Chicago rapper and Grammy-nominated artist Vic Mensa is stepping into the virtual spotlight as the voice of Ekko in Riot Games’ hip-hop collective True Damage. The group will deliver the official anthem for the 2026 League of Legends World Championship, a track titled “Know My Name.”

True Damage, Riot’s virtual hip-hop group built around League of Legends champions, is making its first major return since the 2019 single “GIANTS.” That debut track, performed at the Worlds final in Paris, amassed hundreds of millions of streams and helped establish Riot’s ambitious music strategy that blends in-game characters with real-world artists.

Seven years later, the collective returns not merely with a new song but as the official Worlds anthem for the first time in the series’ history. Previous anthems have featured acts such as NewJeans, Linkin Park, and G.E.M., yet never one of Riot’s own virtual groups.

In “Know My Name,” SOYEON of i-dle returns as the voice of Akali, the role she originated on “GIANTS.” Grammy-winning R&B singer and actress Coco Jones takes on Senna. Mexican singer-songwriter Sofía Reyes voices Qiyana. Mensa handles Ekko, the time-manipulating street genius from Zaun known for his inventive spirit and community roots.

Yasuo remains the group’s DJ and producer, continuing his instrumental role without a dedicated vocalist. The track is scheduled for release on October 8 at 6 p.m. PT across major streaming platforms, accompanied by an official music video on the League of Legends YouTube channel.

The music video will center on the journey of Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok and T1 toward a historic three-peat at Worlds. Rather than a simple highlight reel of victories, it is expected to explore the challenges, growth, and competitive drive that define elite play.

The narrative aligns with True Damage’s themes of ambition, individuality, and resilience, qualities that also echo Ekko’s lore as a prodigy who uses his gifts to uplift those around him.

Mensa has spoken about the creative process with clear enthusiasm. He described immersing himself in Ekko’s backstory and weaving elements of that narrative into his verse. The Chicago artist, whose work spans music, acting, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, brings a raw, thoughtful hip-hop sensibility that fits the champion’s inventive and grounded persona.

His Ghanaian heritage adds another layer of resonance for diaspora audiences following global Black talent in entertainment and gaming.

SOYEON has called the reunion an honor and expressed excitement about how League fans will respond. Coco Jones noted the collaboration feels unlike anything she has done before. Sofía Reyes highlighted the multilingual elements in the track and the chance to showcase a more intense side of her artistry.

The international mix-K-pop, R&B, American hip-hop, and Latin pop-mirrors the global reach of League of Legends itself, a game played by tens of millions across continents.

True Damage will not stop at the digital release. The group is scheduled to perform “Know My Name” live during the Worlds 2026 opening ceremony at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, on November 14. The performance forms part of the grand final festivities presented by Mastercard, capping a tournament that begins with the play-in stage in Los Angeles on October 15, moves through the Swiss stage and knockouts in Allen, Texas, and concludes in Brooklyn.

The Barclays Center, with its large capacity and history of major esports events, provides a high-profile stage for the virtual group’s real-world presentation, likely blending live artists with advanced visual effects of the champions.

Riot’s virtual music projects have become a distinctive part of the League of Legends ecosystem. K/DA’s “POP/STARS” in 2018 broke into mainstream charts and demonstrated the commercial power of the concept. True Damage followed in 2019 with a streetwear and hip-hop aesthetic, complete with Louis Vuitton collaborations on prestige skins. HEARTSTEEL later expanded the approach into alternative and boy-band territory.

Each project generates in-game cosmetics, lore extensions, and cultural moments that keep the game visible far beyond competitive matches.

For Mensa, the collaboration continues a pattern of boundary-crossing work. Known for tracks that tackle social issues as well as sharp lyricism, he joins a lineage of artists who have used Riot’s platforms to reach new audiences.

Public Reaction

Fans of both his catalog and League of Legends now have a shared point of entry. Pre-save links for “Know My Name” are already live, building anticipation in the weeks before the October 8 drop.

The timing is deliberate. Worlds remains the pinnacle of the competitive calendar, drawing massive viewership and global attention.

Pairing it with a returning virtual group and a star-studded real-artist roster amplifies the cultural conversation around the event. It is a statement that the lines between gaming, music, and live spectacle continue to blur productively.

As October 8 approaches, the focus will shift from announcement to the music itself. Will the track capture the same energy that made “GIANTS” a landmark? Can the live performance at Barclays Center match the holographic spectacle of earlier Riot shows?

Those questions will be answered soon enough. For now, the news is clear: Vic Mensa is in as Ekko, True Damage is back, and the 2026 Worlds anthem has its voice.