Kendrick Lamar’s “The Blacker The Berry” Featured in New Netflix Anime Bass X Machina
Kendrick Lamar’s influential song “The Blacker The Berry” has found a new audience after being featured in Netflix’s latest anime series, Bass X Machina. The track, originally released in 2015 as part of his acclaimed album To Pimp A Butterfly, appears during an intense gunfight sequence involving the show’s central character, Bass Reeves. The unexpected placement has attracted attention from hip-hop fans who appreciate seeing one of rap’s most culturally significant records incorporated into a major animated production. The scene also features a remixed version of the song, which has been adapted to complement the episode’s sound design and dramatic atmosphere. More than a decade after its original release, Kendrick Lamar’s music continues to find new ways to connect with audiences across different forms of entertainment.
“The Blacker The Berry” originally appeared on To Pimp A Butterfly, Kendrick Lamar’s third studio album, released in 2015. The project is widely recognized for its ambitious production, complex storytelling and exploration of race, identity, inequality and the Black American experience. The song stands out as one of its most confrontational and emotionally intense moments. Kendrick delivers powerful verses that examine racial identity, systemic oppression and contradictions within society. Its recurring refrain and aggressive production give the record an unmistakable presence. The song has remained an important part of Kendrick’s catalogue because of its willingness to address difficult subjects through direct and uncompromising lyrics.
The track’s appearance in Bass X Machina takes place during a tense confrontation aboard a train. Brian Tyree Henry voices Bass Reeves, the legendary lawman who serves as the central character in the series. During the sequence, Reeves faces armed opponents and gives them an opportunity to reconsider their actions. He tells them, “Anybody wanna reconsider? You got until I finish reloading this gun.” As the scene develops, Kendrick’s “The Blacker The Berry” begins playing, adding another layer of intensity to the confrontation. The version used in the episode is a remix rather than simply the original album recording, allowing the music to fit the show’s dramatic sound design.
The decision to include Kendrick Lamar’s music gives the scene a distinctive identity. “The Blacker The Berry” is not an ordinary background track because its themes and emotional delivery carry considerable cultural significance. Its aggressive sound also complements the tension of the train sequence. By adapting the song for the episode, the production introduces Kendrick’s work to viewers who may not regularly listen to hip-hop. At the same time, longtime fans get an unexpected opportunity to hear a familiar record in a completely different entertainment setting. The placement demonstrates how music from one artistic medium can strengthen storytelling in another.
Bass X Machina also offers an interesting setting for the song because of its connection to Bass Reeves. Reeves was a real historical figure who became one of the most notable lawmen of the American Old West. He was born into slavery in 1838 and later became a deputy U.S. marshal in the Indian Territory. His career involved pursuing fugitives and enforcing federal law across a challenging frontier environment. His historical legacy has inspired several modern portrayals of the American West. Bringing his story into an anime-inspired production gives the series an opportunity to combine historical themes with stylized action and contemporary creative influences.
Kendrick Lamar’s appearance in the Netflix series also reflects the lasting cultural influence of To Pimp A Butterfly. The album explored complex questions about Black identity, American society and the pressures associated with fame and success. Its musical approach blended hip-hop with elements of jazz, funk and spoken-word performance. Rather than relying entirely on conventional rap structures, Kendrick used different sounds and storytelling techniques to create a cohesive artistic statement. “The Blacker The Berry” became one of the album’s defining tracks because of its powerful commentary and challenging subject matter. Its continued use in television and other entertainment projects shows that the record remains relevant beyond its original release.
The song has also enjoyed an important place in Kendrick’s live performances. One particularly memorable moment came when he performed “The Blacker The Berry” at the Grammy Awards, bringing its intense message to a major mainstream audience. The performance helped introduce the song’s themes to viewers who might not have explored the entire album. Kendrick has consistently used his music and performances to address social issues while maintaining a strong artistic identity. His ability to combine personal storytelling with broader cultural commentary has helped distinguish him from many of his contemporaries. The inclusion of his music in Bass X Machina adds another example of how his creative work continues to influence entertainment.
Interestingly, Kendrick Lamar has also demonstrated an appreciation for anime and its influence on visual storytelling. Producer Mustard previously discussed how Kendrick described feeling like Goku when working on the beat for “Hey Now.” According to Mustard, Kendrick explained that certain beats bring out different creative instincts and can inspire him to approach a performance in unexpected ways. Goku is the central character in the popular Dragon Ball franchise and is known for his determination, fighting ability and constant pursuit of greater strength. Kendrick’s comparison offered a glimpse into how anime influences can shape his artistic imagination. The connection makes the appearance of “The Blacker The Berry” in an anime-inspired Netflix production particularly interesting.
The relationship between hip-hop and anime has become increasingly visible in contemporary popular culture. Many rappers reference anime characters, storylines and visual styles in their lyrics, music videos and public appearances. Anime has also influenced fashion, album artwork and the creative direction of several music projects. Kendrick’s comments about Goku demonstrate that these influences can extend beyond visual presentation and become part of an artist’s creative process. Meanwhile, the use of his music in Bass X Machina shows how anime productions can incorporate established hip-hop records to create memorable scenes. These connections help bring different audiences together through shared cultural interests.
For Kendrick Lamar fans, the moment is another reminder of the lasting value of his musical catalogue. “The Blacker The Berry” was released during an important period in his career, yet its themes continue to resonate with listeners years later. Its appearance in Bass X Machina introduces the song to a different generation of viewers while giving longtime fans something unexpected to appreciate. The remix also demonstrates how an established recording can be adapted to suit a new creative environment without losing its recognizable identity. Although the scene is brief, the musical choice gives the sequence additional character and connects the series to a major moment in modern hip-hop.
Kendrick Lamar’s “The Blacker The Berry” finding its way into Netflix’s Bass X Machina is a notable example of hip-hop’s continuing influence across entertainment. The combination of an intense train confrontation, Brian Tyree Henry’s portrayal of Bass Reeves and a remixed version of Kendrick’s 2015 classic creates an interesting crossover between music and animation. The song’s appearance also highlights the lasting cultural importance of To Pimp A Butterfly and Kendrick’s ability to create records that remain relevant long after their release. With anime continuing to influence music and hip-hop artists embracing anime-inspired creativity, collaborations and unexpected musical placements like this offer exciting possibilities. For now, the inclusion of “The Blacker The Berry” gives Bass X Machina a memorable musical moment and provides another reminder of Kendrick Lamar’s enduring artistic impact.
