[HOST] The world stands on edge as the HBO
fantasy series, 'Game of Thrones' approaches
it’s final episode.
The cultural phenomenon is an adaptation of
George RR. Martin’s popular novel series,
'A Song of Ice and Fire.'
And more than *17 million* people reportedly
watched the season 8 premiere.
It’s fair to say that more than a few of
those viewers were rappers.
In fact, HBO even commissioned three mixtapes:
2014’s "Catch the Throne Vol. 1 & 2" and 2019’s
"For the Throne."
So, Genius decided to dive into the data and
pull a few of the most notable Thrones references
that were *not* included on the mixtapes.
And yes, spoilers are ahead!
First up, The Mother of Dragons.
[DAENERYS] I offer you a choice, bend the
knee and join me.
Or refuse and die.
[HOST] Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen
is one of the shows main protagonists.
She and her three dragons--well, two dragons--have
waged battle after battle in her fight for
the Iron Throne.
In the following bars, artists mention her
dragons, journey and Valyrian language.
[HOST] Next, we have Jon Snow, the presumed
bastard child of Ned Stark who died and was
resurrected.
In Season 8 he learns he’s actually the
son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lianna Stark,
Ned’s sister, making him the true heir to
the throne.
[SAM] You’ve never been a bastard.
You are Aegon Targaryen, true heir to the
Iron Throne.
[HOST] Jon’s family, the Starks, rulers
of the north in Winterfell, also get their
own share of rap mentions - from Ned Stark’s
untimely death, to Sansa becoming the Lady
of Winterfell, to Arya, growing into a well-trained
killer.
[ARYA] When people ask 
you what happened here, tell them the North
remembers.
[HOST] Opposite to the Starks are the Lannisters.
They’re known for being wealthy, cunning
and their unofficial motto.
[JAMIE] You’ll get all three.
A Lannister always pays his
[BRONN] Don’t say it.
Don’t fuckin say it.
[HOST] In hip-hop, the principal members of
the Lannister clan all get some mentions,
from Cersei, the most ruthless, to Jamie the
Kingslayer, and the smartest of the bunch,
Tyrion.
[GIGGS] She’s always like, standing up tall
tho.
Cersei. Always like...
They had that little thing where they threw her
in jail and she walked through naked but when
was watching that we all knew they were all gonna die.
[HOST] There are a few other mentions that
are integral to the series but do not appear
as often in rap lyrics.
[HOST] Like Robb Banks’ earlier mentions
of Melisandre The Red Woman, and Stannis Baratheon.
The series’ primary villain, The Night King
also gets a shout out from Inspectah Deck.
[HOST] Montana of 300 gives a nod to the Night
King’s compatriots, The White Walkers.
[HOST] But possibly the highest number of
mentions comes from the series name itself.
[HOST] All in all, no 
matter who sits on the iron throne when it
is all said and done, they’re sure to get
name dropped in a bar or two.
I’m Jacques Morel with Genius News, bringing
you the meaning and the knowledge behind the music.
Peace!
