"Black Heroes, New Narratives: The Evolution of Representation in Gaming."

The gaming landscape is undergoing an exciting transformation. Once criticized for its lack of diversity, video games are now featuring Black characters as dynamic heroes. This change is not just significant for the gaming industry; it carries vast implications for Hip-Hop culture and the young video gamers who look to these characters for inspiration.

My Personal Reflection As a Young Gamer

My earliest video game memories come from lines on a screen. Then the lines turned into Pac-Man eating glowing power balls on a screen and evolved to characters from people's creative minds that represented heroes of differing worlds and stories but there was always something missing: me. To see a person from my culture in a video game I mostly saw black people in sports games, and in funny characterizations that looked nothing like me. As I have matured in age from a child to now being in my 40s I can say I am happy to see the children today that play games are experiencing a time where people like us are accessible when picking up a controller to play video games.

The Shift in Representation

Historically, video games have often missed the mark on representation. Characters were often one-dimensional, neglecting many cultures and backgrounds. Yet, the calls for diverse narratives have led to noteworthy changes. Characters like Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Miles Morales and the heroes in Tales of Kenzera: Zau and South of Mississippi have opened the lens and minds of people to see, accept and spend money on characters that look like they are a part of the greater diverse society all gamers share.

This uptick in representation means that children from different backgrounds can finally see themselves as protagonists, embarking on epic journeys. For instance, a survey from the International Game Developers Association found that 83% of players value diversity in video games, proving that diverse representation is not just desired but essential.

Impact on Hip-Hop Culture

Hip-hop culture has long influenced the lives of millions, and the integration of Black heroes in gaming enhances this relationship. Well-known artists, from Nas to Wu-Tang Clan often reference gaming in their lyrics, reflecting the crossover between these two vibrant cultures.

For example, in a track by Travis Scott, he mentions exploring virtual worlds, drawing parallels between gaming adventures and life challenges. This unique fusion resonates strongly with young players, reminding them that creativity and authenticity are key elements of both gaming and Hip-Hop.

As a younger gamer the first game I remember that had rappers and Hip-Hop artists in it was Rap Jam Volume 1 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). We only received pictures of rappers on substandard graphics in a basketball game but nothing that stood out. There are many games and many memories to share but when Def Jam Vendetta and Def Jam: Fight for NY came out Hip-Hop went to another level in representation on video games. I was able to not only hear the songs I loved to listen to but I was able to play as the artists in the game as well.

The game Marc Echo's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure was the first game I played with a full story that gave me a protagonist that represent Hip-Hop not only with Talib Kweli's voice but using graffiti and street art to convey a message and to fight against the establishment/villain in a game about getting the truth and fighting back through messaging. It was always easy to hear Hip-Hop music in sports games but our faces were still missing in original stories where we were the focus and not a skin out on a one dimensional non personable character.

Empowering Young Gamers

Young gamers gain more than just entertainment from engaging with dynamic characters. They encounter narratives that celebrate victory against odds and stories of perseverance. When children see relatable heroes overcoming challenges, it inspires confidence and encourages them to embrace their identities.

In comic books Miles Morales in the Spider-Man stories has become a popular character that has gone from comic book pages to video gaming. Black Panther was a blockbuster hit that Marvel and Disney dropped the ball on with lack of marketing for fans of the character and the growth of interest in the character due to the movie. Now we see children able to choose The King of Wakanda in games like Marvel: The Avengers, Marvel Rivals and Black Panther has 2 upcoming games to be released on the current generation of video game consoles.

Consider games like NBA 2K, Rise of The Ronin, and WWE2K25 where players can create avatars representing their own backgrounds. This feature promotes self-expression, showing boys and girls that they can be heroes in their journeys. In fact, studies indicate that children who identify with game characters show increased self-esteem and are more likely to engage in positive social interactions.

The Role of Communities

Gaming thrives on community engagement. Conversations about representation gain traction in online forums, gaming conventions, and social media, emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives.

Developers are now more receptive to feedback from players regarding the types of characters they wish to see. Companies like Naughty Dog actively involve their community in discussions about LGBTQ+ and racial representation, showing a commitment to authenticity. This ongoing dialogue empowers Black characters to have more significant roles in gaming, ensuring that new releases resonate deeply with a broader audience.

Bridging Real-Life Challenges

Games have a unique ability to highlight real-world issues through their stories. Titles featuring Black characters often address themes such as systemic challenges, personal identity, and cultural pride. For instance, Assassin's Creed: Freedom Cry tackles slavery and freedom, providing players a chance to engage with heavy, yet vital topics.

Today's world is dealing with a new type of censorship with DEI and the deleting of real American history with books being taken out of libraries and the social conscious of our society. Video gaming now has the opportunity to tell stories and include history in it to ensure not only that our children, and gamers are entertained but the representation in gaming can ensure those stories and perspectives are not taken away from the experiences of the stories that can be told in world building and helping the gamer deal with real life exploration of feelings and understanding as well.

