In the golden era of early 2000s gaming, the Def Jam series stood out as a pinnacle of fighting games, merging the worlds of hip-hop and gaming in an unprecedented way. Built on the renowned AKI Engine, these games featured a roster of playable rappers, including Ice-T, DMX, Ludacris, Ghostface Killah, and Busta Rhymes, each bringing unique move sets and abilities to the virtual arena.
Despite the series' success, with the last game, Def Jam: Icon, released in 2007, fans have been left yearning for a revival or remake. However, 17 years later, such a revival seems unlikely. In a recent revelation on Twitter, Ice-T commented on the series' absence from newer consoles, hinting at potential issues with voice and music rights as a possible reason.
So many people ask me why this game hasn’t been brought back for the newer consoles. Maybe because they’d have to pay for voice and music rights again. Maybe? 💥 https://t.co/A8LiBgYP3b
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) January 7, 2024
In a startling follow-up tweet, Ice-T disclosed that he wasn't compensated for his role in Def Jam: Fight for NY. He also expressed uncertainty about whether other licensed hip-hop artists received any payment. "I know I didn’t get any type of substantial money. It was a situation where you didn’t want to be left OUT of the game," he remarked, highlighting a possible trend of undercompensation in the industry during that era.
Here’s the BIG problem.. I don’t think they paid ANY of us ANYTHING to be in that original game… I know I didn’t get any type of substantial money. It’s was a situation where you didn’t want to be left OUT of the game. Well….. Yesterday’s price is not Today’s price..! https://t.co/QNR1PE7mfZ
— ICE T (@FINALLEVEL) January 7, 2024
This revelation not only sheds light on the business practices of the early 2000s gaming industry but also sparks a conversation about the value and recognition of artists in video games. As Ice-T aptly puts it, "Yesterday’s price is not Today’s price," indicating a shift in how artist contributions are valued today.
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