Even a decade ago, being a rapper who openly enjoyed anime was still a little bit of a novelty, but now it’s almost a required part of the job. Weebs exist at practically every level of the rap game, from dedicated cosplayers like Megan TheeStallion to underground artists like xavierwulf, who has multiple projects themed after the automotive anime series Initial D. ⁠ ⁠ After the recent passing of Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, countless artists expressed their condolences on social media, including ChancetheRapper and producer popstarbenny.⁠ ⁠ In some way, pop culture references in rap can almost be a form of sampling. Just like you might flip an existing record or give a word new meaning, imagining yourself as the protagonist of your favorite anime or comic book is a way of articulating your own experience by repurposing and reinterpreting the objects on hand around you.⁠ ⁠ Hit the link in bio to read the latest Rap Column.⁠ ⁠ ✍️ trillmoregirls⁠ 📸 STR/JIJI Press/AFP via Getty Im...