The “Assassin’s Creed” series has become one of the most iconic franchises in gaming history. Known for its rich historical settings, intricate storylines, and dynamic gameplay, the series has also evolved in its approach to music. One genre that has made a surprising impact on the franchise is rap music. As the games moved forward, rap music became more prominent, reflecting the cultural shifts in the settings and the changing tastes of players. This article explores the role of rap music in the “Assassin’s Creed” series, examining its origins, its influence on the game’s atmosphere, and how it resonates with the players.
I. Rap Music in the Assassin’s Creed Series
Rap music has long been a medium for storytelling and expressing cultural identity. In “Assassin’s Creed,” rap music began to be incorporated to enhance the game’s narrative and connect with contemporary audiences. While the early games in the series primarily focused on orchestral and traditional music to reflect their historical settings, later titles began to integrate modern music genres, including rap.
1. The Beginnings of Rap in Assassin’s Creed
The inclusion of rap music in “Assassin’s Creed” was a gradual process. The series initially focused on historical authenticity, with music that matched the time periods and locations of the games. However, as the series evolved, the developers began to experiment with more modern sounds. Rap music first made a significant appearance in “Assassin’s Creed III,” which is set during the American Revolution. The game’s setting provided an opportunity to explore the origins of American music, and rap was used to draw a connection between the struggles of the past and the present.
In “Assassin’s Creed III,” rap music was primarily used in promotional materials and trailers rather than within the gameplay itself. The decision to use rap music in the trailers was a bold move, as it was a departure from the orchestral scores that fans had come to expect. The rap songs used in the trailers, such as “Coming Home” by Diddy, resonated with the themes of the game, such as revolution, freedom, and resistance. This marked the beginning of rap music’s journey into the “Assassin’s Creed” universe.
2. Rap’s Rise in Popularity in Later Titles
As the series progressed, rap music became more integrated into the games themselves. “Assassin’s Creed IV: Black Flag” featured a more diverse soundtrack that included rap elements. The game’s pirate theme allowed for a broader range of musical influences, and rap was used to underscore the rebellious and adventurous spirit of the protagonist, Edward Kenway. While the use of rap was still limited, it was clear that the developers were becoming more comfortable incorporating modern music genres into the series.
The real breakthrough for rap music in “Assassin’s Creed” came with “Assassin’s Creed Syndicate.” Set in Victorian London, the game’s soundtrack blended traditional music with contemporary sounds, including rap. The use of rap music in “Syndicate” was a nod to the cultural diversity of London during the Industrial Revolution, as well as the modern-day city’s vibrant music scene. The game featured original rap tracks that were composed specifically for the game, highlighting the struggles of the working class and the fight against oppression.
3. Assassin’s Creed Origins: A New Chapter for Rap Music
“Assassin’s Creed Origins” marked a significant shift in the series, both in terms of gameplay and music. Set in ancient Egypt, the game’s soundtrack was a blend of traditional Middle Eastern music and modern genres, including rap. The use of rap music in “Origins” was a bold move, as it juxtaposed ancient history with contemporary culture. This blend of old and new reflected the game’s theme of exploring the origins of the Assassin Brotherhood while also appealing to a modern audience.
The rap tracks in “Origins” were used to underscore key moments in the game’s story. For example, during intense combat sequences or dramatic cutscenes, the music would shift to a rap beat, adding a sense of urgency and intensity to the experience. This use of rap music helped to create a unique atmosphere that set “Origins” apart from previous titles in the series.
4. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and the Continued Evolution of Rap
Following the success of “Origins,” “Assassin’s Creed Odyssey” continued to experiment with rap music. Set in ancient Greece, the game featured a soundtrack that combined traditional Greek music with modern genres, including rap. The use of rap in “Odyssey” was more subtle than in “Origins,” but it still played a key role in enhancing the game’s atmosphere.
The rap music in “Odyssey” was often used to underscore the protagonist’s journey and the challenges they faced. The game’s open-world design allowed for a more dynamic soundtrack, with rap tracks playing during exploration, combat, and key story moments. This use of rap music helped to create a sense of continuity between “Odyssey” and “Origins,” while also pushing the boundaries of what players expected from the series.
5. Rap Music in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” took the integration of rap music to new heights. Set during the Viking Age, the game’s soundtrack was a blend of traditional Norse music and modern genres, including rap. The decision to include rap music in a game set in such a distant historical period was a bold one, but it paid off. The rap tracks in “Valhalla” added a contemporary edge to the game’s epic story, creating a unique blend of old and new.
The rap music in “Valhalla” was used to underscore the game’s themes of conquest, exploration, and survival. The tracks were often used during combat sequences, adding a sense of intensity and urgency to the gameplay. The use of rap music in “Valhalla” also helped to highlight the parallels between the Vikings’ struggle for survival and the struggles faced by modern-day marginalized communities.
II. The Role of Rap in the Assassin’s Creed Universe
The inclusion of rap music in the “Assassin’s Creed” series reflects a broader trend in the gaming industry towards more diverse and inclusive soundtracks. Rap music has become a powerful tool for storytelling in games, allowing developers to connect with players on a deeper level. In “Assassin’s Creed,” rap music has been used to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities, draw parallels between the past and the present, and create a unique atmosphere that sets the series apart from other games.
