Each song and when they play

WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Sports Story.New limited series from FX and Hulu American Sports History: Aaron Hernandez features a robust and relevant soundtrack. Josh Rivera leads the American sports history released as Aaron Hernandez, the former high school and NFL superstar tight end who was convicted of the murder of semi-pro football player Odin Lloyd in 2015. Lloyd was just one of several criminal acts of violence in which Hernandez directly participated or was implicated throughout his football career as a member of the University of Florida Gators and the New England Patriots of the NFL.

American sports history is also accompanied by an original soundtrack composed by David Klotz (American horror stories, The Observer). Created by Stuart Zicherman (The Americans) and executive produced by Ryan Murphy (American horror story), American sports history will have 10 episodes with new weekly episodes released every Tuesday from September 17 to November 12, 2024. Episode 1 “If It’s to Be” chronicles Hernandez’s harsh upbringing in Bristol, Connecticut, while Episode 2 “Consequences, with Extreme Prejudice” delves into his college career at the University of Florida.

American Sports Story Episode 1 Songs

“If it’s meant to be”

“Ride (feat. Ludacris)” by Ciara: This song plays at the very beginning of American sports history while Aaron begins to become paranoid while at a strip club in Florida with Sherrod. “Ride” was released as a single on Ciara’s 2010 album Basic Instinct and went platinum in the United States.

“Lá vai (the whistle song)” by Juelz Santana: This popular 2005 song by Juelz Santana plays around 28:30 on American sports history episode 1. Aaron invites his future girlfriend Shayanna Jenkins to a school dance. The song also plays over a montage of Aaron playing on his school’s basketball team before his cousin Tanya Singleton attacks his mother, Terri Hernandez, in the stands for sleeping with her husband, Jeff Cummings.

“Temperature” by Sean Paul: This very popular 2005 song by Sean Paul plays around 32:30 in American sports history episode 1, when Aaron visits the University of Florida for the first time and meets coach Urban Meyer. The song fits perfectly with the time the scene is set in before Aaron begins his college career in 2007. It also alludes to Aaron’s impending party-boy status and the change in temperature from Connecticut to Florida.

“Laffy Taffy” by D4L: This classic 2005 hip-hop song touches on Aaron’s high school dance, which he attends with Shayanna. Appears around the 36 minute mark in American sports history episode 1. “Laffy Taffy” reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2006.

“Just a Dream” by Eric Roberson: This song plays moments after “Laffy Taffy” in American sports history episode 1, when Shayanna and Aaron hug for a slow dance and talk about their future. It’s a pivotal scene that shows Aaron seemingly in love with Shayanna, while his friend and occasional romantic partner, Dennis, watches from afar. The song also continues as Aaron’s brother DJ confronts Aaron for choosing to go to Florida after committing to UConn.

Songs from American Sports Story episode 2

“Consequences, with Extreme Prejudice”

“Shakey Dog (Explicit)” by Ghostface Killah: This classic 2006 hip-hop track plays at the beginning of American sports history episode 2 and Aaron walks into a packed University of Florida locker room, surrounded by his new teammates. Aaron goes to his new locker and finds a huge folder called “Manual”, quickly discovering how much work, time and effort he must invest in his new team. He also meets his new teammates, Maurkice Pouncey and Cam Newton, two future NFL stars.

“Party Up (Up In Here)” by DMX: Another classic hip-hop track appears around 8:30 in American sports history episode 2, when Aaron and his companions go out to experience Gainesville’s nightlife. “Party Up (Up In Here)” was released in 2000, went 3x platinum and was nominated for a Grammy. The music plays as Aaron begins to realize the benefits of being a football player at the University of Florida.

“The Orange and Blue (Florida Gators Fight Song)” by the University of Florida Marching Band: As Aaron takes the field for the first time in his college career, the classic Florida Gators Fight Song is played by the university’s marching band at approximately 7:45 p.m. American sports history episode 2. The Gators get excited in the tunnel before taking the field in anticipation of their home opener in front of more than 90,000 screaming fans at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

“Drop It Like It’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg feat. Pharrell Williams: After the Florida Gators’ decisive 49-3 victory over Western Kentucky to open the 2007 season, Aaron and his teammates party in the dorms at American sports history episode 2. This classic 2004 song by Snoop Dogg plays in the background as Aaron and the guests celebrate the victory.

“Roll It Up” by Blind Fury: This 2006 underground hip-hop song plays just before the 30-minute mark in American sports history episode 2. Aaron and his friends from Connecticut, Carlos Ortiz and Bo Wallace, are out exploring Florida nightlife when Ortiz’s overly aggressive behavior starts to cause trouble. Regardless, the bar’s bouncers know to protect the Gators at all costs, so Aaron and his entourage get away with it until a mysterious shootout occurs nearby at the end of the episode. American sports history episode 2.

