“Sonic wouldn’t exist without black culture”

[@MalcomeXnox]

Yo, I did not expect this video to get this much support, so thank you! There is one portion in the video (it's when I am talking about the MJ and Sonic 3 stuff where I forgot to mute the audio. Just wanted to clarify that. Futhermore, My intent with this video WAS NOT to try and assign race to the cast. If you watch this video and conclude that sonic shadow, or whoever is white, black, Asian, or whatever, that's fine. I like when people can have their own interpretations of characters and I do not intend to take that away from anyone . Finally, if you left a comment and it is missing it is more than possible that KZbin's system hid your comment by default. As such, I had to go in and approve them manually. Again I would like to thank you guys for being respectful in the comment (even to those who don't agree ), I hope that you will allow me to continue to evolve my work as a content creator. -xnox

[@Chibiknux]

I love this content, you have a great voice but you need to edit more and do more takes, it kinda distracting when you re-read something.

[@Sonicfalcon16]

Also the genesis outsold the nintendo in the hood with stats to back it up. Only reason it won vs japan

[@whiteingale]

you should change the game topic because this one will die in one week after relaese.

[@MTC-hy6ig]

The exaggerated swagger of a blue hedgehog

[@blubrrybeanie]

the way he spindashes gives me goosebumps every time he does it

[@MalcomeXnox]

"the way he rolls down that San Francisco inspired hills of city escape is FILLED with the exaggerated swagger of a blue hedgehog" - ign or something

[@mr.bitches313]

@@MalcomeXnoxaye fam name Of the song in the background at 2:07 that shit go hard cuz happy new year

[@jalenpoole1370]

Sonic is a certified hood classic 💯 💙 🔥

[@mrconga6701]

So guys it's official Sonic is in fact a black person

[@Anamonator]

As a black person myself, I'm proud to be a sonic fan

[@DCJ9]

Same!

[@zaidtate4093]

Same

[@Quackarot]

That’s an L

[@Anamonator]

​@@Quackarot are you seriously rage baiting?

[@Quackarot]

@Anamonator Who’s ragebaiting? I’m simply saying that being a Sonic Fan is not a great thing, as they are notoriously known for getting brainwashed into believing the most dumbest things.

[@justingarrett2239]

Oh also the fact that they get Sonic confused with the ONLY other Hedgehog that looks NOTHING like him... that's the UNIVERSAL Black experience in America right there!😂 AND the police arrested him because he "matched the description" smh

[@fromdadarknessofdakut]

those are steroetypes lol but ig its okay u decide whos ok to be stereotypical and whos not

[@angelicthecaretaker777]

@@fromdadarknessofdakut ?

[@fromdadarknessofdakut]

@@angelicthecaretaker777 is he not being stereotypical? "coding" is basically stereotyping

[@OogaBooga24723]

@@fromdadarknessofdakutno way you’re rocking THAT pfp in 2024 bro 😂 Go crawling back to you’re 4chan cave lil bro

[@hyperx72]

​@@fromdadarknessofdakut "Relating to a character that's not you is a stereotype"

[@Comet9000.]

*Too Black, Too Strong!*

[@Khrene]

Wrappin' Black- in Black-, in Black-- Wrappin' Black *Wrapped in Black*

[@I_Jthe1]

WHAT YOU KNOW ABOUT SONIC RUSH ‼️‼️‼️🗣️🗣️🗣️

[@cdfam6818]

TOO BLACK TOO STRONG TOO BLACK TOO STRONG

[@Randomswordfighter]

Yuh💪🏾

[@txl17]

The correct reply! Sonic Rush was spreading the knowledge.

[@zaragozrex]

To add some things... Sonic's first English voice was Jaleel White, (yes, Urkel from Family Matters) a Black man. In The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog cartoon which he first played the character in, there was an episode where Sonic met his ancestor in an Egyptian style pyramid. Later, in Sonic Underground, another cartoon where he played the role of Sonic, the titular hedgehog and his siblings are also given explicit Egyptian ancestry. When it comes to the games, a few sources claim Sonic's design is specifically based off the African Pygmy Hedgehog (though take that with a grain of salt, there are many hedgehog species in Europe and Asia as well), and there are murals of hedgehogs in the pyramid levels for Sonic Adventure 2. In Sonic and the Secret Rings, he can also naturally read Arabic, the official language of Egypt, without a need for a translator. And finally, in the Netflix series, Sonic Prime, since it was made in Canada, required a Canadian voice acting group for the English dub. The voice actor for Sonic in that show is Devon Mack, a Black man. So yeah, just wanted to add that. And as a Mexican-American, yeah, we know Rouge is Latina. Shadow is too. IYKYK.

