Music Monday: Authenticity Key For Sage Northcutt’s Walkout
When “Super” Sage Northcutt steps out from behind the curtain and down the ramp to the ONE Circle, he wants it to be an authentic arrival. The smile, the music, the energy – each reflects the American’s upbeat personality.
However, before he enters the cage and lives out his greatness on the global stage of martial arts, Northcutt wants his fans in attendance to feel exactly like he does.
For that reason, it is important that his walkout music not only reflects his personality but also amps up his supporters inside the arena.
“Of course you want a song that pumps you up,” Northcutt offers.
“I’ve always walked out to Christian music. My last song got changed, it was a different song than what I was planning to walk out to, but in my previous fights, I walked out to a song called ‘Represent’ by a singer named Lecrae.
“I grew up in Houston, Texas, and I believe Lecrae grew up close by where I was from. He’s a Christian hip-hop artist.”
Lecrae — who runs his own record label, Reach Records — has an extensive back catalog with nine studio albums, six of which have topped the Christian music charts.
He was also the first hip-hop artist to win the Grammy award for Best Gospel Album with his 2012 release of “Gravity.”
- Music Monday: The Story Behind Eddie Alvarez’s Walkout Songs
- Music Monday: The Soundtrack To Gurdarshan Mangat’s Life
- Music Monday: Aung La N Sang’s Electric Walkout Song
The song “Represent” was on Lecrae’s first studio album “Real Talk” in 2004. It made an impression on Northcutt when he was a youngster, and it has been a staple of his playlist ever since.
“I actually heard ‘Represent’ when I was at a Christian camp when I was younger. Ever since then, it kind of pumped me up,” explains the multiple-time Karate World Champion.
It is not just the feeling of excitement that Northcutt wants to portray with his walkout, however. He believes the song represents who he is on different levels, so he can better connect with fans through his entire performance.
“I’ve always liked it because it shows who I am,” “Super Sage” says.
“For me, I’m a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ and that he died on the cross for my sins and rose from the dead. So, not only does it pump me up, but it goes with my beliefs. That’s why I like his song.”
Now that he is competing on the global stage in Asia, however, Northcutt admits that he has thought about switching things up in the future.
The 24-year-old Team Alpha Male and Evolve representative could bring a Japanese theme to his next walkout, which would be extremely popular with the world’s largest martial arts organization’s anime-mad fanbase.
“Everyone has been telling me recently that I should walk out to the song from Naruto,” he reveals.
“I’ve been watching a ton of it, and my brother got me into it. I’m thinking about maybe walking out to the Naruto theme song and doing a cool performance as I walk out. He’s a ninja!”
Northcutt is keeping his options open, which will make for some intrigue before his next walkout song drops inside one of Asia’s most prestigious arenas.
Regardless of the song, expect a jubilant Northcutt to be all smiles as he dances his way toward the Circle to inspire his fans across the globe.
Read more: Sage Northcutt Excited For A Fresh Start In A New Division