The Role of Game Development

The emergence of Black heroes didn't happen by accident. Game developers have become increasingly aware and socially conscious. They understand the significance of representing diverse narratives in a changing demographic landscape.

Successful collaborations between developers and influential figures in hip-hop have empowered projects that elevate Black voices. For example, the partnership between 2K Sports and hip-hop artists helps create immersive soundtracks that resonate with fans, enriching the gaming atmosphere and creating a more authentic gaming experience.

The Implication for Future Generations

As gaming continues to grow, the importance of representation will extend into the future. Children who see Black heroes today are motivated to pursue their dreams beyond the screen—in art, music, storytelling, and other fields.

These heroes ignite the imaginations of youth, pushing them to craft their own narratives and chase their passions. They serve as real-world role models, demonstrating that breaking barriers is possible, not just in gaming but in all aspects of life.

In Summary

The rise of Black characters as heroes in video games signals a significant shift in representation and storytelling. This evolution enriches gaming culture and positively influences hip-hop and young audiences. As the lines between these two powerful cultures continue to blur, we can look forward to a future filled with diverse stories, empowered individuals, and collaborative creativity.

Championing representation matters; it shapes the narratives that define our culture. By inspiring the next generation with diverse voices, we contribute to a future where every child can envision themselves as heroes in their stories—both in gaming and beyond.

Kendrick Lamar Makes A Statement At The Super Bowl...Game Over.

Kendrick Lamar stand in the middle of a make shift American Flag

Kendrick Lamar is a G.O.A.T. contender that has made Hip-Hop culture stand at attention for the last year with a Hip-Hop battle versus another G.O.A.T. of the culture Drake. No matter how one may feel about the battle, Kendrick Lamar has taken the Super Bowl 59 stage to create a story that will change the battle rap landscape forever.

Battle Rap is a part of the Hip-Hop game where clever rhymes and theatrics have been used to 1 up a competitor with showmanship and the Super Bowl is one of the grandest stages to showcase a competitive show to dominate another rapper. After Kendrick Lamar collected 5 Grammy awards Super Bowl 59 was the next grand stage of his great career to conquer. This is an honor not many artists get to achieve and Kendrick used this opportunity to further cement his name in Hip-Hop conversation for years to come. A conversation that not only will talk about who is the greatest ever but how to use showmanship to always be remembered in the conversation.

During the show of course Kendrick did songs from his recently released album GNX. Of course Kendrick brought out his musical muse SZA to connect on the chemistry they have shown since the Marvel's Black Panther soundtrack hit "All The Stars". Those are the given, hearing good music. But the show is the key to being remembered and Kendrick did that with the many references that created a battle statement with his performance.

Samuel L. Jackson being "Uncle Sam", an American character used to give commentary to the performance, represented the sentiments of the mainstream of the music industry and America. He reminded Kendrick to "play the game", by doing his hits and giving the people what they want. Kendrick's performance was littered with references that were game changing like using the Squid Games set as a stage for his performance. The X in Squid games is a reference to end competition and it was highlighted on the stage during the performance. Kendrick Lamar had dancers dressed in the colors of the American Flag red, white and blue. The dancers not only represented the different colors of gangs in California Street culture they created the flag in symbols of joined unity and also as a separate collective to symbolize the country as well. The Game of unity and politics shown here reflects the state of the country in the new Donald Trump era of America.

With people debating if "Not Like Us" would be performed Kendrick hinted at it during the show and when it finally was played the crowd made it known that is what it came to see, the competition of Hip-Hop shown aka the hit. The Drake hate has been shown for his ability to stay at the top of the charts and this song stopped a lot of Drake's momentum. The hate for Drake has not only come from his success but the conversation has changed to his treatment of women and during the performance, an ex girlfriend of Drake, Serena Williams, made her appearance dancing in the "Not Like Us", set to make the statement of respecting the women in the culture and not using them for clout or as degraded notches under his belt. The game of optics and morality on display here.

With DJ Mustard on stage and the crowd chanting "A-Minor", Kendrick Lamar brought the battle to the mainstream and though "white mainstream America", may not understand or get it. For the Hip-Hop Kulture though, we see the play on words, the play on theatrics and we give Kendrick his just due. When you play the game there is a winner and a loser. Drake lost this battle and when the performance was over, Kendrick hit the button to signify that when the words "Game Over" appeared in the crowd. The battle in Hip-Hop went to the next level with this performance because now the evolution of the battle has taken shape. From Kool Moe Dee stepping on Kangol hats to signify his issue with LL Cool J, to the Summer Jam screen where Jay-Z went at Prodigy of Mobb Deep to claim dominance in the game. Kendrick used the biggest sporting event in North America to end a battle with a credible competitor. Even with DJ Akademiks' failed attempt to sabotage the performance by releasing the track list of the show, Kendrick made his mark and ended the battle with a smile and the words game over in the crowd.