[@gravemind76]

I wouldn't say shadow just because of a meme of a preference in a type. Rouge is a given.

[@notproductiveproductions3504]

As a Hispanic, I don’t see any of us in Shadow. For starters the “there’s always that one emo cousin” stereotype is kinda a new thing since we tend to be 20 years behind in most trends

[@theonlydiego1]

@@notproductiveproductions3504 Look up the emo vs punk war that happened in Mexico!

[@notproductiveproductions3504]

@@theonlydiego1 didn’t my Tios beat the everloving fuck outta both of them?

[@Yume-AW]

How do we know Shadow is Latino? Is that even what you mean? Could you rephrase that?

[@ORLY911]

Surprised you didnt mention Vector with his overt hip hop dj aesthetic

[@MalcomeXnox]

@@ORLY911 honestly I wasent even thinking of vector when making the video. Good catch!

[@ojutay8375]

It's even funnier because in his first appearance the manual states he's looking for God. I personally see him as hotep adjacent

[@kaique22672]

vector parece muito negro pra mim. certeza que ele é

[@necrodamus5481]

The Soundtracks of the games is proof of black culture and community's influence. Also helps that HIS FIRST VA WAS JALEEL WHITE.....a black man most known for Family Matters in the 90's

[@SoloEmpireOfficial]

Black American 🇺🇸💪🏾🇺🇸💪🏾

[@necrodamus5481]

​@@SoloEmpireOfficial Same

[@kammyromero17]

2:30 "MICHAEL JACKSON'S MOONWALKER" WITH MENACING ASS MUSIC IS WILD

[@talkingcoreylittlebigplane6054]

Yeah the music is actually from the beginning of MJ’s song Dirty Diana from his album, Bad

[@JPdraws_]

That’s just Dirty Diana from Michael Jackson dude

[@Its_Star_Brite]

Become a fan Join us today

[@MilkyWayMarsBar]

Since I was a kid, I head cannoned Knuckles to be black (I heard somewhere that the creator for Knuckles was going to give him a Jamaican accent at one point, but SEGA rejected the idea, plus his shoes were based off of the Rastafarian flag, in the IDW he was canonized to have dreadlocks, PLUS his culture and heritage too. ALSO, his main music theme was Rap/Hip Hop.)

[@janelle57759]

Yea Knuckles is black but his culture is Mesoamerican-inspired, and people will try to erase the black influence on him as if both of these things aren't both true. A character can be created with multiple facets and info from all sides.

[@atari9477]

Movie knuckles has a tribal african accent too

[@MilkyWayMarsBar]

@@janelle57759 FR. Like---People are always saying: "Knuckles is Mesoamerican, NOT Black." And to that I always said: "Why can't he be both? I mean, he's inspired by both cultures equally." Seriously; there's tons of black people who are born in Latin American & Hispanic countries. And there are people who have one African parent, and one Hispanic/Latin-American parent. Mixed race people are real, y'all 😭

[@pilot8220]

​@MilkyWayMarsBarTruer words have never been spoken

[@Darkwing709]

@MilkyWayMarsBarlook at the murals found in the pyramids in South America and Olmec statues…there’s really no need to separate them, the ancient Mesoamericans were negroes. The Mendoza codex shows this as well, the mongoloid eurasians came there and mixed the the “black” population there not the other way around. So yeah knuckles design and esthetic is authentic in every way.

[@xhosatribe2525]

No wonder, Sonic is better than Mario.

[@skellybladeskelly]

i would not say better mario better then soinc when it comes to game in my opion but when it comes to story its soinc

[@ssg-eggunner]

They should make mario black smh

[@RichardWaugh-vd2df]

nah Mario trashes Sonic in every medium it’s crazy 💀

[@Phobie_2000]

@@RichardWaugh-vd2df factually incorrect. In terms of consistency in game quality, absolutely. But cartoons, movies, music? Sonic clears.

