As anticipation builds for the long-awaited release of Grand Theft Auto VI, expected in 2026, it’s worth stepping back to consider the cultural gravity of the GTA series—particularly its deep and enduring relationship with hip-hop. For more than two decades, GTA hasn’t just reflected the evolution of the genre; it has actively shaped it, offering a platform where music, narrative, and street culture intersect in a way few other mediums have managed.