Flying Lotus has shared two new singles, ‘Black Gold’ featuring Thundercat and ‘Between Memories’ featuring Niki Randa for Netflix anime series Yasuke, both tracks serve as the opening theme and closing credits for the series.
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.”
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.