Imagine watching an anime scene so electrifying, so audacious, that it practically demands a musical tribute. That’s exactly what happened with Gachiakuta, an anime that burst onto the scene with its vibrant characters. Among them, Semiu, Corvus, and especially Jabber, quickly became fan favorites. Jabber, with his dangerous yet infectious joy, is a true scene-stealer – particularly with his unforgettable, literal victory rap. This moment wasn’t just a scene; it was an internet phenomenon, a catchy anthem of peak audacity that had fans dancing and sharing. But one fan took it further, transforming that moment into his own viral Jabber rap.
That fan is nerdcore rapper Drew Jackson. “The moment I saw Jabber dance and freestyle over Zanka was the moment when I knew I had to make a rap about him,” Drew explains. Blending his unique lyrical style with some of Jabber’s most iconic, jaw-dropping lines (who can forget being called a “worn out, foul-mouth, butthurt, ratchety, short stack Spherite”?), Drew’s track became an instant hit, playing on repeat for countless listeners. We sat down with Drew Jackson to discuss Jabber’s profound impact on him and the Black anime community, and to explore what makes Gachiakuta such a uniquely memorable anime.
Q: First things first, a question we ask everyone: What ignited your passion for anime, and which series truly hooked you?
Drew Jackson: Monster Rancher was the first anime I saw as a kid, but Yu Yu Hakusho was the show that truly pulled me in. At the time, I didn’t even realize what anime was; I just knew I had to watch everything with that art style.
Q: What led you to Gachiakuta? Were you following the manga, or did the anime introduce you to the series?
Drew: I haven’t had a chance to read the manga yet, but I kept seeing Instagram clips of Jabber’s introduction. His look alone was enough to make me want to dive into the show.
Q: Let’s delve into Jabber. Was there a specific moment that made you say, ‘I absolutely have to rap about this character?’ What makes Jabber so impactful to you, and why do you think so many of us resonate with him?
Drew: The exact moment was when I saw Jabber dance and freestyle over Zanka. I immediately knew I had to create a rap about him. For me, his impact comes from the representation he embodies. It’s incredibly rare to see Black anime characters, especially villains, speak like everyday Black folks and use specific phrases that make me feel like I’m listening to one of my own cousins on screen. The same goes for Semiu and Corvus.
Representation is so vital, and I believe Gachiakuta executes it phenomenally.
Q: Your Jabber song truly exploded on TikTok. What has it been like witnessing such a massive reception?
Drew: It’s been incredibly surreal. I’ve been making music for ten years, and focused on nerdcore for the past two. Now, it feels like all that hard work is paying off right before my eyes. I’m just so grateful for everyone who connects with the song.
Q: What is it about Gachiakuta that captivates you so deeply, compelling you to create music inspired by its world and characters? Beyond your Jabber song, you also did a TikTok stitch for Gameboy Jones’ ‘MOSHPIT.’
Drew: I genuinely love everything about the show! The atmosphere, the soundtrack, the compelling story, the unique concept of Givers, and its rich cultural influence – it’s just so easy to fall in love with any of the characters. From my song about Jabber to the stitch I did for Gameboy Jones’ ‘MOSHPIT,’ where I rapped from Rudo’s perspective, it’s always easy for me to write about something I genuinely adore. And I absolutely adore Gachiakuta!
Q: You’ve created other anime-inspired songs before, such as tracks about Light Yagami and Gurren Lagann. How do you typically decide which characters or series to focus your music on? Are there any other anime characters or series you’re planning to rap about in the future?
Drew: Sometimes I receive requests for specific characters, like Light Yagami and Gurren Lagann, which were both fan suggestions. Other times, I simply enjoy making songs about my favorite characters, much like I did with Jabber. I have plans to cover many more anime shows and characters in the future. A few currently on my mind include Yusuke Urameshi from Yu Yu Hakusho, Luffy from ONE PIECE, Neji from Naruto, and Majin Vegeta from Dragon Ball Z.
Q: As an artist who raps about anime, are there particular series whose music inspires your creative process?
Drew: I find a lot of inspiration in anime openings and endings. The main shows I constantly revisit for that inspiration are Naruto, Shangri-La Frontier, Attack on Titan, Fruits Basket, and now Gachiakuta as well.
Q: Given that Jabber sings and dances after his fight with Zanka, I have to ask: what’s your ultimate personal victory song? What do you find yourself singing when you achieve a big win?
Drew: My go-to victory song is usually the hook to ‘The Man’ by Aloe Blacc. If I’m feeling a bit goofy, it’s Usopp’s ‘Sniper King’ song from One Piece. With both, I always incorporate the Dougie as my celebratory dance!
Drew Jackson’s journey from anime fan to viral nerdcore sensation is a testament to the power of passion and authentic representation. His Jabber rap is more than just a song; it’s a celebration of a character and a community that resonates deeply with audiences worldwide. To experience Drew’s unique blend of anime love and lyrical skill, make sure to check out his music on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.