Spider-Man: Across The Spider Verse & 10 Other Times Rappers Invaded Geek Culture Films

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse has had a strong start at the box office during its first weekend of release. Along with the star-studded film comes an equally impressive soundtrack produced by critically acclaimed superproducer Metro Boomin.

The Atlanta-bred beat orchestrator brought together an expansive list of his best longtime collaborators along with some fresh faces outside of his usual cohorts. The result is an auditory treat that finds artists like 21 Savage, 2 Chainz, Offset, JID, Nas, and the reigning hitmaker from the previous soundtrack Swae Lee flexing their range.

To promote the album, there is also custom artwork for each feature that sees them as their spider-verse persona. It’s an interesting concept and the pictures themselves are dope and memorable.






Check out the link below to listen to the full soundtrack via YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m7fOf5CrUxKlQWFUTjcyHudazeMPrazMA

This got us thinking about the other time that rappers have found themselves creating music for properties associated with comic books, cartoons, and video games. Hip Hop and Geek culture often intersect. The ability to tailor their typical adult-oriented styles into something digestible by a widespread family-friendly audience is admirable. Oftentimes this creates some strong bangers when the artists are truly fans of the franchises. It was especially dope to hear Lil Wayne’s verse. It was a great ode to Spider-Man in his unique style.

Here are 10 contributions from rap and hip artists to movie soundtracks based on video games, comic books, and cartoons.


Swae Lee & Post Malone — Sunflower
https://youtu.be/ApXoWvfEYVU

Swae Lee and Post Malone came together to create a true banger when they collaborated on the soundtrack for Spider-Man: Enter The Spider-Verse. The song has a uniquely feel-good sound that creates an instant vibe whenever it finds its way into a listening ear. In addition to being a standout track for the movie, the song went on crush many sales records becoming the highest certified song of all time with a current standing of 18 times platinum.


Imagine Dragons, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Logic, and Ty Dolla $ign — Sucker For Pain
https://youtu.be/-59jGD4WrmE

The soundtrack for Suicide Squad released in 2016 was filled with certified bangers and a tracklist that features a who’s who of artists from various genres such as Rick Ross, Twenty One Pilots, Khelani, G-Eazy, Skrillex, Grimes, and Panic At The Disco!. A particular standout was Sucker For Pain which saw the effortless combination of Imagine Dragons’ signature arena rock sound with the slick wordplay of some of the best rappers in the game.
Wiz Khalifa, Lil Yachty, Sueco, & Ty Dolla $ign — Speed Me Up
https://youtu.be/dCuCpVPkWDY

This is the second appearance from the Cleveland cannabis authority on this list, and it’s definitely not his last. This a lovingly created track and it comes across as if everyone involved is a fan of the blue speedster. The song is produced by the excellent duo TakeADayTrip and it truly sounds like a song that would be playing in the background of a level in Sonic The Hedgehog 2 on Sega Genesis with a distinctly 80’s flair incorporated as well.


Lil Mosey, Tyga, and Swae Lee — Krabby Step
https://youtu.be/lOLvuGV-88o

This is honestly one of the most unlikely creations but it’s an absolute banger. Everyone did their part to complete the assignment but Swae Lee went the extra mile on his verse with some super slick lines and references for die hard and casual Spongebob Squarepants fans. I guarantee you’ll be singing along before the track ends.
Deion Sanders & MC Hammer — Straight To My Feet
https://youtu.be/cM7vqqS8jSI

This song is an absolute blast, especially if it’s enjoyed along with the music video. The song was released in conjunction with the original Street Fighter Movie that starred Jean Claude Van Damme and the late, great Raul Julia. The music video features many of the actors from the film reprising their roles and partying alongside two of the biggest entertainers in music and sports. It seemed like everyone was having a great time on the set. With the recent release of Street Fighter 6, now is the perfect time for a nostalgia trip.
Wiz Khalifa, Juicy J, Ty Dolla $ign feat. Kill The Noise & Madsonik
https://youtu.be/BaACrT6Ydik

This is one of my favorite soundtrack songs of all time. The combination of Taylor Gang and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is something I didn’t know I needed. The love that every artist seems to have for the franchise is apparent throughout their verses, and Juicy J gets off a magnificent double entendre when he spits “All this green in my pocket, you can call it Turtle Power”.
Kendrick Lamar & SZA — All The Stars
https://youtu.be/JQbjS0_ZfJ0

The entire Black Panther soundtrack was filled to the brim with bangers and artists hailing from The Golden Coast. All The Stars is the standout because of how perfectly it captures the energy and vibe of the overall film experience. When the credits start rolling and you hear SZA and Kendrick trading out crooning and bars it creates a vibe that almost feels like you’re leaving church service. Paramedic! and King’s Dead could also be contenders for this list but K. Dot and SZA really outdid themselves and created something that will always bring Black Panther to mind.
Shaq, Ice Cube, B-Real, Peter Gunz, & KRS-One — Men Of Steel
https://youtu.be/aNORePHqJ0w

Many may not remember the DC Film based on the Steel character from the mid-’90s but I do. However, I did not remember this song. This is quite a lineup but it doesn’t seem outlandish due to Shaq’s hip-hop pedigree in addition to his numerous accolades on the court. This is a hip-hop track through and through that shows each of the featured MCs bringing the bars over a hard-hitting Boom Bap style beat. Definitely, one to check out if you’re a fan of this era of hip-hop.
Megan Thee Stallion & Normani — Diamonds
https://youtu.be/r1MxCSRWgI0

The Birds of Prey soundtrack was underrated upon release and featured a strong lineup of women in hip hop such as Doja Cat, Saweetie, and the two artists that created this lovely slap. Meg and Normani play well off of each other and truly bring the same energy as the movie. Badass women making a name for themselves in their profession and keeping their foot on the neck of the competition. It was very interesting that Rico Nasty wasn’t included on the soundtrack, however. It definitely seems like she could have created some magic.
Kid Cudi — The Rage
https://youtu.be/D6hWTyw4mYw

Kid Cudi is no stranger to the big screen both as a star and a soundtrack contributor. His contribution to the film Rampage, based on the video game series, didn’t get the love it deserved on release. Featuring Cudi’s signature off-kilter flow, humming, and crooning bolstered by strong production. The interpolation of The Smashing Pumpkins’ song Bullet With Butterfly Wings creates an ideal orchestra for giant monsters to pummel each other.



So that’s the list, let us know what you thought of it in the comments below! Did any songs catch your ear or bring back fond memories? Were there any songs you think should have been included?



Written By: Malcolm “Laidback Mack” Morrow

IG: @mack_stay_manifesting | IG: @subculturems|IG: thest0nedeclectic



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Also check out these articles about Metro Boomin:

Metro Boomin Releases “Heroes & Villains”: https://fmhiphop.com/metro-boomin-droppin-tomorrow/

Metro Boomin Sells Portions Of Music Catalog: https://fmhiphop.com/hit-producer-metro-boomin-sells-music-catalog/