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Kendrick Lamar has undeniably established himself as a giant in the music industry, remaining a significant figure in popular culture for over a decade.As we approach 2024, Kendrick is poised to elevate his status further, particularly with his highly anticipated performance at the Super Bowl scheduled for February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Interestingly, just days ahead of this monumental event, it has come to light that the acclaimed rapper is an admirer of the iconic anime series, Dragon Ball.
In a recent conversation during the GRAMMYs, renowned producer and DJ Mustard shed light on his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar, sharing insights into his prolific career and the dynamics of the music industry. Mustard’s exceptional production work can be heard in one of 2024’s breakout tracks, “Not Like Us, ”as well as on Lamar’s follow-up album, GNX. When discussing the chart-topping single “tv off, ”Mustard revealed that Kendrick humorously conveyed he felt like anime’s iconic hero, Goku, while working on the song.
Kendrick Lamar’s Latest Hit Made Him Feel “Like Goku”
Inspired by Anime’s Most Iconic Hero: Goku
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While Kendrick Lamar and anime might not be a frequently mentioned pairing, DJ Mustard disclosed that the creation of “tv off”draws inspiration from the legendary Dragon Ball character, Goku. Specifically, the moment when Kendrick passionately exclaims Mustard’s name is reminiscent of Goku’s iconic battle cries. Upon the song’s release, numerous fans began creating edits that paired Kendrick’s shout with scenes from Dragon Ball, unknowingly highlighting this fascinating connection.
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Mustard recalled Kendrick’s excitement during their studio sessions, recalling, “When I heard the beat, I just felt like Goku or something.”The infectious energy of “tv off”propelled it to the top of the music charts, making it a standout track on GNX, alongside others such as “luther”and “hey now.”With the Super Bowl just around the corner, there is a strong possibility that Kendrick will perform “tv off, ”allowing millions to experience his Goku-inspired moment live.
Dragon Ball and Hip-Hop: A Historic Connection
A Legacy of Dragon Ball in Music
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Kendrick Lamar’s homage to Goku is just one of many instances where hip-hop has embraced the Dragon Ball franchise.The influence of anime on music is not a new phenomenon, with leading artists like Megan Thee Stallion also drawing from these themes. Nevertheless, Kendrick’s upcoming Super Bowl performance marks a unique moment, as it will be the first time the beloved anime has been directly showcased in such a high-profile event. Fans of both Kendrick and Dragon Ball are sure to appreciate this exciting crossover.
As the Super Bowl draws near, the intersection of Dragon Ball and Kendrick Lamar has taken fans by surprise, highlighting the unexpected influences that shape creativity today. With only a short time left before the performance, audiences are eager to hear Kendrick Lamar’s thrilling Goku-inspired scream during this year’s most-watched sporting event.
Source: GRAMMYs
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