Anime and hip-hop

Anime in hip hop is the amalgamation of anime and hip hop music. Many rappers have been influenced by anime in lyrics and production. Hip hop has also influenced anime.

Anime's influence on hip hop

Rappers and artists such as RZA, Kanye West, Robb Bank$, and Frank Ocean have taken inspiration from anime when creating their music.[1]

Akira was called one of the first influences to hip hop culture.[2] A music video that features clips from Akira is the 1995 song titled "Scream" performed by Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson.[3] Kanye West has also cited Akira as a major influence on his work,[3] West paid homage to the film in the "Stronger" music video.[4] Lupe Fiasco's album, Tetsuo & Youth, is named after Tetsuo Shima.[5]

Dragon Ball Z has had an impact on hip hop culture.[6] It has been referenced in numerous hip hop songs by rappers and artists such as Chance the Rapper, Big Sean, Lil Uzi Vert, Childish Gambino,[6] Soulja Boy,[7] Drake,[8] Frank Ocean, XXXTentacion, Juice Wrld, and Trippie Redd.[9][10]

American rapper Lil Uzi Vert owns several cars decorated with anime characters (also known as Itasha), including one with characters from K-On! and Sword Art Online.[11]

Megan Thee Stallion is a rapper influenced by anime. She has been seen cosplaying, such as when she went to Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival where she wore a Sailor Moon inspired costume.[12] Having anime inspired nails, which can be seen all over her instagram.[13] During a shoot for Paper Magazine, she dressed up as Shoto Todoroki from the anime My Hero Academia.[14] She has her own merch line with Crunchyroll, celebrating Naruto.[15] She was also a presenter at the 8th Crunchyroll Anime Awards.[16]

Hip Hop's influence on anime

The growth of the Internet has provided Western audiences with easy access to Japanese content.[17] This influenced many anime creators to incorporate more Western culture in their productions. The Western market has influenced the creation of many popular hip-hop inspired anime titles such as Afro Samurai, Samurai Champloo, Tokyo Tribes, and PaRappa the Rapper.

Afro Samurai is an example of hip hop influence on anime the accompanying musical stylings of RZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, allow the viewer to dive deep into understanding the concepts behind the anime.[2]

See also

References

  1. ^ Gordon, Taylor (December 24, 2014). "10 Black Celebrities Who Have Expressed Their Love For Anime". Atlanta BlackStar blerds.
  2. ^ a b Iacono, Michael (10 February 2020). "10 Times Hip-Hop Influenced Anime". Comic Book Resources (CBR). Retrieved 22 November 2021.
  3. ^ a b McMahon, James (8 October 2020). "'Akira': how the '80s anime classic changed pop culture forever". NME. Retrieved 9 October 2020.
  4. ^ "How 'Akira' Has Influenced All Your Favourite TV, Film and Music". VICE. September 21, 2016. Archived from the original on July 30, 2017. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  5. ^ "Lupe Fiasco's 'Tetsuo & Youth' Avoiding Politics". Rolling Stone. October 25, 2013. Archived from the original on November 17, 2014. Retrieved December 2, 2014.
  6. ^ a b "Celebs, athletes give 'Dragon Ball' pop culture super status". The Plain Dealer. January 15, 2019. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  7. ^ "'Dragon Ball Super: Broly' unites fans and critics with huge opening". The Daily Dot. January 17, 2019. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2019.
  8. ^ "Drake & Chris Brown Act Out A Dance Battle In Their "No Guidance" Video". Genius. July 26, 2019. Archived from the original on September 3, 2020. Retrieved July 28, 2019.
  9. ^ "ALBUM REVIEW: Trippie Redd plummets with 'Trip at Knight'". RIFF Magazine. 2021-08-20. Retrieved 2024-04-08.
  10. ^ Trippie Redd – Super Cell (Official Lyric Video). Retrieved 2024-04-08 – via www.youtube.com.
  11. ^ "Lil Uzi Vert's Insane Car Collection Showcases His Anime Obsession". www.highsnobiety.com. 3 March 2020. Retrieved 2021-09-23.
  12. ^ Peters, Mitchell (2022-08-21). "Megan Thee Stallion Rocks Sailor Moon-Inspired Outfit at Japan's Summer Sonic Festival". Billboard. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  13. ^ "Meet Coca Michelle, the Nail Artist Behind Megan Thee Stallion's Anime Manicures". Vogue. 2021-04-30. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  14. ^ "How Anime and Hip-Hop Came Together to Remix Culture". Tudum. Netflix. Retrieved 2022-10-31.
  15. ^ "Megan Thee Stallion Connects With Crunchyroll on Limited Edition Anime Merch". Complex. Retrieved 2022-11-02.
  16. ^ Grein, Paul (17 January 2024). "Megan Thee Stallion, 'Drag Race' Winner Aquaria Set as Presenters at 2024 Anime Awards". Billboard.
  17. ^ Wurm, Alicia (February 18, 2014). "Anime and the internet: the impact of fansubbing". reflexive horizons.