1. Rap as a Tool for Storytelling
Rap music has always been a medium for storytelling, and in the “Assassin’s Creed” series, it has been used to great effect. The lyrics of rap songs often reflect the struggles of marginalized communities, and this has made rap a powerful tool for telling the stories of the characters in “Assassin’s Creed.” The use of rap music in the series has allowed the developers to explore themes such as resistance, revolution, and survival in a way that resonates with modern audiences.
In addition to its lyrical content, the beat and rhythm of rap music have also been used to enhance the storytelling in “Assassin’s Creed.” The fast-paced nature of rap music makes it ideal for use during intense combat sequences, adding a sense of urgency and intensity to the gameplay. The rhythm of rap music also helps to create a sense of continuity and flow in the game’s story, drawing players deeper into the experience.
2. Rap Music and Cultural Representation
The inclusion of rap music in “Assassin’s Creed” also reflects the series’ commitment to cultural representation. Rap music is deeply rooted in African American culture, and its inclusion in the series has allowed the developers to highlight the contributions of marginalized communities to the world’s cultural heritage. By incorporating rap music into the soundtracks of games set in different historical periods, the developers have drawn connections between the struggles of the past and the present, emphasizing the importance of cultural diversity and inclusion.
The use of rap music in “Assassin’s Creed” has also allowed the series to connect with a broader audience. Rap music is one of the most popular genres in the world, and its inclusion in the series has helped to attract a younger and more diverse audience. The decision to include rap music in the series reflects the developers’ understanding of the changing tastes of players and their commitment to making the series more inclusive.
3. The Impact of Rap Music on the Assassin’s Creed Experience
The inclusion of rap music in the “Assassin’s Creed” series has had a significant impact on the overall experience of the games. The use of rap music has helped to create a unique atmosphere that sets the series apart from other games, while also adding depth and complexity to the story. The rap tracks in the series have become iconic, with many players associating them with key moments in the games.
In addition to enhancing the story and atmosphere, the use of rap music in “Assassin’s Creed” has also had a practical impact on gameplay. The fast-paced nature of rap music makes it ideal for use during combat sequences, adding a sense of urgency and intensity to the gameplay. The rhythm of rap music also helps to create a sense of flow and continuity, making the gameplay more immersive and engaging.
III. The Future of Rap Music in Assassin’s Creed
As the “Assassin’s Creed” series continues to evolve, it is likely that rap music will play an even more prominent role in future titles. The success of rap music in the series has shown that it can be a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural representation, and it is likely that the developers will continue to experiment with rap music in future games.
One possible direction for the future of rap music in “Assassin’s Creed” is the inclusion of more original rap tracks composed specifically for the games. The use of original rap music would allow the developers to tailor the music to the specific themes and settings of the games, creating a more cohesive and immersive experience. Additionally, the inclusion of original rap tracks would allow the developers to collaborate with contemporary rap artists, further connecting the series with modern culture.
Another possible direction for the future of rap music in “Assassin’s Creed” is the exploration of new genres and subgenres of rap music. The rap music in the series has primarily been mainstream rap, but there is potential to explore other subgenres such as conscious rap, trap, or drill music. The inclusion of these subgenres would allow the developers to explore new themes and perspectives, further enriching the story and atmosphere of the games.
1. Expanding the Role of Rap Music in the Series
As the series continues to evolve, it is possible that rap music will become an even more integral part of the “Assassin’s Creed” experience. The success of rap music in the series has shown that it can be a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural representation, and it is likely that the developers will continue to experiment with rap music in future games.
One way that the role of rap music could be expanded in the series is through the inclusion of more interactive music elements. For example, players could be given the ability to create their own rap tracks within the game, allowing them to engage with the music on a deeper level. This would not only enhance the gameplay experience but also allow players to connect with the themes and messages of the game in a more personal way.
Another way that the role of rap music could be expanded in the series is through the inclusion of more music-related content. For example, future games could feature side missions or quests that revolve around the creation or performance of rap music. This would allow the developers to explore the cultural significance of rap music in more depth, while also providing players with a new and unique gameplay experience.
See Also: Unveiling the Sources of Trap Nation’s Music
IV. Conclusion
Rap music has become an increasingly important part of the “Assassin’s Creed” series, reflecting the changing tastes of players and the evolving nature of the games. From its humble beginnings in promotional materials to its integration into the soundtracks of the games themselves, rap music has played a key role in shaping the atmosphere and story of the series. The inclusion of rap music in “Assassin’s Creed” has also helped to make the series more inclusive and culturally diverse, drawing connections between the struggles of the past and the present.
As the series continues to evolve, it is likely that rap music will play an even more prominent role in future titles. The success of rap music in the series has shown that it can be a powerful tool for storytelling and cultural representation, and it is likely that the developers will continue to experiment with rap music in future games. Whether through the inclusion of original rap tracks, the exploration of new subgenres, or the expansion of music-related content, rap music is sure to remain an integral part of the “Assassin’s Creed” experience for years to come.
