The world of hip-hop has been packed full of immensely talented lyricists and big personalities over the years. Some of these famous artists haven’t just managed to break into the mainstream by topping the charts, but they’ve also successfully crossed over into the gaming sphere. In fact, for fans of the overall genre and gaming, there have been a number of unforgettable hip-hop video games.

Even today, hip-hop video games are accessible on a variety of modern-day gaming platforms. For example, people are still playing options like DJ Hero, which is filled with hits from legendary groups like Beastie Boys, while other popular releases in this area include the likes of the Boom Shakalaka game, a title that features some of the coolest cats in the rap game. These options, plus a range of others, have been inspired by some of the genre’s other notable releases, some of which are fondly remembered by hip-hop lovers around the world.

Of course, not every video game in this area has hit the mark. We’ve certainly been exposed to some rather shoddy releases, with rappers and games developers alike teaming up to create products that appeared to be nothing more than cash grabs. Thankfully, we’ve also been treated to a selection of undeniable masterpieces on a plethora of prominent gaming platforms over the years. Let’s take a look back at some of them below.

Def Jam: Vendetta is a classic title from 2003

When most people think of iconic releases in this category, Def Jam: Vendetta is a title that immediately springs to mind. A classic product from 2003, this wrestling-filled favorite contains some of the rap world’s biggest stars, such as Method Man and Ludacris. With hip-hop connoisseurs able to go to war with their favorite artists in a number of fight-based scenarios, this unforgettable release served up plenty of entertainment. You can grapple with DMX before pulling off a successful knockout blow with Funkmaster Flex. Additionally, the game’s extensive storyline and killer soundtracks added another layer of intrigue to a release that many people will never forget.

50 Cent: Bulletproof is a solid third-person shooter

Famous for producing one of hip hop’s finest-ever, 50 Cent’s foray into the world of gaming also recorded notable success. Released in 2005, 50 Cent: Bulletproof featured the man himself as he aimed to take down a selection of hitmen who were tasked with taking him out. This third-person shooter epic perhaps delivered where many people didn’t expect it to, serving up a gripping storyline that featured some other world-famous stars, such as G-Unit members Lloyd Banks and Young Buck, alongside the likes of Eminem and Dr.Dre.

Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style is a much-loved release

A title that came to the fore in 1999 on PlayStation, Wu-Tang: Shaolin Style is a much-loved product that contained playable characters from the American hip-hop collective that was formed in Staten Island. Similar to the aforementioned Def Jam: Vendetta in some respects, gamers could get firmly stuck into a variety of fighting adventures with their favorite members from the group, with each rapper offering up a different fighting style. Featuring some of Wu-Tang Clan’s greatest tracks and representing a fun gaming package to session, while the game wouldn’t stand up alongside some of today’s detailed releases, it’s impossible to ignore when assessing some of the genre’s most prominent releases.

Some of the other greatest hip-hop video games of all time include the likes of Def Jam: Fight for NY, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Rap Jam: Volume One.