Kodak Black Appears in GTA 6 Screenshot, but Rockstar Has Not Confirmed

A new batch of promotional images for Grand Theft Auto VI appears to show rapper Kodak Black as a character in the game. Rockstar Games has not officially identified him, according to Techloy, though Hip-Hop Wired went further and described his involvement as confirmed.

The image is one of 39 screenshots Rockstar released on Nov. 5 in its Launch Gallery, less than two weeks before the game arrives on Nov. 19. Here is what the outlets reported.

What does the screenshot show?

According to Complex, one of the 39 images shows a figure with Kodak Black's signature haircut and face tattoos at the Jack of Hearts club, surrounded by women. Techloy added that the character also wears prominent jewelry and that the resemblance is hard for fans to ignore.

The club is in Vice City, the game's fictional version of Miami. Techloy reported that fans spotted a possible lookalike after the first trailer in December 2023, but that the new image gives a much clearer view.

Is his appearance confirmed?

Reports differ. Hip-Hop Wired said the photos confirm Kodak Black will be in the game. Complex said it only appears that he will feature, and Techloy said Rockstar has not officially identified the character, so the appearance remains unconfirmed.

Hip-Hop Wired also reported that Kodak Black, along with Miami artists Trina and Trick Daddy, will have music in the game, with Trina and Trick Daddy hosting a radio station. Complex and Techloy did not mention that lineup, and Techloy noted that hosting a radio station is different from appearing as a character.

What is the musical connection?

Techloy said Kodak Black's song "Skrilla" was used in Rockstar's Aug. 27 video, Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look. The outlet also reported that Rupert Humphries, Rockstar's senior vice president of narrative, told Dazed the development team appreciates Miami artists and named Kodak Black and Sexyy Red.

Complex noted that Travis Scott name-drops the Jack of Hearts on "RHYNO," his contribution to the soundtrack. Techloy said Scott described the track as recorded live at the club. Neither outlet said whether Scott will appear as a character, and Techloy said Rockstar has not confirmed whether he or other artists will.

Which other artists are tied to the game?

Rockstar confirmed earlier this year that Morgan Wallen, Bad Bunny and Lana Del Rey will host in-game radio stations, according to Complex. Techloy added Burna Boy, who will co-host a station called AfroBank FM with British DJ Palms Trax. It focuses on Amapiano, African classics and 3-step.

Techloy also pointed to earlier cases of Rockstar using real musicians. In GTA Online, Dr. Dre appeared as himself in The Contract update, and the After Hours update brought in DJs including Solomun, Tale of Us and Dixon as nightclub performers.

Why does it matter for players?

For players, the screenshot hints that real-world artists may show up in the game as characters, not just through licensed songs. Techloy said a recognizable Florida rapper would tie Vice City's entertainment scene more closely to real South Florida. It described Kodak Black, whose real name is Bill Kahan Kapri, as coming from Pompano Beach, Florida, and said the game's fictional state of Leonida draws heavily on Florida's geography, culture and nightlife.

The launch also has practical demands. Complex said the game arrives on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series consoles and requires 212GB of free space. Hip-Hop Wired reported that pre-load begins Nov. 10.

What happens next?

Pre-load is due to start on Nov. 10, and the full game launches on Nov. 19. Hip-Hop Wired said these photos may be the last promotional material Rockstar releases before launch. Whether the character is Kodak Black, and whether other artists appear as themselves, is expected to become clear once players can explore Vice City.

Read next
Chef Fired Over Pineapple Pizza Loses Bid to Get Job Back in Australia
What Does ‘Mogging’ Mean, and Why Did Collins Pick It as Word of the Year?
Mark Bellingham, 50, Scores Seven on England Veterans Debut in 13-1 Win

Around Prague, based on reporting by Hip-Hop Wired, Complex, Techloy