Kendrick Lamar’s music continues to find new ways to connect with audiences, even years after its original release. This time, the Compton rapper’s powerful record “The Blacker The Berry” has landed in the world of anime, appearing in Netflix’s adult animated series Bass X Machina through an alternate remix.
The track makes an appearance during an intense train-car action sequence in the show’s opening episode. As gunfire erupts, Bass Reeves, voiced by Brian Tyree Henry, gives his opponents one final opportunity to back down before declaring, “Time’s up.” That’s when the reworked version of Kendrick’s record kicks in, adding another layer of energy to the confrontation.
Originally released in 2015 as part of Kendrick’s acclaimed album To Pimp a Butterfly, “The Blacker The Berry” remains one of the most forceful records in his catalog. Its themes of identity, race, and Black experience give the song a cultural weight that extends beyond its production and performance. Placing it in a story centered on a Black lawman navigating a steampunk version of the Wild West creates an interesting connection between the track’s subject matter and the show’s world.
Created by LeSean Thomas, Bass X Machina launched on Netflix on November 3. The series follows Bass Reeves in a world filled with outlaws, advanced machines, and supernatural forces. Its voice cast also includes Janelle Monáe, Cree Summer, and Currie Graham.
There’s another interesting anime connection in Kendrick’s musical history. Producer Mustard previously recalled Kendrick comparing the feeling of making “Hey Now” to feeling like Goku from Dragon Ball. Now, one of his records is helping bring an animated action sequence to life.
Nearly a decade after To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick’s music is still crossing creative boundaries. This latest placement is another reminder that great records can find new life in unexpected spaces.
