JACQUES: Rappers and even R&B singers love their video games but there aren't many games
with more lyrical mentions than ‘Street Fighter.’
JACQUES: Created in 1987 by Takashi Nishiyama and Hiroshi Matsumoto for Capcom Games,
the 'Street Fighter' Franchise spans more than 30 years with dozens of individual titles - and
hip-hop has been along for the ride the entire time.
JACQUES: From as early as 1994 when Afu-Ra name dropped Blanka on Jeru the Damaja’s
“Mental Stamina”...
JACQUES: ...all the way to 2007 when Lupe Fiasco complained about Blanka...
JACQUES: ...to 2019 when Megan Thee Stallion name dropped the series’ main protagonist, Ryu.
JACQUES:...rap has shown love to the series in a variety of ways.
For the 1994 ‘Street Fighter’ live action film, there was even a hip-hop soundtrack
with cuts from Public Enemy, Ice Cube and this gem from Nas.
JACQUES: But possibly the most interesting references are how the artists use the names
and likenesses of the Street Fighter characters themselves.
Here are a few.
JACQUES: The aforementioned Ryu is a Japanese fighter that has been throwing kicks since
the first ‘Street Fighter’ arcade game in 1987.
JACQUES: Known for his white karate gi and red headband, Ryu and his trademark moves
“Hadouken” and “Shoryuken” all get namedrops in rap.
JACQUES: Ken, Ryu’s American buddy and sparring partner, is most often mentioned alongside
Ryu as a pair.
They have similar moves and artists use them interchangeably.
JACQUES: Chun-Li, the first female character in the series introduced in 'Street Fighter II,'
is known for her rapid kicks and always fighting for good.
JACQUES: Queens rapper Nicki Minaj even used Li’s likeness as her own.
JACQUES: But Li’s mentions primarily include her fierce feet.
JACQUES: Other 'Street Fighter' characters get nods, too - like sumo wrestler E. Honda and
his hundred hand slap...
JACQUES: ...Akuma and his prayer beads...
JACQUES: The series main villain, M. Bison and his go-to move the psycho crusher.
JACQUES: And some artists use more ‘Street Fighter’ references than most - like Chicago’s
Lupe Fiasco.
JACQUES: Lupe has even tried his snuff on the pro scene - in 2016 he even challenged
and defeated Diago Umehara - one of the best 'Street Fighter' players in the world.
JACQUES: On the production side, 'Street Fighter II' has been sampled in a number of different songs.
Like Kanye West’s “Facts” from 'Life of Pablo.'
JACQUES: Another popular one is Bryson Tiller’s “Sorry Not Sorry.”
JACQUES: On 21 Savage and Metro Boomin’s “Rap Saved Me” you can hear the Russian
wrestler Zangief laugh.
JACQUES: Just Blaze, an avid player himself, was even commissioned to do the theme song
for 'Street Fighter IV.'
JACQUES: This is only a glimpse into the deep relationship hip-hop and the 'Street Fighter'
series have shared over the past thirty years.
What’d we miss? Let us know in the comments.
JACQUES: I’m Jacques Morel with Genius News, bringing you the meaning and the knowledge
behind the music.
Peace!