Full Breakdown
Denzel Curry Celebrated as First Rapper Played in Space During Artemis II Mission
4/9/2026, 8:23:23 PM
Historic Mission Overview
NASA's Artemis II mission, launched on April 1, 2026, marked a significant milestone as it became the first crewed flight to orbit the Moon in over 50 years. The mission's crew, consisting of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, completed a lunar flyby and is set to return to Earth after a 10-day journey. During this mission, the crew has been waking up to a curated playlist of songs, continuing a tradition that dates back to the Apollo program.
Denzel Curry's Musical Milestone
Among the songs played during the Artemis II mission is "Tokyo Drifting," a collaboration between Denzel Curry and the British band Glass Animals. NASA confirmed that this track was used as a wake-up song for the astronauts, leading Curry to claim the title of the "First Rapper Played in SPACE." While this assertion is celebrated, the exact historical accuracy remains somewhat ambiguous, as astronauts have previously brought personal music collections into space, and there is no comprehensive record of all songs played on past missions.
The Wake-Up Playlist
The official wake-up playlist for the Artemis II crew includes a variety of tracks, showcasing a mix of genres and artists. The songs selected so far are:
1. "Sleepyhead" by Young & Sick
2. "Green Light" by John Legend featuring André 3000
3. "In a Daydream" by Freddy Jones Band
4. "Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan
5. "Working Class Heroes (Work)" by CeeLo Green
6. "Good Morning" by Mandisa and TobyMac
7. "Tokyo Drifting" by Glass Animals and Denzel Curry
8. "Under Pressure" by Queen and David Bowie
This playlist not only serves as a source of motivation for the astronauts but also reflects their personal tastes and connections to the songs.
Official Statements & Responses
Denzel Curry expressed his excitement about being included in the mission's playlist, stating, “Even Aliens F### with my Sh#t! First Rapper Played in SPACE NI##A!” His enthusiasm highlights the cultural significance of hip-hop reaching new heights, literally. NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman also shared insights into the selection process, noting that the wake-up songs are chosen by the crew and their families, emphasizing the personal touch that music brings to their experience in space.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the celebratory tone surrounding Curry's claim, some skepticism exists regarding the definitiveness of his title as the first rapper played in space. Previous missions have featured various musical selections, and the lack of comprehensive records from earlier spaceflights leaves room for debate. For instance, while "Tokyo Drifting" is confirmed as part of the Artemis II playlist, songs featuring rap verses from other artists may have been played during earlier missions without documentation.
What's Next
As the Artemis II mission approaches its conclusion, the crew is expected to splash down off the coast of San Diego on April 10, 2026. The mission not only serves as a test for future lunar explorations but also continues to inspire discussions about the intersection of culture and space exploration, with music playing a pivotal role in enhancing the astronauts' experience.
In summary, while Denzel Curry's claim as the first rapper played in space is celebrated, the broader implications of music in space missions continue to resonate, bridging the gap between art and exploration.