA 2K13, the next yearly installment in the iconic basketball video game franchise. "This has been a unique opportunity to collaborate with 2K Sports and be a part of one of the best sports video games in history," Jay-Z said in a statement. "NBA 2K13 will be the next evolution in sports and basketball culture, and I'm ready to usher in the new era of the franchise." But Hov's new job is just the latest example of hip-hop and the gaming industry joining forces. Click on for other examples of rap/video game mash-ups.  (Photo: from left Mike Coppola/Getty Images for Moet Rose)

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