The Top 10 Hip-Hop Moments In Grand Theft Auto History [VIDEO] - Page 4

Grand Theft Auto V finally hit stores yesterday and by the already overwhelming response it seems the game was more than worth the wait. So much so that gamers resorted to impersonating police in order to skip a line – yes, the thirst is real. Nevertheless V  is actually the fifteenth installment in this epic series. Since the highly influential GTA 3 in 2001 though, a clear Hip-Hop influence has gradually grown with each subsequent release.

From mission assignments, central characters, music selection to even recurring gags, Rap and Hip-Hop has played a part on your next decision in this crazy open world action adventure. Now that the story heads back to the West Coast, we present the top 10 Hip-Hop moments in Grand Theft Auto franchise history.

Let us know which ones are your favorites, or what we think we missed, in the comments section below.

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Photo: Rockstar, YouTube

The late great Guru of Gang Starr recognized the greatness of Grand Theft Auto early on. Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal lent his trademark voice to the character of 8 Ball in GTA III. 8 Ball would play a pivotal role in setting up the silent protaganist Claude in Liberty City after escaping a police convoy headed for prison.

Rapper The Game also lent his signature raspy voice to the character of B-Dup in the classic Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In a twist of Hip-Hop irony Game’s character B-Dup catches a beat down.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas proved to be entirely influenced by Hip-Hop and west coast gangster life. Included in this classic were two Hip-Hop only radio stations, gang wars, car modifications and rhythm based mini games involving low rider cars.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas character Ryder, who was based on the late great Eazy-E, was voiced by MC Eiht. We can also see some influence from Eiht’s character A-Wax from the cult film Menace II Society.

In Grand Theft Auto IV we got the luxury having The Beat 102.7 radio station. Minus a couple of names changes, The Beat is nearly identical to New York City’s Hot 97 to the extent that DJ Mister Cee and Funkmaster Flex handle the mix show duties.

Since Grand Theft Auto IV, the GTA series features new songs from some of Rap’s finest. Included in this installment is a brand new track from A$AP Rocky called “Untitled”.

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas even had struggle rappers! In the “Madd Dogg’s Rhymes” mission, you are tasked with stealing Madd Dogg’s (voiced by Ice T) rhyme book to help your friend OG Loc improve his lyrical content.

Noted Reggae artist Coolie Ranx “Little” Jacob Hughes is a central character in Grand Theft Auto IV. Jacob plays Niko’s right hand man proving to be his best friend throughout the story. Oddly enough Jacob can be found smoking marijuana at the most inopportune times in the game including a wedding reception and helicopter chase.

Even though Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is set in the mid 1980’s, we still got some Rap music included in the game with Wildstyle Pirate Radio. Manned by the late “Super Rocking” Mr. Magic, this station included some classic hits by Herbie Hancock, Run-D.M.C., Kurtis Blow and more.