When it comes to anime, there are few fans who are as loyal as Dragon Ball lovers. The classic anime debuted back in 1986, and the franchise has continued to grow over the years. Despite taking a lengthy hiatus after Dragon Ball GT aired, the anime made a comeback in 2015 when Dragon Ball Super hit theaters. Now, the series has has made its U.S. return thanks to Toonami, and the folks over at Genius are more than ready to celebrate the ocassion.
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So, of course, the site decided to do so by detailing how Dragon Ball has influenced the hip hop sphere over the past decade.
Gabriël Moawad has created a nifty infographic that shows how many rappers and hip hop artists have incorporated Dragon Ball references into their lyrics. Stars like RZA from Wu-Tang Clan and Young Thug have all admitted they’re fans of Dragon Ball. Even Big Sean has thrown in his support for the anime after Complex published a piece about Dragon Ball being overrated.
Since the early 2000s, hip hop artists have been sampling music from Dragon Ball or writing verses about characters like Goku. In 2001, RZA used the following lyrics in his song “Must Be Bobby:” I keep rice soaked in coconut milk mixed with tofu / Sit in the sun six hours then I charge up like Goku / Dragon Ball Z.”
In the following years, other rappers like Lupe Fiasco and B.o.B have made overt references to the anime in their songs. And, when he’s not doing the Superman, Soulja Boy has referenced Dragon Ball in songs like “Anime” and “Goku.”
Most recently, artists like Denzel Curry, Lil Uzi Vert, Chance the Rapper, and even The Weeknd have paid homage to Dragon Ball through their music. In the coming years, fans should expect more references about Dragon Ball to make their way into the hip hop sphere as new talent stumbles upon the anime franchise.
In February, the newest Dragon Ball series will debut its brand-new ‘Universal Survival’ saga. You can check out its synopsis below, and no – it does not mention Broly at all:
“At Goku’s request, the Omni-Kings’ “Tournament of Power” martial arts tournament between universes now begins! …But this also proves to be the beginning of universal destruction. What awaits the victors of this tournament, and the vanquished…?! How will these intense team battles between the elites of each universe turn out…?!”
MORE: Dragon Ball Super Toonami Premiere Date Announced / English Dub Sneak Peek Revealed / Voice Cast Announced / Simulcast Confirmed / New Saga Synopsis, Key Visual Released / Here’s What Happens To Nappa’s Hair When He Goes Super Saiyan
Dragon Ball Super airs on Crunchyroll Saturdays at 7:15 p.m. CST. Toonami will begin airing the English dub on Adult Swim Saturdays at 11:30 p.m ET.
