Study Finds Need for Speed: Underground Still Leading Cause of Recognizing That One T.I. Song

Experts Confirm 92% of Players Can’t Name the Track, But Know Every Word

ATLANTA—A new study by the Useless Technicals Institute has revealed that Need for Speed: Underground remains the leading cause of recognizing that one T.I. song nobody remembers the title of, yet everyone can rap flawlessly at a moment’s notice.

“The data is clear,” said Dr. Marcus Yuen, who led the research. “When that beat drops, people instantly flash back to customizing a Toyota Supra with neon underglow and vinyl flames. They can’t remember the name of the track, but somehow know every single lyric. It’s basically a time machine.”

Gamers from the early 2000s report the phenomenon is unstoppable. “I was at a wedding and the DJ played it,” recalled former player Raul Mendoza. “One second I’m sipping champagne, the next I’m mentally picking out carbon-fiber hoods and street racing in a rain-soaked strip mall. It was strange that no one was impressed.”

Experts say the soundtrack’s impact extends far beyond recognition. “The game tricked an entire generation into thinking T.I. was the voice of speed itself,” explained analyst Denise Harper. “The fact that we all know the song front to back is proof of the game’s lasting influence.”

As for T.I. himself, he appears to be enjoying the influence. “Man, I don’t even remember which song they used,” the rapper admitted in a recent interview. “But if it made kids put 24s on their mom’s Camry, then I did my job.”

The study concludes that Need for Speed: Underground is less a video game and more a completely accurate depiction of early 2000s car culture: questionable mods, street racing delusions, and a T.I. track forever stuck in everyone’s head.

EA has reportedly considered remastering Need for Speed: Underground, this time with microtransactions for every decal, neon tube, and T.I. verse.