Earlier this month (April 2), Netflix unveiled a trailer for Yasuke, its upcoming anime series starring Lakeith Stanfield, with a soundtrack from Flying Lotus. Now, the producer has provided an insight into what that score will sound like, sharing two new songs.
“Black Gold”, a song that sees him link up with longtime collaborator Thundercat, will serve as the opening track for the show, says FlyLo in a statement. The Niki Randa-featuring song “Between Memories”, meanwhile, will play over the end credits.
Flying Lotus is also involved in Yasuke as a consultant and executive producer, alongside creator and director LeSean Thomas, and Studio Mappa. “LeSean and I talked about being outsiders in anime,” says the musician. “I was like, ‘Why aren’t more Black kids trying to do this? Why is it so out of the ordinary?’ He was saying that it’s because they don’t have examples.”
FlyLo also spoke about his role in the anime last month, posting a tweet saying: “Working on anime is my new favourite thing. I think imma try n stay a while. Can happily keep doin it. Makes sense to me.”
Yasuke is inspired by the real-life story of a Black samurai of the same name in 16th century Japan. The series sees him attempting to escape his violent past, until he’s tasked with protecting a “mysterious child who is the target of dark forces and bloodthirsty warlords”.
The Netflix series is set to premiere on April 29. Listen to “Black Gold” and “Between Memories” below, and revisit the trailer here.
