GODS – League of Legends ft. NewJeans (뉴진스)
The release of the official anthem for the 2023 League of Legends World Championship, titled “GODS,” featuring the K-pop sensation NewJeans (뉴진스), marks a significant moment in the intersection of music, esports, and pop culture. As one of the most popular and highly anticipated esports events in the world, the League of Legends World Championship, commonly known as “Worlds,” has always created a buzz with its anthems. In 2023, “GODS” takes this tradition to new heights, merging electrifying energy with the unique artistry of NewJeans.
The Anthem’s Role in League of Legends Worlds
For years, the League of Legends Worlds anthem has served as more than just a song. It encapsulates the spirit of competition, perseverance, and the global appeal of the tournament. Songs like “Warriors” by Imagine Dragons and “RISE” by The Glitch Mob have become iconic in the gaming community, symbolizing the intense emotions and high stakes that come with professional esports. The Worlds anthem is designed to inspire both the players and the millions of fans who tune in to watch their favorite teams battle for the prestigious Summoner’s Cup.
In 2023, the anthem “GODS” continues this tradition, creating an anthem that resonates with fans and gamers alike. But what sets it apart is the involvement of NewJeans, a groundbreaking K-pop group that has taken the music industry by storm with their fresh and innovative sound.
NewJeans’ Collaboration with League of Legends
The choice to feature NewJeans in the 2023 Worlds anthem is both strategic and exciting. NewJeans, under the ADOR label, has quickly risen to prominence in the K-pop scene, known for their experimental style and boundary-pushing concepts. Their music blends elements of pop, R&B, and electronic music, making them a perfect fit for an esports anthem that needs to evoke energy, intensity, and inspiration.
For League of Legends, a game with a vast global audience, partnering with NewJeans allows the game to tap into the immense popularity of K-pop, which has a massive following worldwide. This collaboration represents a cultural bridge between gaming and pop music, blending two massive entertainment industries to create something unique and powerful.
The Message and Theme of “GODS”
The title “GODS” itself is a reflection of the epic nature of the Worlds tournament, where only the strongest and most skilled players can claim victory. The song’s lyrics and theme revolve around the idea of ascending to a higher level, becoming invincible, and rising above all challenges. It speaks to the journey of champions as they face countless obstacles on their way to glory, embodying the transformation from a mere competitor to a god-like figure in the game’s universe.
NewJeans’ vocals deliver this message with a captivating mix of soft, ethereal tones and powerful choruses that match the high-energy, fast-paced world of esports. Their voices add a touch of elegance and beauty to the anthem, creating a juxtaposition between the competitive aggression of the game and the grace of the music.
In addition to the lyrics, the song’s production also plays a crucial role in conveying the message. With a pulsating beat, intense electronic elements, and a grandiose orchestral backing, “GODS” builds tension and excitement. The music mirrors the unpredictable nature of competitive play in League of Legends, where one moment can change the course of the game, and a single decision can lead to victory or defeat.
The Music Video: A Visual Spectacle of Power and Performance
The official music video for “GODS” is as much a visual experience as it is a musical one. With a focus on the themes of ascension, battle, and triumph, the video takes viewers on a journey through a series of striking visual landscapes. As with previous Worlds anthems, the video features a blend of cinematic and animated elements, highlighting some of the iconic characters from the League of Legends universe while drawing parallels to the players who take on the roles of these champions.
NewJeans makes a strong appearance in the music video, their presence adding a sense of dynamism and charisma. The members of NewJeans are portrayed as powerful figures, embodying both beauty and strength. The visual imagery used throughout the video emphasizes the duality of vulnerability and invincibility, which is central to the narrative of Worlds.
Additionally, the music video contains references to in-game moments that resonate with hardcore League of Legends fans. These subtle nods help build a deeper connection between the music, the video, and the game itself. Fans of both NewJeans and League of Legends are treated to an immersive experience that not only celebrates the tournament but also highlights the artistry and storytelling of both the music and the game.
A Perfect Fit for the Worlds Stage
What makes “GODS” such a successful anthem is its ability to blend the intensity of the game with the allure of NewJeans’ musical style. It captures the feeling of facing monumental challenges head-on, a theme that resonates deeply with the professional players competing in the World Championship. For many players, the journey to Worlds is one that requires discipline, dedication, and resilience – qualities that are echoed in the anthem’s lyrics and production.
NewJeans’ vocal delivery brings an emotional depth to the song, making it not just a high-energy battle cry, but also a reflection of the struggles and dreams of those competing. The fusion of K-pop and esports here works beautifully, appealing to both fan bases and creating a cross-cultural collaboration that reflects the global nature of the League of Legends community.
Conclusion: A New Era for Worlds Anthems
“GODS” ft. NewJeans is a testament to the evolving landscape of esports, where music, gaming, and culture come together to create something bigger than the sum of its parts. As the official 2023 League of Legends Worlds anthem, the song captures the spirit of competition, the thrill of battle, and the desire to rise above all challenges.
By featuring NewJeans, the anthem reaches new heights, blending the worlds of K-pop and esports in a way that is both innovative and impactful. The song will undoubtedly serve as the soundtrack for some of the most exciting moments of the 2023 Worlds, inspiring both players and fans as they experience the tournament’s highs and lows.
In the years to come, “GODS” is sure to be remembered as one of the standout anthems in the history of League of Legends, representing the union of two global phenomena and symbolizing the limitless potential of those who strive to become champions.
Lyrics:
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
(‘ey) This is what you came for
Blood on the game ball
Everybody dropping like rainfall
(‘uh’) This is your moment
Eyes on the pulpit, kid
(I) think Church just opened
And they’re singing your praises la-la-la
Screaming your name out la-la-loud
One more step, you’re Immortal now, ‘cause
Once you play GOD
Once you play GOD
They’re gonna’ crumble one by one
Then we gonna ride right into the Sun like it’s the day my kingdom come
Baby we’re
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
Yeah we’re
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
Welcome to the big show
Next on the ladder
Is it your name in the rafter?
Brief moment of silence
Bad girl woke up, chose violence
And they’re singing my praises la-la-la
Screaming my name out la-la-loud
This is why we’re Immortal now, ‘cause
Once you play GOD
Once you play GOD
They’re gonna’ crumble one by one
Then we gonna ride right into the Sun like it’s the day my kingdom come
Baby we’re
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
Oh, yeah we’re
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
I’m on my knees
Pray for glory
Will anyone read this underdog story?
I can’t lose myself again
Help me raise this heart
Heart, unbreakable
Once you play GOD
Once you play GOD
They’re gonna’ crumble one by one
Then we gonna ride right into the Sun like it’s the day my kingdom come
Once you play GOD
Once you play GOD
They’re gonna’ crumble one by one
Then we gonna ride right into the Sun like it’s the day my kingdom come
Baby we’re
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
Oh, yeah we’re
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS
Oh, yeah we’re
GA-GA-GA-GA-GA-GODS