Canadian superproducer Murda Beatz is the first of three artists collaborating with ESPN this NHL playoff season.
The sports channel has called on Murda along with producer Foster to remix the “NHL on ESPN” theme song. His take gives the iconic theme song a trap beat and a bass boost, and includes his equally iconic tagline.
“I’ve been a long-time fan of hockey and the Leafs, dating back to my childhood days growing up in Canada,” Murda Beatz tells Complex Canada. “The ‘NHL on ESPN’ theme is a classic in the hockey space, and when I was approached to put my spin on it, it took me back to those days, and was a no brainer for me to do it.”
The collab comes as ESPN celebrates the first NHL Stanley Cup playoffs on the network since 2004. While Murda Beatz’s remix has debuted during the first round of the playoffs, alternative band Joywave’s remix will premiere during the second round, with EDM duo Zed’s Dead bringing a remix to the conference finals.
“The ‘NHL on ESPN’ theme song is one of those songs that became synonymous with our hockey coverage over the years, so we knew we wanted to celebrate the return of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on ESPN by bringing a unique element to it,” said Lucas Ferraro, Director of Sports Marketing, ESPN. “All the artists did a phenomenal job modernizing the track for today’s fans while infusing the classic elements we all know and love.”
The Toronto Maple Leafs, the Calgary Flames, and the Edmonton Oilers are the three Canadian teams currently battling it out in round one of the playoffs.
Stream the hype video for Murda Beatz remix above.