American Sports Story Episode 3 Songs

“Pray for Gay to go away”

“Boom Boom Pow” by the Black Eyed Peas: One of the biggest songs of the late 2010s appropriately plays at the beginning of American sports history episode 3, when the University of Florida wins its third national championship and second in a three-year span under coach Urban Meyer. “Boom Boom Pow” topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three consecutive months following its release on February 22, 2009. It remains one of the Black Eyed Peas’ most popular and successful songs and fits perfectly into the Florida Gators’ celebratory atmosphere after winning the national title on January 8, 2009.

“Introduction” by The xx: Another classic song from 2009 plays around 4:30 in American sports history episode 3. The mostly instrumental “Intro” by minimalist alternative rock band The xx is instantly recognizable when Aaron Hernandez and an unidentified Florida student meet in the basement of a University of Florida library to secretly hook up in the bathroom. It was the first song on The xx’s debut album xx which was released on August 14, 2009. It has been featured in many advertisements, television series and films such as It’s kind of a funny story and Project X.

“God of Wonders” by Third Day: This 2003 Christian rock song is performed by a religious band and sung by worshipers at Tim Tebow’s worship service in American sports history. Hernandez attends one of Tebow’s church services around 10:30 a.m. in episode 3 of the series, after getting into a fight with his teammate Jordan Reed. The episode explores themes of Hernandez’s struggles with religion, faith and morality and shows how Tebow tried to mentor Hernandez on and off the field. In real life, Tebow is a devout Christian.

“Million Dollars (feat. Swizz Beatz): This popular 2009 hip-hop song plays around 3:30 p.m. American sports history episode 3. Hernandez is seen cleaning up his act and giving up his vices, quitting porn sites and disposing of his marijuana stash in a toilet. Hernandez arrives in the weight room and sets his sights on being the best football player possible, which allows him to win the prestigious John Mackey Award at the end of the 2008-2009 season. Maino’s other notable songs include “All the Above (feat. T-Pain)” and “Hi Hater”, which were released in 2009 around the time of American sports history episode 3.

Songs from American Sports Story episode 4

“Birthday Money”

“Where I Come From” by House of Pain: This classic song by hip-hop trio House of Pain plays right at the beginning of American sports history episode 4. The song was a deep cut on the 1994 album House of Pain The same as it always waswhich is the second album in his discography. The episode begins with a flashback to DJ Hernandez playing football in his backyard with friends in Bristol, Connecticut in 1996, which makes the song title fit well within the context of the scene.

“Right Round (feat. Ke$ha)” by Flo Rida: This popular song by hip-hop/pop artist Flo Rida appears immediately after the opening flashback scene in American sports history episode 4​​​​​. The song plays in the background in several scenes of Aaron being introduced by various sports agents after his successful football career at the University of Florida. Aaron’s brother DJ is also there to keep Aaron in check. “Right Round” finished at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2009.

“Coming Back to Cali” by The Notorious BIG: This iconic hip-hop song by The Notorious BIG plays around 7:45 in American sports history episode 4, as Aaron trains at the Athletes First training center in Laguna Hills, California. The song was originally released on the 1997 album Life after deathwhich is widely considered one of the greatest hip-hop albums of all time. The song peaked at number 26 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1997. It’s a perfect fit within the context of the series, as Aaron visits California for the first time.

American Sports Story Episode 5 Songs

“The Man”

“General Patton” by Big Boi: This 2010 hip-hop song by Big Boi, who is one half of the celebrated Southern hip-hop duo Outkast, was released on his debut solo album, Sir Lucious Left Foot. It plays right at the beginning American sports history episode 5, when Aaron Hernandez joins the esteemed ranks of the then-three-time Super Bowl champion New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Reality hits him when he’s surrounded by current and future legends, including fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski.

“It’s My Life” by Bon Jovi: This classic Bon Jovi pop-rock song plays around the 3-minute mark American sports history episode 5. In a surreal scene, a dramatized version of Bill Belichick plays the song alone in his office at Gillette Stadium, humming and singing along to the lyrics. This appears to be how Belichick prepares before practice for the series. In reality, Belichick is a huge fan and personal friend of Bon Jovi, so this scene and song were likely included in the series to establish that real-life connection.

“Work (Freemasons Radio Edit)” by Kelly Rowland: This 2011 dance song by Kelly Rowland plays around the 6:30 minute mark in American sports history episode 5. Music plays inside a club where Hernandez and a group of his new Patriots teammates are meeting. The group talks about how difficult it can be to talk to Belichick and warns Hernandez to stay focused on winning if he wants to remain on the elite team.

“Club Can’t Handle Me (feat. David Guetta)” by Flo Rida: Flo Rida makes another appearance on the American Sports Story soundtrack in episode 5. His popular 2009 dance song plays while Hernandez and Gronkowski do a joint photo shoot as two of the newest additions to the New England Patriots. The popular song reached number 9 on the Billboard Top 100 in 2010 and was the promotional single for Next 3D before appearing in American sports history.

