Rockstar Games has revealed new details about the music of Grand Theft Auto VI, with a strong focus on Southern hip-hop artists, following the release of a 27-minute extended look at the game.
The presentation, published on 27 August, featured several tracks from major rap figures including Lil Wayne, Kodak Black and Sexyy Red. The songs appeared alongside new gameplay footage, offering one of the clearest indications yet of the game’s musical direction.
Rockstar has not released a full soundtrack list. However, at least 14 licensed tracks were identifiable in the presentation, spanning hip-hop, Latin music, rock, country and electronic genres.
Southern rap presence
Among the most notable inclusions was “Pop Bottles” by Birdman and Lil Wayne, a track closely associated with the rise of Southern rap in the 2000s. Its inclusion suggests Rockstar is drawing on different eras of hip-hop to shape the game’s sound.
Kodak Black’s “Skrilla” also featured, representing a more contemporary Florida rap style. The rapper, who is from Broward County, is widely seen as one of the defining voices of modern hip-hop in the state.
Meanwhile, “Pound Town” by Sexyy Red and producer Tay Keith adds a newer Southern influence, reflecting current trends in rap music.
Together, the artists highlight a mix of generations and styles within Southern hip-hop, linking the genre’s past with its present.
Broader soundtrack
While hip-hop has drawn significant attention, it forms only part of the game’s wider musical landscape.
Other tracks in the extended look included songs by Phil Collins, Depeche Mode and Def Leppard, as well as Latin artists such as Chimbala and Omega.
The range reflects Rockstar’s long-standing approach to in-game radio, which blends multiple genres to match the setting of each title.
Reflecting the setting
Grand Theft Auto VI is set in Leonida, Rockstar’s fictional version of Florida, with Vice City at its centre. The prominence of Southern rap artists is seen as closely aligned with the region’s real-world music culture.
Previous entries in the series have used radio stations to reflect the identity of their locations. Early signs suggest GTA 6 will continue this approach, combining classic tracks with modern releases to create a more detailed sense of place.
Rockstar has not confirmed whether the songs featured in the extended look represent the final soundtrack. The company is expected to reveal more details ahead of the game’s planned release on 19 November 2026.
