It wouldn't be a Two Thirds theme week without at least one post out of left field. I enjoy late 90’s/early 2000’s Hip-hop and R&B, so I decided to take a stab at selecting a song for some of the Red Rising mainstays. I tried to pick songs that I think resonate best with each character as if they took a personality test. Again, I limited myself to one specific subset of music.
Darrow
Nas (Feat. P. Diddy) - Hate Me Now
This one was a pretty nail on the head choice. Nas and Diddy crafted a song about thriving despite the hate. Darrow had plenty of people trying to stop him. With all the challenges and turbulence that Darrow went through it would have been easy for him to call it quits. However, he continues to pursue until he sees Eo's dream achieved.
Mustang
TLC - No Scrubs
Mustang knows what she wants. She wants to overthrow the Sovereign. She wants a better world for all people no matter what social class they fall into. TLC's incredible hit song also speaks on people who know exactly what they want. Scrubs are thrown to the side with no second thought, just like Mustang is willing to do with the Sovereign.
Sevro
ODB - Shimmy Shimmy Ya
No one in the rap game will ever be ODB. He was a one of a kind emcee and will never be duplicated. That's how I feel about Sevro. He's seen some pretty intense things in his life. He's also led his Howlers to do things that no one would ever dare to do. He’s insane, but in the best way possible. No one will replace Sevro no matter how hard they tried. Sevro is for the kids!
Cassius
OutKast - So Fresh, So Clean
I don't know about you, but when I think of Cassius, the image of someone who would think they are well the dopest. He gives off the vibe that he's all about the attention and will make a scene of whatever situation he's in so that he is in the center. If there is a time that he can show off for the world or to impress someone he would take it. This especially is true during the Institute (before he tries to kill Darrow). The braggadocious lyrics match Cassius’ style and how he carries himself. I'm probably way off base on this one, but that's the aura I get from him.
Ragnar
The Notorious B.I.G - Juicy
I think Notorious B.I.G. would be in Ragnar's constant rotation. No song represents his journey more than arguably the Notorious’ biggest hit. Juicy is all about rising above your dark past and being more than expected. Ragnar was stolen from his family and placed into what was basically slavery. He learned how real life can be at such a young age. Once he meets up with Darrow, he realizes there is more to him than he thought. Biggie Smalls had a rough upbringing, but went on to do great things for himself and his community before his untimely death.
Victra
50 Cent - In da Club
In the classic banger, 50 Cent makes sure to let you know he loves the club and that you can find him there. He also lets you know not to start nothing with him. I think these two sides of the coin represent Victra pretty well. She's quick to strike anyone who crosses her. Whether it's her own family, or just someone who looked at her funny. Victra is also full of fun moments where her less serious side gets to shine through.
Roque
Kid Cudi - Day ‘N’ Nite (nightmare)
Roque definitely was the kid that stuffed his face in his books. He spends time working with words and studies, but didn't give the time needed to create friendships. If it weren’t for the Institute, I could see Roque growing old, smoking weed and hanging out with his books. Out of all the people in the series he's also at the top of the list of people I think would listen to real deep personal rap.
Aja
DMX - What's My Name
Don't tell me Aja doesn't listen to DMX before entering the battlefield. I won't hear it. There is no way. She's fast, vicious, and unforgiving. Sounds a lot like DMX's flow. He spits raw bars that are sure to pump up anyone before going toe to toe with their enemies. Plus it's pretty easy to swap DMX with AJA in the hook.
The Jackal
Eminem (Feat. Dido) - Stan
This song's instrumental is dark, and matched with Eminem’s twisted narrative makes for the perfect Jackal song. The Jackal doesn't have a sane mind. It's full of dangerous thoughts. He's got daddy issues. So much so that he kills his dad as a way to prove he's worthy. I feel like the Jackal, in this comparison, is writing to his dad, but getting unsatisfactory answers back. This causes him to dive deeper into the dark side of his mind. He does have moments where he’s calm, cool, and collected which is where Dido’s soulful hook fills the void. The Jackal isn't someone I'd want to be caught around when he's having a bad day, at all.
The Howlers
M.O.P. - Ante Up (Robbin Hoodz Theory)
Ante Up is arguably the most hype song of all time. It's full of constant energy and raw bars going back and forth. I picture the Howlers blasting this song in their comms before doing whatever insane mission they are on. Sevro and company have done a lot of crazy things and this is the only song I can think of that can match that.
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