In celebration of 50 years of hip hop, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone 2.0 will bring an unexpected twist to the battlefield.

On August 2, the pair of iconic first-person shooter titles will welcome a trio of hip-hop artists and international sensations as playable characters: Nicki Minaj, Snoop Dogg, and 21 Savage.

The music moguls are joining the unique collection of outlandish characters adorning the franchise as part of the Season 5 update, signifying yet another successful venture into the pop culture waters by Activision Blizzard.

Activision Blizzard, the game's publisher, revealed that Nicki Minaj, known for her vibrant and flamboyant style, will enter the fray as the franchise’s first "self-named female Operator." Gamers and fans can expect to see Minaj wielding a Barbie-pink assault rifle, in line with her signature aesthetic. The award-winning artist has previously collaborated with Activision in a 2022 advertisement for Modern Warfare II, and is now set to return, not as Chill Nicki but as her fierce alter ego, "Red Ruby Da Sleeze."

Hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg is no stranger to Call of Duty. Having previously lent his voice to Call of Duty: Ghosts in 2014, and appearing as an Operator in Call of Duty: Vanguard, Snoop Dogg's appearance in Warzone 2.0 and Modern Warfare II solidifies his influence within the gaming realm. In this iteration, the artist will be seen holding a blue and gold rifle, a nod to his renowned West Coast style.

Rounding out the triad of hip-hop artists is 21 Savage, scheduled to drop mid-season. His entry, Activision teases, will be a sign to "go Savage Mode" in Call of Duty, further enhancing the game's immersive experience.

This crossover event is part of a broader initiative to commemorate five decades of hip-hop culture. It follows the previous collaborations with pop culture icons, including characters from the hit Prime Video show, The Boys.

The unmistakable similarities between these creative fusions and that of Fortnite's celebrity and pop culture crossovers are becoming increasingly apparent. However, the infusion of real-life celebrities into Call of Duty brings a unique twist that adds another layer of engagement for fans.

Call of Duty's Season 5 update extends beyond these musical cameos, promising an expansive array of features. Free War Tracks spanning three decades of hip-hop culture will play on in-game vehicle radios for players logging in four times from August 7 and 16. Season 5 will also reveal Call of Duty 2023, also known as Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.

The gaming battlefield will diversify with new maps such as Livestock, Petrov Oil Rig, and Harbor for multiplayer matches. In addition to this, Warzone 2.0 will expand with new locations like the Verdansk Stadium, a roaming train, and fresh weapons like the 9mm ISO sub-machine gun and the 5.45x39mm AN-94 assault rifle.

As the world of gaming increasingly collides with pop culture, one can only guess which celebrities might next answer the call of duty. Until then, fans will eagerly await the launch of Season 5 and the unique gameplay opportunities brought by the arrival of these hip-hop titans.