5 Times Rappers Referenced Anime

It's no secret that rappers are avid gamers. From Mario or Metal Gear, rappers are just as fresh on the sticks as they are on the mic. However, the seemingly niche anime culture also pervades hip hop culture on several levels. Wu-Tang's style and flavor is heavily influenced by Japanese culture. Kanye West himself is a fan of Akira. This is apparent in his video for his hit single "Stronger" off of Graduation. Here are other instances within rhyme where rappers have proudly waved their geek flag.  

Artist: Lupe Fiasco
Song: Mural
​Line(s): "Sound village, Leaf village, wolf spirit, magic spells
Dodging rain and catching hail"
Anime Reference: Naruto

Artists: Joey Bada$$
Song: Christ Conscious
​Line(s): "Got dragon balls like my name was Vegeta"
Anime Reference: Dragon Ball Z

Artists: Lupe Fiasco
Song: Touch the Sky
​Line(s): "Guess who's on third?
Lupe steal like Lupin the 3rd​"
Anime Reference: Lupin III

Artists: Joey Badas$$
Song: Paper Trail$
​Line(s): "Enter the chamber get hyperbolic​"
Anime Reference: Dragon Ball Z

Artists: Lupe Fiasco
Song: Mazinger
​Line(s): (Song Title)
Anime Reference: Mazinger Z

BONUS TRACK:

Artists: Capital STEEZ
Song: Survival Tactics
​Line(s): "And Pokémon wasn't gettin' recognized at Comic-Con"
Anime Reference: Pokémon

RIP Capital STEEZ