[@RichardWaugh-vd2df]

@@Phobie_2000 Mario’s one movie is better than all of Sonics fine on music though

[@MrMartellSincere]

Since this video mentioned Sonic The Hedgehog and POC goes well together. I also enjoyed the voice actors for cast of wonderful characters of Sonic The Hedgehog. Good work

[@MalcomeXnox]

Thank you so much for your comment and donation! This one brought a huge smile to my face !!

[@Door3234]

yk this is pretty real, there's also alot of stuff that is rooted in black culture that's indirectly influenced Sonic, like Jimi Hendrix using feedback the way he did making music like Skyscraper Scamper possible, or even just the fact that Rock as a genre has been developed in a large part by black artists, although i would say the glam rock that we hear in Crush 40 is more influenced by autograph and the like, but maybe that's like saying Bardock is the most important character in Dragon Ball just because he's Goku's da

[@MalcomeXnox]

Honestly I never thought about the connections to Jimi Hendrix! I think I took things in a more “hip hop , pop , and R&B” direction because that’s what I was most familiar with growing up.

[@zontopho]

When you mention black culture, do you specifically mean Black American culture? I believe Knuckles design is also based on Jamaican culture and I think it's an interesting note.

[@MalcomeXnox]

@@zontopho I intended to represent Black culture in general as kinda like a catch all term included the Rastafarian aspects of Jamaican culture. But I do think I made the mistake of not specifically mentioning that in regards to knuckles.

[@tylercafe1260]

Jamaican??? Bro this is why I hate gamers. The dude was Aztec. Clearly. In every aspect. We didn't get a rap beat until Sonic Adventure 2. No idea why he's suddenly just "Black" you're all stupid as hell.

[@Volcanic_Eruption]

Knuckles went through many cultural changes throughout the game. His style and color scheme is absolutely Jamaican Rasta, and he was supposed to have a Jamaican accent (and be green for weed but that was obviously scrapped 😂😂). However music-wise Knuckles is associated with Black American music genres, hip hop, rap, jazz, R&B etc. And it's been like that since Sonic 3 with Michael Jackson's music. I'd even argue in Sonic Adventure 1 they added an African aspect to his heritage, namely with the Mystic Ruins and some of the stages in that area. Long story short, Knuckles is a child of the whole Diaspora lol. He extra black

[@Volcanic_Eruption]

Also wanted to add that the main cast mostly use AAVE slang which is Black American culture. Saying things like "that was tight" or "yo" or "wassup". In Sonic Prime Sonic says "Help a brotha out" lmao. So he definitely has heavy Black American influences.

[@2Tune2]

Could be both

[@piccolo9365]

One of my favorite Sonic samples was them sampling Ghetto Red Hot by Super Cat in the second half of Red Mountain in SA1. I only heard the song before when it was playing on this Sirius XM station called Backspin and I’m like “wait ain’t this from Sonic Adventure?”

[@x-0shro]

Another was Mariko Nanba sampling Bring the Noise by Public Enemy in the second half of Wave Ocean - The Water’s Edge in Sonic 06 Sonic is def part of the culture, no matter what people say

[@kingwill0409]

It blew my mind when I first heard that song & I immediately recognized the sample from Red Mountain lol

[@cherry_flavored_content]

ROUGE IS LATINA? Also yes, I love this so much, Sonic has always been rooted in these counter culture aspects that have very strong links to black culture in the USA and I've always found it fascinating; it's allowed me to learn and appreciate a lot about those topics and it also makes the characters more interesting because of it, I think the moment they began to take away those aspects of the characters they start becoming a lot more bland and generic, comparing the Sonic in Frontiers and the Sonic in SA2 is such a jarring contrast.

[@heitorsant1759]

Why do you think Shadow is always hanging out with her?

[@jakeosh]

I like Latinas Sonic - Shadow

[@ravewithyou]

Rouge is based off of a Honduran bat, so, yes, she's Latina. :)

[@HatsonicMiku01]

Compelling Shadouge evidence everyone!

[@sonicroachdoggjrraven3263]

Honduran white bat.

