Snoop Dogg Joins Monday Night Football Hype Song
Long gone are the days of Hank Williams Jr. and his rowdy friends on “Monday Night Football” — for multiple reasons.
The “MNF” intro has another new look in 2023, featuring a mashup with appeal across musical genres. ESPN debuted the new Monday night hype music prior to the first game of a pseudo-doubleheader Monday featuring the Carolina Panthers and New Orleans Saints.
Rap icon Snoop Dogg joined country/Americana artist Chis Stapleton for a unique rendition of ’70s/’80s rocker Phil Collins’ iconic “In the Air Tonight.” Percussion virtuoso Cindy Blackman filled in for Collins on the drums, while Stapleton handled the hook and the guitar.
If you missed it, you can check out the performance here.
End of an Era
Hank Williams Jr. had long been the anchor of the “Monday Night Football” intro music, with his iconic party anthem that became synonymous with primetime sports broadcasts. However, ESPN decided to take a different direction with their latest iteration.
While Williams’ anthem was beloved by many, ESPN aimed to create a fresh and diverse sound that would resonate with a wider audience. By bringing together Snoop Dogg, known for his contributions to rap music, and Chis Stapleton, a prominent figure in country and Americana, the network successfully blended different musical genres.
The collaboration also paid tribute to Phil Collins, a legendary rocker from the ’70s and ’80s, by reimagining his hit song “In the Air Tonight.” Snoop Dogg’s smooth rap verses combined with Stapleton’s soulful vocals and guitar skills created a unique and captivating rendition.
Positive Reception
The new Monday night hype music received positive feedback from fans and critics alike. Many praised the unexpected collaboration and the refreshing twist it brought to the traditional “Monday Night Football” intro.
ESPN’s decision to feature Snoop Dogg and Chis Stapleton showcased their commitment to embracing diversity and appealing to a broader audience. The mashup of rap, country, and rock elements in the song resonated with fans from different musical backgrounds.
As the 2023 NFL season kicks off, the new Monday night hype song sets the stage for an exciting and inclusive viewing experience. It remains to be seen if this iteration will reach the same level of iconic status as Hank Williams Jr.’s anthem, but it has certainly made a memorable impression.