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 is a favorite, with its ninja themes resonating with the hip-hop community. Akira, a dystopian film, has also left its mark, influencing artists like Kanye West. Death Note is another series mentioned, with its dark themes fitting the genre. Shows like Attack on Titan and Inuyasha also make appearances in lyrics, showcasing the breadth of anime's influence on hip-hop culture.

Takeaways

  • 🎵 Rappers and hip-hop artists have a strong affinity for anime, often referencing it in their music videos and lyrics.
  • 📊 Early data from 2018 showed that 'Dragon Ball Z' was frequently mentioned in song lyrics.
  • 🥋 'Naruto' and its sequel 'Naruto Shippuden' are favored anime series among rappers, with many references in lyrics, especially to its villains.
  • 🗡️ Atlanta MC Father draws a parallel between ninja teams in 'Naruto' and real-life gangs due to their shared code.
  • 🚨 'Akira', a dystopian film from the 80s, has had a significant impact on hip-hop, with artists like Kanye West and Logic citing it as a major influence.
  • 🏍️ Logic speaks about rediscovering 'Akira' and the profound sense of nostalgia it evokes, comparing it to a familiar smell that reminds one of their childhood.
  • 📔 'Death Note' is another anime series frequently mentioned by rappers, with the plot revolving around a notebook used to kill people by writing their names.
  • 🎭 Rappers also reference other anime series like 'Attack on Titan', 'Trigun', and 'Inuyasha', showcasing the breadth of anime's influence in hip-hop.
  • 🤖 The main characters and iconic elements of these anime series are often used as metaphors or symbols in lyrics to convey certain emotions or imagery.
  • 🌐 The article invites readers to engage by suggesting additional anime series that should be included in the discussion in the comments section.
  • 🎙️ The presenter, Jacques Moreau, wraps up the piece by emphasizing the purpose of Genius News: to provide the meaning and knowledge behind the music.

Q & A

  • What is the relationship between hip-hop and anime as mentioned in the script?

    -The script highlights that there is a strong connection between hip-hop and anime, with rappers frequently referencing anime in their music videos and lyrics. This relationship is evident from the numerous examples provided, such as the mention of Dragon Ball Z in lyrics and the influence of Akira on Kanye West's music video.

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

    -Naruto and Naruto Shippuden are mentioned as favorites among rappers. This is attributed to the story of a young orphan, Naruto Uzumaki, who aspires to become the best ninja, a theme that resonates with many rappers. Additionally, the ninja teams in Naruto are likened to gangs, which may appeal to the streetwise themes often present in hip-hop.

  • How does the script describe the influence of Akira on hip-hop artists?

    -The script describes Akira, a late 80s dystopian film, as having a significant influence on hip-hop artists. Kanye West, for instance, cites the film as a major influence and pays homage to a scene from Akira in the music video for his Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit, 'Stronger'.

  • What is the significance of the Death Note series in hip-hop music?

    -The Death Note series is significant in hip-hop music as it is referenced by artists in their lyrics. The protagonist, Light, who receives a notebook to kill people by writing their names, is a theme that resonates with the power and control themes often found in rap music. Late rapper Lil Peep even listed it as one of his top three anime series.

  • How do rappers show their appreciation for anime in their music?

    -Rappers show their appreciation for anime by referencing specific series and characters in their lyrics. This can range from mentioning the main characters and their struggles to referencing the villains and their impact on the rappers' lives. It serves as a form of cultural appreciation and a way to connect with their audience on a deeper level.

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

    -Eren Yeager, the main character from Attack on Titan, is mentioned in the context of his strength and determination, which are qualities that resonate with the themes often explored in hip-hop music. The reference to Eren in lyrics is a way for rappers to align themselves with these characteristics and express their own resilience and ambition.

  • How does the script suggest the impact of anime on the broader hip-hop culture?

    -The script suggests that anime has a significant impact on the broader hip-hop culture by being a source of inspiration for music videos, lyrics, and themes. It also shows a cross-cultural exchange where elements from Japanese animation influence American hip-hop, indicating a global appreciation for anime among artists.

  • What other anime series besides the ones mentioned have been referenced in hip-hop music?

    -Besides the main series mentioned, the script also briefly notes other anime series like Trigun and Inuyasha that have been referenced in hip-hop music. This indicates that the influence of anime is widespread and not limited to just a few popular series.

  • How does the script portray the longevity of anime's influence on hip-hop?

    -The script portrays the longevity of anime's influence on hip-hop by mentioning artists who have been inspired by anime since their childhood, such as Maryland rapper Logic. It suggests that the appreciation for anime is not just a passing trend but a lasting cultural influence that continues to inspire new generations of artists.

