Between Tekken 8, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Guilty Gear Strive, it’s a great time to be a fighting game fan. Yet if there’s one game that arguably holds the throne even in the face of those titans, it’s Street Fighter 6. Nerd Stash editor David Rodriguez recently had the chance to speak with Rocco808 and Randy Marx, two of the artists behind the game’s killer soundtrack, to get their thoughts on Street Fighter, the franchise’s legacy, and the relationship between fighting games and hip-hop. Here’s what the talent behind tracks like “Not On The Sidelines” had to say.
Street Fighter 6 Interview with Rocco808 and Randy Marx
Rocco808
Editor David Rodriguez: How did your initial collaboration with Capcom and Street Fighter come about?
Rocco808: GRP called me saying he needed help at his studio. Thinking it was an emergency, I rushed over to discover that “help” meant help with a record. That’s also when I met Koyo Sonae, the executive producer of the Street Fighter 6 soundtrack. And when I found out, I was invited to work on a very cool project!
Were you familiar with Randy or Jayy before you all came together for this project?
I was familiar with Randy but not yet with Jayy. I was very happy with how the record came out and was impressed at how talented both artists were. Their creativity and the way they come up with words are insane.
Do you play Street Fighter at all, and if you do, do you have a favorite character?
I have only played it once, but my favorite character is Ryu.
How does it feel having contributed to such a legendary franchise and becoming a part of it forever?
I am extremely grateful and am very proud of the body of work that was done.
If you could become a character in Street Fighter, what would your Super Attack be?
My Super Attack would be something off the wall, something that doesn’t exist in the game yet.
Randy Marx
Editor David Rodriguez: As a fellow Latino myself, I just wanted to ask how has your journey into music evolved? Was it something you knew you always wanted to achieve?
Randy Marx: Music has always been an interest for me. Growing up I learned that there were many classical musicians from my father’s mother’s side; many of her brothers and uncles were classically trained musicians. Music was not something that I always dreamed of doing as a child; it just kind of grew on me, and I took an interest in it during my teenage/adolescent years. Something I gravitated towards became very therapeutic for me; it turned from a hobby into an obsession into a passion. It’s been an amazing journey.
A lot of my skills are self-taught, and I am glad that I put myself through music college. Even though it was at a later time in my life, I feel that I was really able to appreciate it even more. As time progressed, I knew that I always wanted to make the family proud by obtaining a degree, so I thought, why not pursue one with something that I love? Now that I’ve been properly educated in music, I’m prepared for any challenge/project/job that heads my way. I am always challenging myself to be better, trying new techniques and staying relevant to keep a competitive edge and always stay on top of my craft.
How did your initial collaboration with Capcom and Street Fighter come about?
I was introduced to the team via my good friend Rocco808. Capcom loved my sound, and the rest was history!
Do you play Street Fighter at all, and if you do, do you have a favorite character?
I used to play it on Nintendo as a child growing up. Unfortunately, I didn’t have access because I’ve always been an Xbox guy, but I would love to play it in arcades when available or at friends’ houses who owned the game. I’ve always been an Akuma fan, only because he was a bit different than usual. Now I’m stoked to finally own the game on Xbox, and I play from time to time. I’d say that my current favorite character is Rashid.
Street Fighter and hip-hop have a legacy together. Is there something about hip-hop culture and the world of Street Fighter that just seems like a natural fit?
Yes, I agree! I’ve always felt that Street Fighter had always been the “cool kid” on the block when it comes to fighting games. Not only is it so global, but I think that the style of gameplay has always had that “cool-rebel-like, swagger-filled” emotion to it that has indefinitely made the game stand out amongst its competitors!
Growing up, I’d always see kids lined up to battle one another at a Street Fighter arcade machine just so one could be known as the cool kid to call themselves “champ” for the day. I really enjoyed the OG Street Fighters, but my jam was Marvel vs Capcom. I was hooked on that game!
If you could become a character in Street Fighter, what would your Super Attack be?
I’d have to say my Super Attacks would definitely have to model after Ryu and Ken’s Super Attacks because they’re the most known aside from Chun-Li. I’ve always thought that their Supers were unmatched! It would have to be some sort of combination of Ryu, Ken, and Akuma’s Super!
Street Fighter 6 is available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
You can also pre-order the Limited Edition Street Fighter 6 Vinyl right now at the IGN Store.
