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

Genius
28 Feb 201904:29

TLDRHip-hop and anime share a strong cultural bond, with rappers frequently referencing popular series in their lyrics. Animes like Naruto, Akira, Death Note, Attack on Titan, Trigun, and Inuyasha have made significant impacts on the genre. Rappers such as Father, Kanye West, and Logic have cited these anime as influences, often highlighting themes of struggle, power, and identity. This connection illustrates the global influence of anime and its resonance with artists and audiences alike.

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, highlighting the cultural impact of the series.
  • 💥 'Akira', a dystopian film from the 80s, has left a significant impact on artists like Kanye West, who pay homage to it in their work.
  • 🏍️ Rapper Logic shares a personal connection with 'Akira', reflecting on how it resonated with him in different stages of his life.
  • ✍️ 'Death Note' is another anime mentioned, with its premise of a notebook that can kill, appealing to the themes in hip-hop music.
  • 📝 Late rapper Lil Peep listed 'Death Note' among his top three anime, showing its influence on the hip-hop community.
  • 🌟 References to 'Attack on Titan' and its main character, Eren Yeager, appear in lyrics, indicating the series' reach beyond its core audience.
  • 🚀 The space western 'Trigun' and its main character Vash the Stampede also earn mentions in the hip-hop genre.
  • 🐶 'Inuyasha', featuring a young woman's time travel and alliance with a half-demon, is another anime series referenced in hip-hop music.

Q & A

  • What is the significance of anime in hip-hop culture according to the script?

    -Anime holds a significant place in hip-hop culture as it is often referenced in music videos and lyrics, indicating a mutual appreciation and influence between the two domains.

  • Which anime series is mentioned as a favorite among rappers and why?

    -Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are mentioned as favorites because they tell the story of a young orphan's journey to become the best ninja, resonating with the themes of struggle and success in hip-hop.

  • How does the Atlanta MC describe the appeal of Naruto to rappers?

    -The Atlanta MC explains that rappers have always loved ninjas and samurai due to their codes and the gang-like structure of the ninja teams in Naruto, which parallels the real-life experiences of rappers.

  • Which specific anime is referenced in the lyrics of Kanye West's Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit?

    -The anime Akira is referenced in the lyrics of Kanye West's Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit, with West citing the film as a major influence.

  • What is the main theme of the anime Akira?

    -Akira is a dystopian film set in Neo Tokyo, focusing on the story of Kaneda and his attempts to stop his friend Tetsuo, whose psychic abilities become awakened after an incident.

  • How does the anime Death Note influence hip-hop, as mentioned in the script?

    -Death Note influences hip-hop through its protagonist, Light, who receives a notebook to kill people by writing their names, which is referenced in lyrics and resonates with the themes of power and control in the genre.

  • Which anime series is compared to a 'space Western' in the script?

    -The anime series Trigun is compared to a 'space Western' in the script, due to its setting and the main character Vash the Stampede.

  • What is the significance of the character Eren Yeager from Attack on Titan in hip-hop?

    -Eren Yeager is significant in hip-hop as he is referenced in lyrics, symbolizing the struggle and determination of the character, which aligns with the themes often explored in rap music.

  • How does the script suggest the influence of anime on rappers' personal experiences?

    -The script suggests that anime has a profound impact on rappers' personal experiences, with some mentioning rewatching certain series and finding new meanings or connections to their childhood, similar to the nostalgia evoked by familiar smells.

  • What is the call to action for the audience in the script?

    -The call to action for the audience is to engage with the content by commenting on the anime series mentioned and suggesting other animes that should be included in the discussion.

Outlines

00:00

🎶 Anime in Hip-Hop: A Cultural Intersection

This paragraph discusses the significant influence of anime on hip-hop culture, particularly highlighting the frequent references in lyrics and music videos. It begins by noting the coverage by Genius in 2018 on the prevalence of Dragon Ball Z in rap lyrics. The paragraph then delves into other anime series like Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, which have left a mark on the genre with numerous mentions in songs. The influence of anime extends to the portrayal of its characters and themes, as seen in the references to villains and the underlying codes of the ninja in Naruto. The paragraph also touches on the impact of the dystopian film Akira, which has inspired artists like Kanye West and Logic, who have incorporated elements from the movie into their music and visuals. The narrative continues with mentions of other anime series like Death Note, Attack on Titan, Trigun, and Inuyasha, showcasing the breadth of anime's influence in hip-hop. The paragraph concludes by inviting further discussion on this topic 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 featuring vibrant characters and imaginative storylines. In the context of the video, anime is a significant influence on hip-hop culture, with rappers frequently referencing various anime series in their lyrics and music videos, showcasing the cultural intersection between these two domains.

