Anime and hip-hop
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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]