Did you know that over 70% of musicians under 35 identify as gamers? Your favorite artists aren’t just creating soundtracks for games—they’re genuine players immersed in gaming culture.

From Eminem’s tactical Call of Duty sessions to Post Malone’s marathon Twitch streams, the intersection between music stardom and gaming passion reveals a fascinating cultural shift.

Many artists even enjoy social casinos such as SpinBlitz during downtime between performances. These dual identities offer fans a more authentic connection to artists while reshaping the future of entertainment.

Let’s explore how chart-topping musicians are breaking high scores and building gaming communities when they’re not topping the charts.

Eminem: From Rap Battles to Call of Duty Warfare

Marshall Mathers doesn’t just write lyrics about conflict—he actively engages in virtual warfare through his deep connection to the Call of Duty franchise.

The rap icon has strategically merged his music with the gaming universe through multiple Activision collaborations. His tracks “Survival,” “Till I Collapse,” and “Won’t Back Down” have all powered COD soundtrack moments, creating a perfect fusion of rap culture and gaming influence. His “Survival” music video even featured him performing in front footage from Call of Duty.

Beyond licensing music, Eminem has performed at E3 events , utilizing these partnerships to promote albums like “The Marshall Mathers LP 2.” When “Survival” debuted in Ghost, it solidified his position as a gaming culture influencer while boosting the game’s appeal to his massive fanbase.

This gaming affinity extends beyond COD, with his music appearing in WWE 2K19 and DJ Hero 2—pioneering what’s now a common relationship between hip-hop artists and gaming platforms.

Post Malone: The Twitch-Streaming Superstar

Chart-topping artist Post Malone doesn’t just play games casually—he commits. With nearly 300 hours streaming Apex Legends and an eight-year dedication to gaming content, his Twitch presence has evolved into a genuine phenomenon with impressive metrics.

Post’s November 2023 stream lasted over 17,000 minutes while maintaining 26,686 average viewers. His peak of 110,731 concurrent viewers showcases his unique ability to bridge his music fanbase with gaming communities, remarkable in Twitch’s competitive landscape, where over 87,000 channels broadcast simultaneously.

While focusing almost exclusively on Apex Legends, his approach works, gaining over 13,500 followers in a single stream. Unlike many celebrity gamers, Post doesn’t rely on gimmicks, letting his genuine enthusiasm for gaming shine alongside his impressive music career of over 50 million equivalent album sales.

Snoop Dogg’s Hip-hop Gaming Empire

Snoop Dogg has built a gaming empire as influential as his music career, extending his cultural impact from platinum albums into digital domains. His ventures span from 2013’s rhythm-combat “Way of the Dogg” to 2020’s “Rap Empire,” where players build hip-hop labels through beat management and narrative gameplay.

In 2023, he launched Death Row Games with his son to promote diversity in gaming using revenue-sharing models based on player engagement to build generational wealth for underrepresented communities.

His gaming approach features:

• Cultural integration where hip hop influence shapes both aesthetics and storytelling
• Strategic music licensing leveraging the Death Row Records catalog across platforms like Fortnite
• Active support for minority developers addressing representation gaps in the industry

The rapper’s gaming passion began with classic arcade games that sparked his lifelong interest in interactive entertainment. From streaming to game development, the Doggfather’s digital footprint proves his understanding of gaming’s cross-generational cultural significance.

Drake’s Casino Gaming Adventures

Canadian rap icon Drake brings the same confidence to casino gaming that he delivers on platinum singles, frequently placing six-figure bets in high-stakes environments.

Drake‘s gambling experiences center around table games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat—games available in live dealer sections at reputable online casinos. Some platforms offer exclusive loyalty programs similar to the VIP treatment Drake seeks out. Modern casinos featuring secure payment methods would appeal to the rapper’s preference for discreet high-value transactions.

While Drake hasn’t confirmed his favorite games publicly, his social media occasionally reveals his appreciation for VIP gaming environments with substantial rewards programs. His high-rolling approach demonstrates how gaming culture extends beyond traditional video games into broader entertainment spheres.

Justin Bieber: From Pokémon GO to Mario Kart Tournaments

Justin Bieber hunting Pokémon in Central Park during 2016’s Pokémon GO craze revealed his genuine gamer side. Alongside his entourage, he documented rare catches like Gyrados without being recognized by fellow players, seamlessly blending into gaming culture.

What made Bieber’s gaming experience stand out:

• He prioritized rare spawns over fame, returning to hotspots multiple times
• Fellow players remained focused on their hunts rather than celebrity-spotting
• His friend Alfredo Flores captured his excitement when finding a rare Pokémon

Beyond Pokémon GO, Bieber’s gaming extends to competitive Mario Kart tournaments that often align with album releases. His gaming competitions feature creative “punishment” challenges for losers, creating entertaining content that cleverly promotes his music projects.

By uploading gameplay footage alongside music content, he’s created a crossover appeal connecting gaming enthusiasts and music fans, demonstrating authentic celebrity engagement with gaming culture.

Jack Black: The Face of Minecraft Entertainment

Jack Black transformed into Minecraft’s definitive Steve by investing over 100 hours mastering resource gathering and survival mechanics while filming. His Tenacious D musical creativity extends into gaming through spontaneous songs during streams and collaborations with creators like Quackity.

Beyond acting in the blockbuster film, Black’s gaming passion manifested as playable DLC character packs that bridge Hollywood storytelling with authentic gamer credibility. His gaming crossover spans multiple platforms, with Tenacious D tracks “The Metal” and “Master Exploder” becoming staples in Guitar Hero III and Rock Band 2.

Black’s family gaming dynamics strengthen his connection to the medium—his sons serve as videographers for his YouTube channel and influenced his acceptance of the Minecraft role. His approach differs from typical Hollywood integrations by embracing the game’s quirky aesthetics rather than trying to “fix” them for mainstream audiences.

How Musicians Are Transforming Gaming Culture

Today’s musicians are revolutionizing virtual worlds through collaborative platforms, merging musical and gaming communities. This cultural exchange drives impressive metrics: hip-hop fans discover music through games 67% more frequently than others, while Fortnite artist features boost streaming numbers by nearly 9%.

Genre preferences reveal fascinating crossovers—rock fans gravitate toward shooters, while hip-hop listeners prefer action-adventure games. These partnerships create mutual benefits: gamers stream music twice as long as non-gamers, while artists access passionate communities that monetize fandom in innovative ways.

These collaborations represent gaming’s mainstream evolution through:

• Riot Games’ League of Legends anthems are generating over 1 billion YouTube views
• Square Enix is turning pop stars like Katy Perry and Ariana Grande into playable characters
• Florence + The Machine’s haunting “Stand By Me” cover for Final Fantasy

As these worlds continue merging, we’re witnessing a cultural renaissance where the lines between music and gaming blur into exciting new entertainment experiences.