💡Hip-Hop

Hip-hop is a cultural movement that originated in the African American and Latino communities of the Bronx in the 1970s. It includes various elements such as rap music, breakdancing, graffiti art, and fashion. In the video, hip-hop is highlighted as a genre that has embraced and incorporated anime references, demonstrating the artists' appreciation for and connection to the animated medium.

💡Naruto

Naruto is a popular Japanese manga and anime series that tells the story of Naruto Uzumaki, a young ninja who seeks to become the Hokage, the leader of his village. The series is known for its themes of perseverance, friendship, and self-improvement. In the video, Naruto is cited as a favorite among rappers, who relate to the characters and their struggles, often referencing the show's villains and themes in their music.

💡Akira

Akira is a groundbreaking 1988 Japanese animated science fiction film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo. Set in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo, the film explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of technological advancement. The video highlights Akira as a major influence on hip-hop, with artists like Kanye West and Logic citing the film as impactful and referencing it in their work.

💡Death Note

Death Note is a Japanese manga and anime series that revolves around a high school student who acquires a notebook allowing him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. The series delves into moral dilemmas and the concept of justice. In the video, Death Note is mentioned as another anime series that has left a mark on hip-hop, with rappers like Lil Peep listing it among their favorites and incorporating its themes into their lyrics.

💡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 explores themes of survival, freedom, and the human condition. In the video, Attack on Titan is noted as having a presence in hip-hop culture, with references to its main character, Eren Yeager, and his ally Captain Levi appearing in lyrics.

💡Cowboy Bebop

Cowboy Bebop is a highly acclaimed Japanese anime series known for its blend of science fiction, western, and noir elements. It follows a diverse group of bounty hunters aboard the spaceship Bebop as they travel through space, encountering various challenges and adversaries. The video briefly mentions Cowboy Bebop, with its main character Vash the Stampede receiving a few references in hip-hop music, showcasing the series' impact on the genre.

💡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 mentioned as part of the hip-hop lexicon, with artists likening themselves to the character in their lyrics, reflecting the series' cultural significance.

💡Anime References

Anime references in the context of the video pertain to the explicit mentions or allusions made by hip-hop artists to specific anime series or characters in their lyrics or music videos. These references indicate a cultural crossover where elements from anime are woven into the narratives and aesthetics of hip-hop, highlighting a shared appreciation and mutual influence between the two domains.

💡Cultural Intersection

The cultural intersection in the video refers to the blending of elements from two distinct cultures or subcultures—hip-hop and anime. This intersection is evident in the way hip-hop artists incorporate themes, characters, and aesthetic elements from anime into their music and artistic expression, creating a unique fusion that resonates with fans of both genres.

Highlights

Rappers have a strong affinity for anime, as seen in their music videos and lyrics.

Dragon Ball Z is a frequently referenced anime in hip-hop lyrics.

Naruto and its successor, Naruto Shippuden, are favored anime series among rappers.

Atlanta MC Father draws parallels between ninja teams in Naruto and real-life gangs.

The late 80s dystopian film Akira has had a significant impact on hip-hop, particularly on Kanye West.

Rapper Logic revisits Akira and finds a deeper understanding upon watching it as an adult.

Death Note's premise of a notebook used to kill is mentioned in several lyrics.

Late rapper Lil Peep considered Death Note one of his top three anime series.

Attack on Titan's main character, Eren Yeager, and his ally Captain Levi are referenced in lyrics.

The space western series Trigun and its main character Vash the Stampede are mentioned in hip-hop.

Inuyasha's storyline of a young woman traveling back in time to feudal Japan is noted in lyrics.

Anime has a cross-cultural appeal, influencing artists across different genres and backgrounds.

The influence of anime on hip-hop extends beyond music, affecting visuals and fashion as well.

Anime provides rappers with a rich source of narrative and symbolism for their creative expression.

The connection between hip-hop and anime reflects a broader trend of global cultural exchange.

Anime's themes of struggle, perseverance, and overcoming adversity resonate with the experiences of many rappers.

The innovative storytelling and visual aesthetics of anime make it a compelling point of reference in hip-hop.

Anime references in hip-hop serve as a bridge between the imaginative worlds of entertainment and the real-life experiences of the artists.

The popularity of anime in hip-hop suggests a shared audience and a mutual appreciation for storytelling and character development.

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