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 with the observation that rappers often mention Dragon Ball Z, and then moves on to discuss other anime series like Naruto and Naruto Shippuden, which have left a lasting impression on the hip-hop community. The paragraph also touches on the reasons behind this connection, such as the shared values of perseverance and the appeal of the samurai and ninja codes. Furthermore, it explores how specific anime characters and themes have been incorporated into the artists' works, with examples like Kanye West's homage to Akira in his music video and Logic's revisiting of the same film reflecting on its impact on his childhood. The paragraph concludes by mentioning other anime series that have made their way into hip-hop lyrics, such as Death Note, Attack on Titan, Trigun, and Inuyasha, emphasizing the depth of this cultural intersection.

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 highlighted as 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 hip-hop and anime fandoms.

💡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 'hip-hop' in the video refers to the musical genre and its artists who often draw inspiration from or pay homage to anime in their work, indicating a cross-cultural exchange and mutual appreciation between the two domains.

💡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. In the video, Naruto is mentioned as one of the favorite anime among rappers, with its themes of perseverance and determination resonating with the artists. The series is often referenced in lyrics and music videos, with rappers identifying with the characters and their struggles.

💡Akira

Akira is a landmark 1980s dystopian anime film directed by Katsuhiro Otomo, set in a futuristic version of Tokyo. The film is known for its groundbreaking animation, complex narrative, and profound societal themes. In the video, Akira is cited as a major influence on some hip-hop artists, with its visual style and thematic elements being referenced or paid homage in their music and videos.

💡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 is known for its psychological thriller elements and moral dilemmas. In the context of the video, Death Note is highlighted as a favorite among rappers, with its dark and suspenseful themes finding a place in the lyrics and artistic expressions of hip-hop music.

💡Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is a popular 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, deep character development, and exploration of themes such as survival and freedom. In the video, Attack on Titan is mentioned as having a presence in hip-hop lyrics, with rappers drawing parallels between the series' themes and their own experiences.

💡Trigun

Trigun is a Japanese manga and anime series that follows the adventures of Vash the Stampede, a gunslinger with a bounty on his head, known for his unique abilities and pacifist nature. The series is recognized for its blend of action, humor, and philosophical themes. In the video, Trigun is mentioned as one of the anime series that have found their way into hip-hop lyrics, with artists appreciating the series' distinctive characters and narrative.

💡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 an anime that has made its way into hip-hop culture, with rappers drawing inspiration from the series' characters and themes to express their artistic vision.

💡Cultural Intersection

Cultural intersection refers to the meeting or blending of different cultural elements, in this case, the fusion of hip-hop and anime. The video highlights how these two distinct cultures find common ground, with hip-hop artists appreciating and incorporating anime themes and aesthetics into their music. This intersection showcases the global and diverse nature of contemporary culture, where different forms of art and entertainment can influence and enrich each other.

💡Artistic Expression

Artistic expression is the process by which artists convey their thoughts, emotions, and experiences through various creative mediums. In the context of the video, hip-hop artists use references to anime as a form of artistic expression, allowing them to explore complex themes and narratives that resonate with their audience. By integrating elements from anime, rappers can communicate their messages more effectively and connect with their listeners on a deeper level.

💡Influence

Influence refers to the effect that one person, group, or cultural product has on another. In the video, the influence of anime on hip-hop is evident through the numerous references and homages made by artists in their music and videos. This influence demonstrates how different forms of media can shape and inspire creative works across cultural boundaries, leading to a richer and more diverse artistic landscape.

Highlights

Rappers and hip-hop artists have a strong affinity for anime, often referencing it 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 successor, Naruto Shippuden, are anime series that have left a significant mark in hip-hop through various references.

Atlanta MC Father's quote about ninjas and samurai influences in hip-hop, highlighting the parallels between动漫 (anime) and street culture.

Kanye West was majorly influenced by the dystopian film Akira, even recreating a scene from it in his music video for the hit song 'Stronger'.

Rapper Logic's revisiting of Akira and the profound nostalgia it evokes, connecting personal experiences with the anime's themes.

Death Note's unique premise of a death note allowing its owner to kill is a recurring theme in lyrics, reflecting its influence on hip-hop culture.

Little Peep, a late rapper, listed Death Note as one of his top three anime, indicating its personal significance to artists.

Attack on Titan's sudden appearance of Titans and their attempt to devour humanity has been referenced in lyrics, showing its cultural footprint.

Eren Yeager and Captain Levi, characters from Attack on Titan, are mentioned in lyrics, illustrating the anime's impact on hip-hop artists' creative expression.

Anime series like Trigun and its main character Vash the Stampede have snagged a few mentions in hip-hop, highlighting the genre's broad influence.

Inuyasha's narrative of a young woman traveling back in time to feudal Japan resonates with hip-hop artists, leading to references in their lyrics.

The anime references in hip-hop are not limited to the series discussed, with other shows also making an impact on the genre.

Fans of anime are encouraged to share more series that should be included in the discussion, fostering a community around the intersection of动漫 and hip-hop.

Jacques Moreau of Genius News provides insights into the connection between music and anime, bringing knowledge and understanding to the topic.

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