What Are Hip-Hop’s Favorite Anime? | Genius News

Genius
28 Feb 201904:29

TLDRHip-hop and anime have a strong connection, with rappers frequently referencing various series in their lyrics. Naruto, with its themes of perseverance and struggle, is a favorite, as are Akira and Akita, which have influenced artists like Kanye West. Death Note's moral dilemmas also resonate with rappers, and shows like Attack on Titan and Inuyasha have left their mark. This crossover showcases the cultural impact of anime on the hip-hop scene.

Takeaways

  • 🎵 Rappers and hip-hop artists have a strong affinity for anime, often referencing it in their music videos and lyrics.
  • 📊 'Dragon Ball Z' has been a frequent reference in lyrics, but other anime series are also prominently featured.
  • 🥋 'Naruto' and 'Naruto Shippuden' are favored for their storytelling and the character's journey to become the best ninja.
  • 🗡️ Atlanta MC Father draws parallels between the ninja teams in 'Naruto' and real-life gangs.
  • 💥 'Akira', a late 80s dystopian film, has had a significant impact on artists like Kanye West and Logic, who reference it in their work.
  • 🎥 'Akira' is set in 2019 and explores themes of power and control, which resonate with many hip-hop artists.
  • 📝 'Death Note' is another anime series that has left its mark on hip-hop, with rappers referencing its plot and characters.
  • 🔥 Late rapper Lil Peep listed 'Death Note' as one of his top three anime, showcasing its influence on the genre.
  • 🌟 References to 'Attack on Titan', 'Trigun', and 'Inuyasha' also appear in hip-hop lyrics, highlighting the genre's diverse influences.
  • 🌐 Anime's themes of struggle, power, and perseverance resonate with the narratives often found in hip-hop music.
  • 🔍 The article invites readers to comment on any other anime series that should be included in the discussion of hip-hop's favorite anime.

Q & A

  • What is the common link between hip-hop and anime mentioned in the script?

    -The script mentions that there is no debate that rappers love anime, indicating a strong connection and mutual appreciation between the hip-hop community and anime culture.

  • Which anime series is frequently referenced in lyrics according to the script?

    -Dragon Ball Z is mentioned as an anime series that frequently appears in lyrics.

  • What is the main theme of the anime Naruto as described in the script?

    -The main theme of Naruto, as described in the script, is about a young orphan named Naruto Uzumaki on a mission to become the best ninja the world has ever seen.

  • How does the Atlanta MC Father relate the theme of Naruto to real-life gangs?

    -Atlanta MC Father relates the theme of Naruto to real-life gangs by stating that the ninja teams in Naruto are like gangs, with almost a real squad and a code.

  • Which anime film is mentioned as a major influence on Kanye West?

    -The anime film Akira is mentioned as a major influence on Kanye West.

  • What is the plot of Akira that makes it appealing to rapper Logic?

    -The plot of Akira, which is set in a dystopian Neo Tokyo on the brink of explosion, is appealing to rapper Logic because of its complex narrative and the relatable journey of rediscovery and understanding of the film's themes.

  • What is the premise of the anime series Death Note as described in the script?

    -Death Note is about the protagonist named Light who receives a notebook to fill with names of people to kill.

  • Which anime series and character is used as a metaphor for strength and resilience in the lyrics of the song mentioned in the script?

    -The anime series Attack on Titan and its main character, Eren Yeager, are used as a metaphor for strength and resilience in the lyrics.

  • How does the script describe the influence of anime on hip-hop artists' music and videos?

    -The script describes the influence of anime on hip-hop artists as significant, with many artists referencing anime in their lyrics and even incorporating elements from these series into their music videos.

  • What is the significance of the anime series mentioned in the script to the hip-hop community?

    -The anime series mentioned in the script hold a significant place in the hip-hop community as they are often referenced in lyrics and music videos, indicating a cultural crossover and mutual appreciation between the two domains.

  • How does the script suggest hip-hop artists view the themes and characters in anime?

    -The script suggests that hip-hop artists view the themes and characters in anime as symbols of resilience, struggle, and strength, often drawing parallels between these themes and their own experiences in their music.

Outlines

00:00

🎶 Anime in Hip-Hop: A Cultural Intersection

This paragraph delves into the significant influence of anime on hip-hop culture, particularly highlighting the frequent references in lyrics and music videos. It begins by discussing the prevalence of Dragon Ball Z in rap lyrics and then moves on to other notable anime series like Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, which have been embraced by rappers for their themes of perseverance and the underdog narrative. The paragraph also touches on how Atlanta MC Father's admiration for ninjas and samurai reflects in his music. Furthermore, it explores the impact of the dystopian film Akira on artists like Kanye West and Logic, emphasizing the deep-rooted connection between anime and hip-hop. The paragraph concludes by mentioning other anime series with fewer references, such as Attack on Titan and Trigun, and invites readers to contribute more examples in the comments section.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Anime

Anime refers to a style of animation originating from Japan that has gained global popularity. It encompasses a broad range of genres and themes, often characterized by vibrant graphics and imaginative storytelling. In the context of the video, anime is a significant influence on hip-hop culture, with numerous rappers referencing various anime series in their lyrics and music videos, showcasing the cultural crossover between these two domains.

