In the world of (American) football, no franchise holds a flame to Electronic Arts’ gargantuan Madden series. Indeed, while the games may not be as popular across the globe as they are in the U.S., you’d be hard pressed to find a football simulator that has stood the test of time as much as Madden. The series had its ups and downs in recent years, but as a whole, it provides the ultimate football experience for gamers of all kind, even celebrities. Madden stands toe-to-toe with titles like Call of Duty in the realm of the famous – how often do we see random celebrities playing Madden against each other? For one California hip hop artist, Madden helped get his name out to the public, but it also brought him back to his roots of playing games with friends as a kid.
Our latest installment in the Beyond the Game series shows how hip hop artist Young Dre the Truth found his way into some of the biggest sports titles from EA, including the latest Madden NFL 10.
Young Dre found he had a knack for words at a young age. He started writing poetry while in elementary school, where a teacher helped Young Dre discover his talents, and encouraged him to continue writing. His poems eventually transcended into rap music and beat boxing.
“It was natural,” Young Dre says, explaining his start in music. “I was already listening to rap. It wasn’t even a choice since I’ve been rapping since fifth grade. Back then, it wasn’t as cliché.”
He found his voice rapping about his passion for all things real life, including the struggle and pursuit of triumph. “My music is really high spirited,” he says. “It’s just about real life, and over all having a positive outlook and turning everything into a positive.”
Young Dre hooked up with EA’s music label Artwerk Music through friends. He joined up with the band Good Charlotte and recorded “Workin” for Madden 09. Since collaborating with Artwerk, he’s appeared on NBA Live 09, and Fight Night Round 4 with his song “Cheah Bah,” featuring legendary rapper, Snoop Dog. The original take of the track is featured in the new Madden NFL 10.
“’Cheah Bah’ is not a dance, it’s just about positive energy which seems really rare for people,” he says. “How do you keep high energy? That’s universal. You don’t have to fake it, wherever you are, I’m ‘Cheah Bah,’ keep it cracking. I can’t be around too much negative energy.”
Clearly Young Dre The Truth is no stranger to the Madden franchise. “This isn’t my first Madden I’ve been in,” he says. “It’s definitely not another ride around the park, though, it’s an exciting, bigger than life feeling,” he says about hearing his song in the new Madden.
The musician added: “I’ve been playing Madden since ’93. This is cultural for a lot of us in the hip hop rap business, and actually the gamer community as a whole. Nothing is bigger or greater in football. It just feels so good.”
While growing up, Young Dre was a Raiders and 49ers fan, though conceded he likes playing as the Patriots and Charges the best in Madden NFL 10. He says he’s impressed with the improvements in this year’s Madden. “It’s more detailed, even just in the running,” he says. “When you hit the quarterback, instead of the ball dropping, it flies up in the air. It’s more realistic and the hitting is more dope. When you hit now, they keep driving with their legs.”
Just prior to his interview with PSU, he was playing Madden 10 with a friend who’s working on a film in California. While he doesn’t like to brag in public, he says he sure loves beating friends – especially when his tune comes on after a hard-fought win.
Young Dre really is a gamer at heart. He recalls growing up and playing Sega all day with friends. “We’d be outside just as much, but we had an alternative now,” he recalls. “It was a great time for kids.”
“I played sports growing up, and as you know, you always want to play the videogame of any sport you play. It’s part of growing up,” he explained.
Next up for Young Dre The Truth is a take on 2Pac’s song “All Eyez On Me,” which he’s named (The Truth) or “All Eyez On Me (The truth). “I can’t wait for NBA Live 10. ‘All Eyes on Me,’ – I made a classic out of a classic record. The beat by itself is classic,” he commented.
Looking forward, Young Dre expressed interest in appearing in future Tiger Woods games, NHL games, or military games (although, he admits not many military games feature rap artists). He remains modest even though he’s seen his fair share of success, especially in the world of videogame soundtracks.
“If I didn’t have songs in Madden, NBA Live, I’d still play those games every day,” he says. “I’d appreciate whatever music is out (on Madden), and it’s something I can be very modest about. I get a touchdown and my song comes on, when that happens, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. You appreciate the moment. I love it, it feels great.”
As with other Beyond the Game features, Artwerk Music was kind enough to supply us with copies of the Madden NFL 10 and Young Dre the Truth mix-tapes to give out to our loyal readers. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for our contest in the near future. For more on Young Dre the Truth, check out his website here.