Detroit-based rapper/voice actor Danny Brown, known for his distinctive rap style and contributions to the music scene, has a notable history with the Grand Theft Auto franchise. In Grand Theft Auto V and GTA Online, Brown hosted the hip-hop station iFruit Radio, introduced in the 2019 The Diamond Casino Heist update. He also voiced and portrayed Yung Ancestor, a character featured in the story missions of the same update, bringing his eccentric persona to the game’s vibrant world. Now, the artist is eager to reprise his role in the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI, set to release on May 26, 2026.
In a recent interview with Variety, Brown expressed his desire to return in Grand Theft Auto VI, reflecting on his personal growth since his last appearance. “I’ve done a lot of things with GTA. Hopefully they have me back, last time I was a drunk fool,” he said, referencing his previous role. He added, “I’ve been two years sober. I want to make music to make people happy,” highlighting a shift in his outlook after overcoming a period of depression during which he played video games extensively. Brown also emphasized the growing importance of original soundtracks in video games, suggesting he could contribute music to uplift players in the game’s expansive open-world setting of Vice City and the state of Leonida.
Fueling speculation about Yung Ancestor’s return, a Grand Theft Auto VI screenshot from the “Boobie Ike” selection, spotted by GTA Wiki user Kamikatsu, features a character wearing a t-shirt with a Yung Ancestor logo. This subtle nod suggests the character may appear in some form, though Rockstar Games has not confirmed Brown’s involvement or Yung Ancestor’s role. Given Rockstar’s strict non-disclosure agreements, Brown’s public comments might indicate he’s not yet contracted for the game, or he’s carefully avoiding leaks to maintain future collaborations with the studio.
Brown is not the only artist linked to Grand Theft Auto VI. Rumors suggest that Florida natives T-Pain and DJ Khaled may also be involved, potentially as radio hosts or music contributors. T-Pain, a Grammy-winning artist known for his pioneering use of auto-tune, confirmed his involvement in January 2024 during a livestream, revealing that Rockstar Games asked him to stop participating in GTA V’s NoPixel role-playing server due to his work on Grand Theft Auto VI. “They had this whole speech, like, ‘What if somebody took your album and re-recorded it, and more people were listening to that,’” T-Pain recounted, indicating his role might extend beyond music licensing to a more significant contribution, possibly as a radio DJ or character. His Tallahassee roots align with the game’s Leonida setting, adding authenticity to his potential cameo.
Similarly, DJ Khaled, a Miami-based producer known for his larger-than-life persona, is rumored to host his own radio station in Grand Theft Auto VI, featuring his music. The speculation stems from a February 18, 2025, post by Call of Duty leaker @TheGhostOfHope on X, though neither Khaled nor Rockstar has confirmed the news. Khaled’s involvement would continue Rockstar’s tradition of celebrity radio hosts, like Dr. Dre in GTA Online, and his Miami connection makes him a fitting addition to Vice City’s vibrant atmosphere. While these rumors have sparked excitement, some fans express mixed reactions, citing concerns about over-saturation of celebrity cameos.
Brown’s performance at THPS Fest, a promotional event for the upcoming Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 remake, further highlighted his gaming ties, where he celebrated the inclusion of his music in the game’s soundtrack. His admiration for the Tony Hawk series, particularly Pro Skater 2 and Tony Hawk’s Underground, underscores his deep connection to gaming culture. His set, attended by skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and other pro skaters, included hits like Ain’t It Funny, though it was cut short due to its explicit content. Brown’s involvement in both Grand Theft Auto and Tony Hawk projects, alongside potential roles for T-Pain and DJ Khaled, positions him as part of a broader trend of music and gaming convergence, with fans eager to see if his wish for a Grand Theft Auto VI return will come true.
