Def Jam: Icon

Battles are fought one-on-one with characters named and built after famous artists such as Redman, Ghostface Killah, Ludacris, Sean Paul and more, each with a different style. The locations include rooftops, streets, a gas station - opposed to the arenas and wrestling rings of previous titles.

The gameplay focuses on grabbing and throwing opponents to damage them in the environment. There are six available styles: Ghetto Blaster (Street Fighting), Street Kwon Do (Taekwondo), Black Panther (Kung Fu), Muay Fly (Muay Thai), Beatboxer (Boxing), and Jah Breaker (Capoeira). Players must deduct damage from the characters themselves, as there is no HUD. The environment responds to the music playing during a match, allowing for special attacks and additional damage.

Players can also create their own character with an advanced F.A.C.E. system, customizing everything from skin blemishes to funny noses. The game features a soundtrack of 29 songs, with fighters performing better when one of their own songs is playing.