American Sports Story Episode 6 Songs

“Arauto Street”

“Do It Nasty” by Tyga: This 2012 platinum-certified pop-rap song plays around the 13-minute mark in American sports history episode 6, when Aaron Hernandez invites his ex-con friend Sherrod to a club in Boston. The music sets the party atmosphere at the club, which is full of alcohol, sensual dancing and other vices that contribute to Hernandez’s growing feeling of recklessness and paranoia. Shortly after the club scene, Hernandez shoots the two men he fought with on the street.

“Work Hard, Play Hard” by Wiz Khalifa: This classic 2012 double-platinum pop-rap song by Wiz Khalifa plays about 24 minutes in American sports history episode 6 after Aaron Hernandez signs a 5-year, $40 million contract extension with the New England Patriots. The series notably skips the part of his true story when he played in Super Bowl XLVI and was the Patriots’ best receiver, which greatly solidified the team’s confidence in him. This occurred just months after Hernandez allegedly shot and killed two people.

“Hands On The Wheel” by ScHoolboy Q feat. A$AP Rocky: This 2012 rap single by TDE member ScHoolboy Q plays about 32 minutes in American sports history episode 6, when Hernandez self-medicates with marijuana and painkillers after being forced to miss several games due to a high ankle sprain. The song samples Kid Cudi’s famous 2009 song “Pursuit of Happiness” and emphasizes Hernandez’s growing dependence on drugs on FX. American sports history. The song was one of the standout singles from ScHoolboy’s 2012 album Q Habits and contradictions which also featured notable tracks such as “There He Go” and “Sex Drive” featuring Jhene Aiko.

Songs from episode 7 of American Sports Story

“Dirty Pain”

“Ride (feat. Ludacris)” by Ciara: After appearing as the first song in the series, this classic pop song plays right at the beginning of American sports history episode 7 while Aaron continues to become paranoid while at a strip club in Florida with his friend Sherrod. “Ride” was released as a single on Ciara’s 2010 album Basic Instinct and went platinum in the United States. The song takes on a whole new context as emergency surgeons rush to dislodge the bullet Aaron shot into Sherrod’s eye.

“Rocketeer” by Far East Movement and Ryan Tedder: This forgotten but popular pop song from 2010 plays in American sports history episode 7 around the 13-minute mark, when Aaron and Shayanna move into their temporary home in Los Angeles. Hernandez was sent to Los Angeles for shoulder surgery and physical therapy with Tom Brady’s trainer, Alex Guerrero. Far East Movement was best known for their popular party track “Like a G6”, while Ryan Tedder is the lead singer of OneRepublic.

“Warning Shot (feat. Cassie)” by MGK: This popular track from MGK’s 2011 debut album To tie plays at the end of American sports history episode 7, when Aaron assembles an arsenal of weapons while anticipating a confrontation with Sherrod. The song features pop singer Cassie, known for her hit singles like “Me & U” and “Addiction.” Although MGK has switched genres from rap to pop punk in recent years, he was initially known as a hip-hop artist with singles like “Wild Boy” and “Till I Die.” The song fits with the anticipated confrontation Hernandez is preparing to have with Sherrod and Odin Lloyd in future episodes of American sports history.

American Sports Story Episode 8 Songs

“Odin”

“Everyday People” by Arrested Development: This classic 1992 song by the rap group Arrested Development plays at the very beginning of American sports history episode 8 when the character Odin Lloyd is introduced. Lloyd is shown working in construction and playing for the semi-professional football team called the Boston Bandits, where he lives a full life and is a proud member of the community. The song ends when Lloyd accompanies his girlfriend Shaena Jenkins to meet Aaron at Hernandez’s house.

“Wake Up In It” by Mally Mall and Tyga feat. Sean Kingston, French Montana and Pusha T: This 2013 party song plays around the 16 minute mark American sports history episode 8 as Hernandez parties with Odin Lloyd at a Boston nightclub. The music swells and fades out as Hernandez hallucinates seeing Sherrod in the club while under the influence of a controlled substance. It is one of several scenes in American sports history where Hernandez loses his grip on reality in a nightclub.

“Pocket Full (as heard on Lethal Weapon)” by Envy: This hip-hop track plays immediately after the nightclub scene in American sports history episode 8, as Hernandez tries to make Lloyd comfortable in his secret second apartment, aka his apartment. Moments later, Hernandez reveals his arsenal of weapons to Lloyd while still drunk after a night of partying, saying his hand feels like a plank of wood.

“Pain (feat. OverDoz.)” by A$AP Rocky: This psychedelic rap by A$AP Rocky plays around the 20-minute mark American sports history episode 8 as Hernandez and Lloyd talk about their future plans. Lloyd reveals to Hernandez that he plans to propose to Shayanna’s sister, Shaena. Hernandez seems interested and starts talking vulnerably about wanting something else in his life before passing out. Lloyd takes the opportunity to leave and goes home where Shaena is waiting for him.