Subheading: Introduction
Anime and rap music may seem like two unrelated worlds, but they have intersected in fascinating ways over the years. Many rappers have paid homage to popular anime series in their lyrics, often referencing characters, themes, or iconic moments. In this article, we’ll explore ten notable anime references in rap music every otaku should know.
Subheading: 1. Naruto and Dragon Ball References
Anime references in hip-hop can be traced back to the early ’90s with artists like Busta Rhymes referencing Naruto and Dragon Ball in their songs.
In Busta’s "Woo Hah!
Got You All in Check," he raps, "Naruto, I’m like that ninja, stealthy as a cat, quick on my feet, no time to react."
Subheading: 2. One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender
One Piece is another anime series that has had a significant impact on rap music. Artists like Childish Gambino and Kendrick Lamar have referenced the show in their lyrics, with Lamar rapping, "I’m the captain of this ship, like Luffy from One Piece." Avatar: The Last Airbender also made an appearance in rap music when Drake mentioned it in his song "Summertime Ol’ School."
Subheading: 3. Death Note and Rick Ross
Death Note is a dark anime about a high school student who becomes a god of death by using a notebook that kills whoever has their name written within its pages. Rick Ross, in his song "Hustlin’," references the show, rapping, "I’m like Light, I’m the mastermind, I’ll plan it out and make it shine."
Subheading: 4. Attack on Titan and J. Cole
Attack on Titan is a post-apocalyptic anime about humans fighting against giant humanoid titans. In his song "Runaway," J. Cole references the show, rapping, "I’m the last man standing, like Eren Yeager, got my freedom on my mind."
Subheading: 5. Cowboy Bebop and Kanye West
Cowboy Bebop is a space western anime about a crew of bounty hunters traveling through space. In his song "Ni**as in Paris," Kanye West references the show, rapping, "We gon’ take this party to the edge, Cowboy Bebop, that’s what’s up."
Subheading: 6. Sailor Moon and Missy Elliott
Sailor Moon is a magical girl anime about a teenager who becomes a guardian of justice. Missy Elliott references the show in her song "Work It," rapping, "I’m Sailor Moon with my pen, I’ll transform your ass and then."
Subheading: 7. Neon Genesis Evangelion and Kendrick Lamar
Neon Genesis Evangelion is an anime about teenagers piloting giant robots to save the world. In his song "M.A.A.D city," Kendrick Lamar references the show, rapping, "I’m in the Evangelion, I’m tryna find a way out."
Subheading: 8. Pokemon and Drake
Pokemon is a media franchise about capturing and training fictional creatures called Pokémon. In his song "Jumpman," Drake references the show, rapping, "I’m the boy from Jamaica, but I live in Toronto, got a pocket full of Pokeballs, and I’m ready to go Rambo."
Subheading: 9. Akira and Kanye West
Akira is a post-apocalyptic anime about a motorcycle gang in Neo-Tokyo. In his song "Power," Kanye West references the show, rapping, "I’m the Akira, when I ride by, you better get low."
Subheading: 10. Samurai Champloo and OutKast
Samurai Champloo is an anime about a samurai on a quest to find the mysterious samurai who smells of sunflowers. In their song "Aquemini," OutKast references the show, rapping, "We like that Samurai Champloo, when it’s time for that hip hop news."
Subheading: Summary
Anime has made a significant impact on rap music, with numerous artists referencing popular series in their lyrics. From Naruto and Dragon Ball to One Piece and Avatar: The Last Airbender, anime references span various genres and subcultures within hip-hop music. Understanding these references can add depth to your music knowledge and bring you closer to the world of otakudom.