THE ACCLAIMED ACTION role-playing game ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ quickly topped the sales charts on many gaming platforms and set a record of over 3 million concurrent users on Steam. It is worth mentioning that ‘Black Myth: Wukong’ has not only won the hearts of gamers at home and abroad, but even people who are not interested in the game itself have said that they have ‘fallen in love’ with the game’s excellent graphics and music production.
Among its standout features is the original soundtrack, particularly the quirky yet memorable “Headless Monk Rap Song”. This unique track fuses traditional Shaanxi musical motifs with contemporary hip-hop elements, marking a bold and creative departure from typical video game music.
Performed by Xiong Zhuying(熊竹英), an inheritor of the intangible cultural heritage of Northern Shaanxi storytelling, the “Headless Monk Rap Song” embodies a fascinating cultural fusion, merging the ancient and the modern. The track draws heavily on traditional Chinese sounds, utilizing instruments like the guzheng(古箏) and erhu（二胡), while layering in rap verses that infuse energy and rhythm.
Musically, the “Headless Monk Rap Song” stands out due to its exhilarating beats and catchy hooks. The fusion of traditional instrumentation with hip-hop rhythms creates a lively atmosphere that drives the energy of the gameplay. This juxtaposition not only emphasizes the monk’s unique character but also ties in with the game’ s overarching themes of transformation and duality. The lively percussion and bass-heavy beats add a modern flair to the soundtrack, making it perfect for action-packed sequences while still being grounded in its cultural foundations. The song serves as a reminder of how diverse influences can coalesce, resulting in something fresh and relatable.
By successfully merging traditional elements with contemporary music, “Black Myth: Wukong” has created a unique auditory experience that resonates with players, setting a new standard for how storytelling and music can intersect in the gaming world. As players continue their adventures, this catchy tune will undoubtedly linger in their minds, symbolizing the game’s rich tapestry of culture and imagination.
The character of the Headless Monk is a captivating element of the game’s lore—a figure that embodies both mystery and power, inspired by the statue of Bodhisattva Lingji(靈吉菩薩), which is nestled in the Xiangtangshan Grottoes(響堂山石窟) of Hebei Province. Many of the statues in this location have lost their heads, including that of Lingji, whose head is currently held in the British Museum.
Image at the top from Game Science