Originally Released June 23, 2004
Reissued December 16, 2022
Victor Entertainment
2xLP
There's a lot to cover in regards to Samurai Champloo, the cult classic 26-episode historical adventure anime that aired from January to September in 2004. The basic facts are that it occurs during Japanese Edo period, an era defined by Japan's prosperous economic growth, peace, and isolation from the rest of the world. The story follows the exploits of Jin, Mugen and Fuu, who are a ronin, outlaw and tea waitress respectively, as they search for a samurai that smells of sunflowers.
How is this relevant to us? Well, in addition to being appreciators of fine arts of all mediums, Samurai Champloo's exemplary and influential soundtrack is central to the evolution of lo-fi hip hop, which we love dearly. The big name on the soundtrack credits is Nujabes, the Japanese J Dilla who is largely credited as the father of lo-fi hop hop, though the other names (Force Of Nature, Tsutchie, Fat Jon) have all played crucial roles in the dissemination and circulation of this gentle genre throughout the Western world.
Going clockwise (starting top right) are the somewhat erratic Playlist, the soft Departure, the eclectic Impression, and high-octane Masta.