💡Hip-Hop

Hip-hop is a cultural movement that originated in African American and Latino communities in the Bronx, New York City, in the 1970s. It includes various elements such as rap music, DJing, breakdancing, and graffiti art. The keyword in the video relates to the genre of music that frequently intersects with anime, as artists incorporate themes and characters from anime into their lyrics and music videos, further expanding the reach and influence of both hip-hop and anime cultures.

💡Naruto

Naruto is a popular Japanese manga and anime series that tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks recognition from his peers and dreams of becoming the Hokage, the leader of his village. In the video, Naruto is highlighted as a favorite among rappers, who often reference the series and its characters in their lyrics, drawing parallels between the determination and resilience of Naruto and their own experiences in the music industry.

💡Akira

Akira is a landmark 1988 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. Set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, the film follows the story of a biker gang and the unleashing of powerful psychic abilities. The keyword in the video signifies the influence of this classic anime on hip-hop artists, with Kanye West and Logic mentioning the film as a major influence and incorporating its themes and visuals into their music and videos.

💡Death Note

Death Note is a Japanese manga and anime series where the protagonist, Light Yagami, acquires a notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. The series is known for its exploration of morality and the consequences of power. In the video, Death Note is noted as a favorite anime among rappers, with its themes of power and manipulation resonating in the hip-hop community, as seen in lyrics and references to the series by artists like Lil Peep.

💡Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a Japanese manga and anime series that depicts a world where humanity is on the brink of extinction due to giant humanoid creatures called Titans. The series is known for its intense action and exploration of themes such as survival, freedom, and the human condition. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as one of the anime series that have made their way into hip-hop lyrics, with references to the main character, Eren Yeager, and his struggle against the Titans.

💡Trigun

Trigun is a Japanese manga and anime series that follows the adventures of Vash the Stampede, a notorious outlaw with a sixty billion double dollar bounty on his head. Known for its unique blend of Western and sci-fi elements, Trigun has gained a cult following. In the video, the series is mentioned as having a presence in hip-hop culture, with its main character Vash receiving nods in lyrics, indicating the series' impact on artists' imagination and creative expression.

💡Inuyasha

Inuyasha is a Japanese manga and anime series that tells the story of a young woman who travels back in time to feudal Japan and becomes involved with a half-demon named Inuyasha. The series is known for its blend of romance, action, and supernatural elements. In the video, Inuyasha is cited as an anime that has made its way into the hip-hop lexicon, with artists like Lil Uzi Vert referencing the series in their lyrics to evoke imagery and themes from the show.

💡Cultural Crossover

Cultural crossover refers to the blending or intersection of elements from different cultural domains. In the context of the video, this keyword highlights the phenomenon of hip-hop artists incorporating themes, characters, and narratives from anime into their music, creating a unique fusion of Japanese animation and African American musical culture. This crossover not only enriches the artistic expression of the rappers but also introduces anime to a broader audience.

💡Music Video References

Music video references are instances where elements from visual media, such as films or anime, are incorporated into the visual storytelling of music videos created by artists. In the video, this keyword emphasizes how hip-hop artists often pay homage to anime by recreating scenes or using themes and characters as visual motifs, thereby creating a direct link between the two mediums and enhancing the narrative of their music.

💡Lyrical Influence

Lyrical influence refers to the impact that external sources, such as literature, films, or in this case, anime, have on the content and themes of a song's lyrics. In the video, this keyword is used to describe how hip-hop artists draw inspiration from anime series to convey emotions, tell stories, or express certain messages through their music, resulting in a rich tapestry of cultural references and artistic expression.

Highlights

Rappers and hip-hop artists have a strong affinity for anime, as evidenced by numerous references in their music videos and lyrics.

Dragon Ball Z is a popular anime frequently mentioned in lyrics, showcasing the cultural impact of the series on hip-hop.

Naruto and its sequel, Naruto Shippuden, are favored anime among rappers, with the story of Naruto Uzumaki resonating with their themes of perseverance and ambition.

Atlanta MC Father draws a parallel between the ninja teams in Naruto and real-life gangs, highlighting the series' influence on hip-hop's depiction of street life.

The late 80s dystopian film Akira, with its setting in Neo Tokyo, has had a significant impact on Kanye West and other rappers, who reference it in their music and music videos.

Rapper Logic discusses his revisiting of Akira, illustrating the film's lasting impression and its connection to childhood memories and personal growth.

Death Note is another anime series frequently mentioned in lyrics, with its premise of a deadly notebook capturing the attention of hip-hop artists like Lil Peep.

Attack on Titan is referenced in lyrics, indicating the influence of anime on the themes of struggle and defiance in hip-hop music.

The anime series Trigun and its main character Vash the Stampede have earned a few mentions in the hip-hop community, showcasing the breadth of anime's influence.

Inuyasha is recognized in lyrics, reflecting the impact of anime's themes of time travel, romance, and supernatural elements on hip-hop culture.

The article invites readers to engage by suggesting other anime series that should be included in the discussion, fostering a sense of community and shared interests.

The narrator, Jacques Moreau, wraps up the piece by emphasizing the value of understanding the connections between music and pop culture, particularly anime in the context of hip-hop.

The transcript highlights the cross-cultural appeal of anime, transcending boundaries between music genres and geographical locations.

Anime's influence on hip-hop extends beyond surface-level references, with artists often drawing thematic inspiration from the stories and characters.

The discussion of anime in hip-hop showcases the genre's ability to incorporate and reinterpret elements from diverse cultural sources.

The references to Akira and its impact on artists like Kanye West and Logic demonstrate the timelessness and universality of impactful works of art.