“Star Walkin’ (League of Legends World Anthem)” by Lil Nas X
This song (“Star Walkin’”) can be applicable to the League of Legends World Championship or any contest really, in that it’s motivational in general. The term “star walking”, as utilized, points to the vocalist’s dogged determination to ‘head to the stars’. This is a metaphor which alludes to him striving for greatness.
In that regard, a subtheme permeating throughout centers on Nas X having to deal with the likes of detractors. And the way he puts it is that while doing your thing, it isn’t “wise” to be mindful of such individuals, especially those who never made an attempt to achieve anything significant themselves.
So calling this piece braggadocious would be a stretch. But even though it doesn’t utilize proper nouns, the lyrics are still such that they speak specifically to Nas’ experience, to some degree. Or rather let’s say that “Star Walkin’” is one of those types of songs where a popular artist is letting the listening audience know that his come-up wasn’t easy, as in that there were opps along the way.
But the vocalist’s message to his haters is also along the lines of sleep on him if they wish, as no matter what, his goal remains the achievement of excellence.
“Star Walkin’” and League of Legends
“Star Walkin’” is the official anthem to the 2022 edition of the League of Legends World Championship.
League of Legends, as you may already know, is a uber-popular videogame that has been around since the early 2010s. In fact it has been so well-received that its been having its own “World Championship” Esports competition annually since 2011.
The 2022 contest features a record 24 teams (compared to an inaugural 8 in 2011) representing five continents in total though the majority of competitors, as seems standard, come from East Asia. The reported prize pool for 2022’s tournament is well over $2,000,000.
About a week before “Star Walkin’” was released, Nas X was named President of the League of Legends franchise by its publisher, Riot Games. That title does not make him an executive in the company but rather has the rapper responsible for artistically contributing to the 2022 World Championship. His responsibilities as President included creating this song and also performing at the event itself.
More Noteworthy Stuff
“Star Walkin'” was formally released on the 22nd of September, 2022.
The music video to this track is entirely an animated affair. It was directed by “Wesley Louis”.
To note, this isn’t the first time Lil Nas X has officially teamed up with a popular online videogame. In 2020, he worked with Roblox. The result was a commercially-successful virtual event he spearheaded which is known as the Lil Nas X Concert Experience.
“Star Walkin’” was put out through Columbia Records.
The song appeared on Billboard’s Mainstream Top 40 stateside. It also popped up on the UK Singles Chart. Overall, it gained significant commercial success globally.
This song was produced by two of the biggest behind-the-scenes’ musicians in the game these days, Omer Fedi and Cirkut. The two also co-wrote “Star Walkin’” with Ink and Nas X.
