Smosh

Smosh started as a YouTube comedy duo, but their 2006 video "The Legend of Zelda Rap" became an unexpected internet phenomenon. The song was a humorous take on the Nintendo game series, and it spread quickly through gaming communities. That track, along with others like "Sex Ed Rocks" and "Boxman's Christmas," showed how they could turn pop culture references into catchy, simple songs.

Anthony Padilla handled most of the rapping and lyrics, while Ian Hecox added backup vocals and comedic timing. Their music videos were straightforward, just the two of them performing with basic editing, but that directness fit the early YouTube era. They didn't build a traditional music career; instead, these raps were extensions of their comedy sketches, landing somewhere between parody and fan tribute.

After "The Legend of Zelda Rap" took off, Smosh made more video game-themed songs like a "Mega Mario Rap" and a "Super Pokemon Rap." These followed a similar formula: rapid-fire lyrics about game characters, inside jokes for fans, and a DIY feel. The raps never aimed for polished production, which suited their channel's homemade vibe. They were part of a wave of creators mixing gaming culture with amateur music online, before that became commonplace.