Avowed Anime Aficionado Megan Thee Stallion Drops New Music Video
A Tribute to Nostalgic References and Pop Culture Influences
On Wednesday, Megan Thee Stallion, the well-known American rapper and self-proclaimed anime enthusiast, unleashed her highly anticipated music video for the track “BOA.” In what can only be described as a love letter to the nerdiest late-’90s and early aughts influences, Megan Thee Stallion fills “BOA” with an abundance of references to iconic anime, video games, and pop culture phenomena that left an indelible mark on that era.
Influences from the Golden Era of Anime and Video Games
As an unsurprising testament to her passion for anime and manga, Megan Thee Stallion pays homage to beloved titles such as “One Piece” and “Scott Pilgrim.” These cultural touchstones made a lasting impact on the artist, and it’s a delight for fans to witness the seamless incorporation of these influences in the music video. Further appealing to the gaming community, Megan Thee Stallion embraces the 3D fighting games that captivated gamers during that period – “Mortal Kombat” and “Tekken.” Her obsession runs so deep that she even dresses up as the iconic character Christie Monteiro from “Tekken” and combines the looks of Mileena from “Mortal Kombat” and Boa Hancock from “One Piece.”
Exploration of Video Game and Technology References
The video for “BOA” encapsulates the essence of the early 2000s gaming era, incorporating nostalgic elements like the beloved Nokia classic, the game “Snake,” and an homage to the popular endless runner game, potentially referencing “Crash Bandicoot.” The innovative incorporation of these gaming references highlights Megan Thee Stallion’s genuine understanding and all-encompassing embrace of video game culture.
Provocative Dance and Bold Aesthetics
While “BOA” channels the artist’s passion for video games and anime, Megan Thee Stallion’s music video takes an enticing turn with Dance Dance Revolution and Gantz-inspired stages and outfits. However, it’s not advisable to watch this visual extravaganza in the presence of children, given its provocative content. Megan Thee Stallion consistently pushes the boundaries of artistic expression, aiming to captivate and awe her audience.
Embracing the Cosplay and PlayStation 2-Era Gaming
Through her cosplays of characters like Mirko from “My Hero Academia” and Bruno Bucciarati from “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure,” Megan Thee Stallion has openly displayed her love for anime and manga. The release of “BOA” goes a step further and highlights the artist’s profound admiration for the PlayStation 2-era fighting games. The artist’s unapologetic nerdy side continues to resonate with her fans, who eagerly anticipate witnessing Megan Thee Stallion’s passion manifest in various forms.
