Each year, EA Sports puts out a new edition of their popular video game series Madden NFL, as Madden 22 looks to bring forth new vibes to its gamers’ experience.
The game coincides with a soundtrack of songs that rotate while the user is playing. This year’s Madden 22 soundtrack, (released Aug. 13) includes a crop of hip-hop’s hottest songs of the past few years from Drake, Future, Aminé and more, as well as a dozen new original songs from artists like Jack Harlow, Morray, JID and many others.
Of these original songs, one standout collaboration is Swae Lee and Jack Harlow on “Ball Is Life.” Swae starts out the song with an anthemic hook before hitting two of his classic, melodic verses. Jack hops in for the third, paying homage to Kendrick Lamar, who recently liked a Twitter video of young Harlow at the beginning of his rap career.
“Mime” by Morray sees him utilize the same melodic approach that supported his come up. Over the looped string instrumental, Morray mixes heartfelt bars with topical ones to fit the soundtrack’s theme.
Moving careful everyday is exactly how I play this
Not looking for number one but thats exactly how I’m patient
“Mime” — Morray
Two highlight reel worthy tracks are JID’s “Ambassel” and Denzel Curry‘s “The Game.” Curry’s track was also released as a single apart from the project, as the rattling, bouncy production offered by stellar producer Charlie Heat is coupled with Denzel’s menacing voice and effortless flow. JID’s slick tongue excels on “Ambassel” as he employs impressive, football-related bars.
I get the tackle and the pick and I hustle
I had to have it, had to get in the huddle
In the gravel and rubble
Got me a sack and I’m tryna be subtle
We just actin’ like a dog with a muzzle
See the back-up, put him back in a puddle
“Ambassel” — JID
The rest of the soundtrack is also full of noteworthy performances. 42 Dugg reminisces about his football days on his own song, “Down Set Ready,” putting his iconic Southern drawl to use in his delivery. Tripstar and Moneybagg Yo hit back-and-forth bars on a dark piano beat for “Blitz.”
Tierra Whack then follows up with a solo track called “8,” where she spits exaggerated lyrics over pure 808s and drums. “Count Me In” has North Carolina rapper YSB Tril delivering catchy melodies over a bouncy flute instrumental. Pooh Beatz and Murda Beatz flip Capone’s “Oh No” for a song with the same name featuring verses from BRS Kash.
Check out all the original songs for the Madden 22 soundtrack below.
