This is easily one of, if not my favourite Nujabes beat from his entire discography. Counting Stars – Nujabes (from the album ‘Hydeout Productions ’) Despite it’s utter brilliance, it was only used majorly in one episode – the fight between Jin and in Nishimatsu in ‘ Hellhounds for Hire pt 1′.Ģ.
It’s shimmering piano keys just take me to another place. Kujaku/Transcendence – Nujabes (from the album ‘Departure’) This beautifully crafted track from Nujabes is used brilliantly in the unexpected death of Shinsuke in ‘ A Risky Racket‘ and even more so in Fuu’s decision to say goodbye to Jin in ‘ Elegy of Entrapment pt 1′.ģ. The ’emotional piano’ track that is used in many of the poignant scenes in Champloo, however, by no means is it plastered cheaply over the series. Mystline – Nujabes (from the album ‘Departure’) The track has a distinct ‘early Bonobo’ feel to it, with another excellent use of elegant strings and hazy vocal samples.Ĥ. Your Purpose – Fat Jon (from his album ‘Afterthought’)Īnother crackin’ Fat Jon beat, and used in one of the most emotional scenes of the film – in the penultimate episode ‘Evanescent Encounter pt 2’, Mugen arrives in time to save Fuu’s life, in turn offering her a chance to run away and taking on the enemies himself. The marriage of these dream-like sequences and this hazy disjointed beat fuse together flawlessly and really engage the audience, offering snippets of Fuu’s backstory that explain her journey, which will eventually unfold towards the end of the series.ĥ.
How did nujabes die series#
Haiku (Interlude) – Nujabes (from the album ‘Impression’)ĭespite it’s short length, I personally find this one of the strongest pieces of music in the entire series – it’s used during Fuu’s flashbacks as a kid in the sunflower field with the mysterious ‘sunflower samurai’. Nightshift – Force Of Nature (from the album ‘Impression’)ĭescribed as what I like to call ‘the Japanese Dirty Harry theme’, it’s strong connections with the funk genre are perfect for the pirate heist scene in the aforementioned ‘ Misguided Miscreants‘ episode, but even better for the totally unpredicted fight on the bridge between Jin and Sara in ‘ Elegy of Entrapment pt 1′!Ħ. I listened to this track a lot before it was introduced in the series, where it was used quite effectively in underground sermon scene in ‘ Unholy Union‘. The beat is strong, but it’s the cut up vocals and harmonising strings that do it for me.ħ. Genome – Fat Jon (from the album ‘Departure’)
Used in one of my favourite episodes, ‘ Lethal Lunacy‘ – an episode that is a turning point in his reckless nature, strongly building Mugen’s character for the audience.Ĩ. One of those situations in the show when a laid back Nujabes track goes with a badass fight scene – but oddly, it works! It’s composition is rather strange, fluctuating between the strong downbeat opening and it’s glittery jazzy verses. 1st Samurai – Nujabes (from the album ‘Departure’) [Fact – the drums are sampled from Skull Snaps ‘It’s A New Day’ – a hip hop staple!)ĩ. The brutal feedback, the thick bass, then that HEAVY beat – this menacing track is used in the last ever episode, but for me, the impact was stronger in Mugen’s betrayal in the ‘ Misguided Miscreants‘ episode. Death Wish – Force Of Nature (from the album ‘Impression’)
Jeez, it’s going to be hard to listen back to these now that it’s all over.ġ0. I’m going to highlight my 10 favourite tracks from across the series, which will tie into my favourite scenes as well. And the fight scenes wouldn’t contain half the amount of vigor without the explosive energy of the hip hop production.
It’s the soundtrack that reinforces the entire series – the story is grounded in the frequencies of the music, and the character’s backstories told through emotive musical cues, providing the soundtrack to those events in their life. The connection between all 3 of these elements tie into the soundtrack however the crispy beats from Fat Jon/Tsutchie, the energy from Force Of Nature, and the shimmering melodies from my musical hero, Nujabes. The emotional rollercoaster ride of Samurai Champloo is finished.Ģ6 episodes of perfect storytelling, amazing characters and stellar action sequences.