The soundtrack of FX and Hulu’s latest limited series, American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, stands out as a significant element that enhances the narrative of this gripping true crime drama. Crafted under the guidance of Stuart Zicherman, with executive production from Ryan Murphy, the series tracks the tumultuous life and tragic downfall of Aaron Hernandez, portrayed by Josh Andrés Rivera. The storyline reveals Hernandez’s journey from a promising collegiate athlete to a convicted murderer, intricately woven with an impressive array of musical selections that echo both the era and the emotions depicted in the scenes.
The series kicked off its first season on September 17, 2024, with episodes airing every Tuesday through November 12. The initial episode, titled “If It’s to Be,” delves into Hernandez’s challenging upbringing in Bristol, Connecticut. The soundtrack begins with a captivating number by Ciara, “Ride (feat. Ludacris),” playing at the onset, setting an air of growing paranoia as Hernandez finds himself in a strip club in Florida. The song, a hit from her 2010 album Basic Instinct, perfectly encapsulates the tension and vibrancy of that moment.
Another notable track in the first episode is “There It Go (The Whistle Song)” by Juelz Santana, which punctuates a pivotal scene at the 28:30 mark where Aaron makes a move to ask his future love, Shayanna Jenkins, to a dance. The nostalgic beat coincides with a montage of his high school basketball days, underscoring both his youth and the chaos that follows.
Sean Paul’s infectious hit “Temperature” makes an appearance around 32:30, mirroring Aaron’s transition as he visits the University of Florida, a pivotal step towards his impending career. Later, the scene at the high school dance is underscored by “Laffy Taffy” by D4L, which stirs fond memories of youthful exuberance and the naive hopes of that era.
In the subsequent episode, “Consequences, with Extreme Prejudice,” we hear “Shakey Dog” by Ghostface Killah, which marks a vibrant introduction as Aaron joins his UF teammates in the locker room. The beat-driven track sets the stage for the exhilarating rush of college football life.
“Party Up (Up In Here)” by DMX offers a raucous backdrop to a scene that captures the nightlife of Gainesville, as Aaron and his fellow athletes revel in the perks of their new status. This iconic track from 2000 adds to the nostalgic atmosphere of the early 2000s.
The exhilarating Florida Gators Fight Song, performed by the university’s marching band, signifies an electrifying moment as Aaron steps onto the field, welcoming him into a world filled with ambition and the weight of expectations from over 90,000 cheering fans.
As the narrative unfolds through the episodes, each song serves not just as a backdrop but as a character of its own, encapsulating the complexities of Hernandez’s life and the environment that shaped him. The mix of hip-hop anthems and iconic pop tracks paints a vivid picture of an athlete’s rise and the precariousness of glory.
This original music score, composed by David Klotz, complements the historical and emotional weight of the series, elevating the storytelling to new heights. American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez carries its viewers through a cascade of emotions and revelations, intricately tied to the beat of its soundtrack that resonates beyond the screen. As the show continues, it remains to be seen how the music will evolve alongside the unfolding drama of Hernandez’s life.