Whether you like Kendrick or think Drake did not lose the battle, this was Hip-Hop on display and even with Lil Wayne not being chosen to perform in his home state, Hip-Hop was on full display and the world took notice. Will this performance be remembered? I believe so because it one upped showmanship and gave Hip-Hop artists another level to meet and beat when it comes to showing the world they are the best in their craft. There is only one way to secure a victory in a battle and it is to put a close on that chapter. Kendrick did that and now we wait to see what Drake will do and what is next for Kendrick Lamar and his label Pg Lang. Good job K. Dot the game is over and the conversation is finished...for now.

Blerd-Hop Edition: The Return of The King.

Legacy is a word that many people throw around not really understanding the long view of what having a legacy means. Most people think about having children and having them live off of our personal or professional achievements when asked about establishing a legacy. The truth of the matter is that legacy is not fully appreciated or seen until a person dies. That is when we all see how the world picks up from the loss or the example of the person that is not physically around to be with us anymore. Chadwick Boseman's legacy is being celebrated this week and the response of his reappearance shows the world how much he is missed.

On Tuesday August 17th, 2021 Black Panther was added to the Marvel Avengers game on home consoles. I personally saw young children get excited to play a video game with a black superhero. After experiencing the movie, many children saw a hero that they could relate to and saw themselves as the mythical man on the screen. With toys sold and now a video game, to play as Black Panther is a larger than life dream of being an action hero that little boys of color will see themselves as instead of seeing a person they wish they could be. Chadwick Boseman brought that feeling to the mind of every young brown to dark skinned little boy that wanted to be a hero but didn't see themselves in that role or setting. His legacy is present in the reception of the game's version of Black Panther even though he did not voice the character. Chadwick Boseman filled a gap that was long needed in the Blerd community and that was a live action hero who is one of us that closed the gap of generations by being royal in character on and off the screen. He gave us all an honorable example to look towards for inspiration.

When Chadwick Boseman passed away the pain of the Marvel movie fans and actors was felt worldwide. The air and joy of the victory of being on screen and in the world's view came to a crashing halt. Our King had moved on to become an ancestor and what were we supposed to do? With Black Panther 2 in question and the fans speculating on what should be done, we were all blessed when What If... season one episode two came out. Chadwick was alive in our ears one more time as the cartoon version of T'Challa the Star Lord from Wakanda. To hear his voice again was a joy and when I saw how the younger family members I have reacted to the voice of their hero I saw Chadwick's legacy in front of my eyes. The young men had their hero and they heard his strength return and he is once again the hero children wanted and needed in an instance.

In my opinion Chadwick Boseman did more than bring a comic book character to life. He gave an identity to young men that wanted to be heroes. Shuri and the Dora Milaje did the same for young women in the movie but I can only talk here from the male perspective of what I have seen in my life and the reactions of little boys and grown men that I have seen watch the movie and walk away with something bigger than a motion picture. Chadwick wanted to leave a lasting effect in his role as T'Challa the Black Panther and from it I have seen young men strive for better with being the Black Panther as an example of excellence to mimic or portray. Now given that Mr. Boseman has passed we have this season of What If... to hear and see Chadwick Boseman's Black Panther for the first season of the show at least. While we live in the here and now we have our Black Panther back and damn it feels good to hear his voice again. With people on Twitter reacting to the episode saying to the world "I burst in tears when the show ended..." or reading quotes about how Mr. Boseman wanted Black Panther to be out there for all to experience so he put his best in every line and did them 2 to 3 times over to capture the importance of the character.

Once again Chadwick Boseman will leave us again after all the episodes are finished and the first season of What If... is done. Yet, the world is a better place now that the king has returned and we here his voice one last time. Mr. Boseman's legacy lives on in the joy of the children that love Black Panther. He lives on in the tears of the family, friends and fans that do miss him. He also lives on in the captions that honor his that Marvel Studios shares in the movies and shows that will honor him as time goes on. Chadwick Boseman's legacy in my opinion is being an example of doing for other through sacrifice and he did until he ultimately gave his last breathe and joined the spirit of life and eternal righteousness that lives forever, Amen. Once again Rest In Peace Chadwick Boseman and may the world always honor what you stood for and fought to show the world: purpose, excellence, and class. The king returned this week and the world was a better place even for 30 mins of our day. Thank you for your performance sir. Once again you showed the embodiment and example of a man that does his best in all things and we are forever grateful for what you have given us as not only an example and standard to live by. You are an inspiration to us all that live our purpose and honor God with it. Long Live The King!