NFL Teams up with Interscope Geffen A&M Records and EA SPORTS to Release CROWD CONTROL, a First-Ever EP Featuring NFL Players

NEW YORK, NY and SANTA MONICA, CA (September 5, 2023) – The National Football League (NFL), Interscope Geffen A&M Records, and EA SPORTS, the producer of the iconic video game franchise Madden NFL, announced the extended play (EP), CROWD CONTROL featuring performances of five NFL players. The six-song EP, CROWD CONTROL, is being released today to all digital service providers as well as in Madden NFL 24 via an update to millions of fans around the world. This is the first-time music has been created and performed by NFL players and featured in Madden NFL franchise history.

CROWD CONTROL features Pro Bowler Darren Waller from the NY Giants, whose grandfather was the legendary jazz artist Fats Waller, four-time Pro Bowler Terron Armstead from the Miami Dolphins, Ray-Ray McCloud from the San Francisco 49ers, three-time Pro Bowler and free agent Melvin Ingram and Pro Bowler DJ Chark of the Carolina Panthers. The players perform alongside such hip-hop stars Rob49, Jay Rock, That Mexican OT, and Lebra Jolie. The album features production from EST Gee and Turbo (Young Thug, Travis Scott, Gunna, Nav, Lil Baby) and GRAMMY Award winner Derrick Milano served as the executive producer.

The impetus for CROWD CONTROL was born out of an NFL Career Tour stop hosted at Interscope Geffen A&M headquarters this past spring. The day-long session featured many of the music industry’s leading executives, interactive listening sessions, and more for some of the league’s players who showed an interest in the business of music. During the visit, several players expressed a desire to record in the company’s state-of-the-art recording studios.

Many of the songs featured on CROWD CONTROL were initially conceived in a songwriting session at IGA Studios in June in which NFL players, producers and artists participated.

“We envisioned NFL Career Tours to create opportunities for players off the field,” said Tracy Perlman, Senior Vice President of Player Operations at the NFL. “The fact that just a few months later, these players have an opportunity to have their music featured in Madden and have an EP on one of the biggest record labels in the world, far exceeded our expectations. It shows what can happen when the NFL aligns with enthusiastic partners who share our vision.”

“The amount of musical creativity and talent coming from these players was truly inspiring,” said David Nieman, Senior Vice President of Sports & Gaming at Interscope Geffen A&M. “We immediately saw the potential to work with these players as artists and our deep relationships with the NFL and with Electronic Arts made CROWD CONTROL, a first-of-its kind EP featuring NFL players, possible. We’re so excited to share this with fans.”

IGA has worked with EA SPORTS in the past to curate their Madden soundtracks, including in 2022 when the two companies teamed up on EA SPORTS Madden NFL 22 soundtrack, which was the first-ever album release for the game.

“I am so excited for the release of “Crowd Control,” Waller said. “I have been in on this project since the beginning, when the NFL invited me to be a part of this special opportunity. I was able to share my creative side with fellow athletes as well as the talented artist and producer Interscope provided for us. I jumped in for a chance to learn the business and came out with a collaboration that will be a game changer.”

“For the past 20-plus years, our Madden NFL soundtracks have been America’s premier destination for new music discovery,” said Steve Schnur, President of EA Music. “By introducing breakthrough stars, debuting exclusive tracks, and taking superstar artists to the next level, Madden Music has consistently delivered the unexpected. To now have these NFL stars performing in a Madden NFL soundtrack furthers the partnership between sports and culture like never before. It’s a proud moment for EA SPORTS, the NFL, Interscope, EA Music, Hip Hop, and gamers everywhere.”

The EP is available on all DSPs. The music has also been included in an update to Madden NFL 24. A complete track listing for CROWD CONTROL is below. 

CROWD CONTROL

1. “Primetime” – Rob49, Ray-Ray McCloud III, Jay Rock, Melvin Ingram, & J300
2. “Him” – Terron Armstead, That Mexican OT, & Derrick Milano
3. “Cold Now” – Terron Armstead, Ray-Ray McCloud III, & Melvin Ingram
4. “Step” – Ray-Ray McCloud III, Darren Waller, & Terron Armstead
5. “Sweep” – Darren Waller, Terron Armstead, Melvin Ingram, & DJ Chark
6. “No Problems” – Rob49, Lebra Jolie, Melvin Ingram, Darren Waller, Terron Armstead, & Derrick Milano