How Juice WRLD Made His Fortnite Debut and Beyond

Dec 2, 2024 at 10:02 AM
An avatar representing the late singing rapper made a significant appearance at a special event within the video game. This event was a platform for the rapper to debut a new song alongside renowned artists like Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Spice. The rapper, who passed away in 2019, had a deep connection with video games, as his mother, Carmela Wallace, often referred to him in the present tense when it came to this passion. She explained that video games provided him with a moment of escape from the challenges he faced, such as anxiety, depression, and stress. "He's always loved video games," Wallace said. "It was his way of having a normal life, having a console wherever he went."

Fortnite: A Gaming Haven for the Rapper

One of the rapper's favorite games was Fortnite, an immersive adventure-slash-fighting game that attracted millions of players simultaneously. On special occasions, in-game concerts took place in Fortnite, creating a real-world impact. For example, Travis Scott's animated performance in April 2020, during the height of Covid-19 lockdowns, drew nearly 28 million players across five showings. Since then, there have been more shows by stars like Metallica, Ariana Grande, J Balvin, and Eminem. Eminem's appearance a year ago was so popular that fans had difficulty logging in. Carmela Wallace, who manages her son's estate, approved his appearance in Fortnite's latest musical event, the November-long "Chapter 2 Remix." This event was a nostalgic throwback to the game's design circa 2020 and included Eminem, Snoop Dogg, and Ice Spice. It culminated in a brief but elaborate virtual performance on Saturday afternoon.

The "Remix: The Finale" Event

The "Remix: The Finale" event inside Fortnite's Battle Royale mode lasted less than 15 minutes, but it surpassed the previous record held by Travis Scott. According to Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, "Remix: The Finale" drew more than 14 million concurrent players for its first showing, compared to about 12 million for Scott's debut. This shows the significant impact of the rapper's virtual appearance and the popularity of such events within the game. It also highlights the enduring legacy of the late rapper and his connection with the gaming community.

The Rapper's Connection to Gaming

The rapper's love for video games was not just a hobby; it was a way for him to find solace and a break from the pressures of his rising stardom. As his mother mentioned, video games became his personal space where he could relax and be himself. It was a form of normalcy in his life that he cherished. His presence in Fortnite not only brought joy to his fans but also demonstrated the power of gaming as a medium for artistic expression and connection. It showed how video games could transcend the virtual world and have a real impact on people's lives.