"Power comes in response to a need, not a desire. You have to create that need." - Goku

Dragon Ball Z (DBZ), an iconic Japanese anime tv show which inspires fans who still watch today, remains one of mainstream culture's most celebrated anime franchise since its inception in 1989. Through the influence of its character storylines and daring plots , Dragon Ball Z continues to cultivate mainstream society and remain uniquely ingrained in many hearts of fans around the world.

Dragon Ball Z began to trend internationally during times where anime was not a very popular staple among most tv networks. It's no secret that DBZ didn't really take over American television until the late 90's/early 2000's, however, there weren't many people outside of Japan who even knew what "anime" was. The creator of the show, Akira Toriyama, initially branded and pushed DBZ as a strictly action cartoon show.

Toriyama's unveiling of DBZ to the world contained the perfect package where its content easily catered to a wide range of demographics (especially many minority groups from different cultures). Most of all, DBZ's storyline wasn't complicated to understand; it wasn't overly violent or mature, and showcased much action and fighting.

From the 90's through today, the integration of Dragon Ball Z into fan culture helped illustrate new forms of expressions ; and creative platforms for 'inspired thinking' between various people and places.

Video by Genius News

DBZ references in Hip Hop

Growing up I've come to accept that inside myself, and around the world, there's a fixation for Dragon Ball Z characters and their stories ; stories that have captivated much of the world's mainstream attractions like Hip and Hop.

Dragon Ball Z has resonated with rappers across many different genres and have prompted legendary rappers like RZA from Wu-Tang Clan to use DBZ's storyline as reference to "the journey of the black man in America,"a subject from his 2009 book, The Tao of Wu. (1- infographic). To RZA's credit

In an interview by Genius, Young Thug was quoted saying “I might draw a head with, like, Goku hair” to sample times where he used Goku-inspired sketches" to inspire himself to write rhymes (1- infographic, 1- how drawing pictures helps).

Although many of these rapper's lyrics do not meet my criteria for quality music- by my standards, I embrace the integration of DBZ themes into their lyrics as something very special. Below is a chart and a few reference lines used over a time that depict a rising influence of Dragon Ball Z into Hip Hop rap songs.

Dragon Ball Z references from Rap Artist

RZA- 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..." [2001]

Lupe Fiasco - Free Chilly (freestyle): "I push Ki like Dragon Ball Z" [2007]

Childish Gambino - My Shine: "Honesty, I'm rappin' 'bout everything I'm sayin,' I'm Super Saiyan like Goku" [2011]

CyHi tha Prynce - FunkMaster Flex (freestyle): "Swisher kisser, i'm twistin' up that mistletoe / Dragon Ball Z cause I'm green as piccolo." [2012]

Bryson Tiller - Break Bread: "Got green like piccolo / ya ain't talking money, Then the convo short like Krillin" [2014]

A.K - Scottie Pippen: "Got me feeling godly / feeling legendary, change my name to Broly [2015]

Dragon Ball Z in pop culture, social media, and more

Free will, pitiful humans. War, segregation, hatred, is that what you've done with your free will boy?! - Android 13

Some depth of DBZ-... Goku's youngest and most undying passion in life had always been to fight those who pushed him to further his abilities. No matter how powerful they'd come, Goku embraced all challenges and through all results, he grew to appreciate every experience.

Much like myself, I know many people who will always remember DragonBallZ first by Goku's undying display of willpower and resiliency to overcome all odds. Goku would sacrifice his life many times (as he did) if it meant bringing his loved ones just the smallest measure of peace. This aspect of DBZ alone further correlates to mainstream's adoption of Hip Hop/pops culture constant innovation. The ability of 'bouncing back' and overcoming hardship remains at the essence of Hip Hop/pop culture foundations and continues to foster an ever-growing love of Dragon Ball Z with fans from all over.

In so many ways DBZ's historical impact on fans continues to serve as a popular embrace for concepts that hash over good vs evil, competitive fighting, and honor of communion.

I think anyone, especially professional fighters, and hip-hop artists who rely on their skills to succeed, always has something to gain when they're faced with failure at some point in life. After all, much like Goku and Vegeta have learned through many of their battles with evil -what doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger.

IN CASE YOU WERE INTERESTED: My favorite battle from Dragon Ball Z is below. Thanks.

"You can take control of my mind and my body, but there is one thing a Saiyan always keep... his PRIDE! " - Vegeta

Sources Cited:

https://genius.com/a/infographic-how-dragon-ball-influenced-a-generation-of-hip-hop-artists

https://genius.com/a/how-drawing-pictures-helps-young-thug-write-his-raps

Other / spirit

Hip Hop/Pop Culture's Obsession with Dragon Ball Z

Hip Hop/Pop Culture's Obsession with Dragon Ball Z

Hip Hop/Pop Culture's Obsession with Dragon Ball Z