[@annb2586]

Here’s how deep you can go with this: Sonic’s design was inspired by early Mickey Mouse and Oswald the Lucky Rabbit designs. Those designs, in turn, were influenced by early cartoon depictions of Black minstrel performers. You can find this information online, but I recommend watching the animated shorts Little Nemo (1911) and Bosko the Talk-Ink Kid (1929). Notice how the Black characters in those works are reminiscent of Sonic’s early design. The popular, snappy American cartoon character was created as a nod to old minstrel gags and characters from Black minstrel vaudeville acts. So whenever a modern character design leans into the “rubber hose” animation style, remember that it has roots in cartoons created by animators who often modeled their work on minstrel performers. These performers either claimed to authentically represent Black culture-having visited plantations, churches, or cities to “study” Black people-or were Black themselves. American animation and its global popularity simply would not exist without the influence of Black culture.

[@PrincessDaisy-k3e]

I heard that what inspired Mickey Mouse is that he was a replacement of Oswald hoping it be the next big thing or either based on multiple sketch of mouse by Hugh Harman an animator who worked with Walt Disney (don’t know how true that is), along with the reason he had white gloves and human-like hands on was to make it easier to draw and animated hands and try to humanize them in a way and since they were drawn in black ink it was difficult to show their hands without they’re colors blending into the background cause a lot of the short films were not in color. also Walt and his team just generally disliked the way Mouse hands look on Mickey. Can’t really say much for Oswald but apparently one of the reasons why he was made is because it felt like there are enough cartoon cats in media but idk.

[@SanicSez]

Only americans are fool enough to have “black” and “white” culture. American culture is American culture. Why cant yall be like other nations where they just consider them all selves as one culture.

[@TheDayd111returns]

@@SanicSezBecause White people stole and took credit for a lot of inventions that Black created in America. That’s why they separate it. I thought that was obvious.

[@kilochampion787]

Sonic is literally based off of Michael Jackson & Bill Clinton. That dude is 100% light-skin

[@mayoat.y]

Wrong he's based off Santa Claus

[@kilochampion787]

@ actually your wrong

[@mayoat.y]

@@kilochampion787 ​ @kilochampion787 Naoto Oshima was mainly inspired by Christmas and Santa Claus when creating Sonic. Ofc MJ had some influence bc they were trying to catter to american audiences but Christmas Island being Sonic's birthland and Naoto Oshima making a separate version of Nights into Dreams that revolves completely around Christmas proves that holiday was the main inspiration for his shoes and MJ was a secondary inspiration

[@kilochampion787]

@@mayoat.y ☝️🤓

[@prestonanderson1719]

I would say outside of sonic, the general history of music and a lot of other things today have been fueled by the talent of black and minority groups, a lot of the times starting music genres and fashion trends and a lot of things considered counter culture. A lot of the time people don't think or even want to think about how much other cultures contributed to stuff that influence our everyday life's like science, fashion, music, architecture, politics and just art in general. Without all these cultural influences in our everyday life's, the world would be much less unique.

[@Raimu_u]

I agree. Some people don't want to agree even when you pull facts and they still don't want to listen. I could already tell that Black Influence is Influenced on Sonic. Like why some of yall trying to deny it lmao

[@NicoRaimont]

You are SPITTING!!!! I didnt know that about Rouge too, cool vid

[@toughterrains1521]

So THAT'S why Mario lost to Sonic! Makes Sense now. Black culture truely is a blessing shaping our world the way it is today.

[@utopiasonline]

@toughterrains1521 the truth is Mario has never actually lost to Sonic, like ever. Sales wise. But it has allowed Sonic to reach wider audiences by subtle parroting of pop culture throughout the 90s and mid 2000s and has helped maintain relevance.

[@mrtrollnator123]

Fr

[@fromdadarknessofdakut]

lol all yall in this comment section are racist black supremacists talkin about sonic being better than mario and beating him because hes black?? foh

[@fromdadarknessofdakut]

@toughterrains1521 check this black supremacist out

[@TheDayd111returns]

@@fromdadarknessofdakutBlack supremacy? So we’re gonna pretend your white grandparents weren’t part of the lynching “picnics” of innocent Black people in Jim Crow era. So we’re gonna pretend your white ancestors didn’t commit genocide on Jews, Blacks and Native Americans? Don’t act like you don’t know.

[@SonicSwift99]

Nah you buggin the Frontiers soundtrack goes crazy

[@pinkfoxboi1331]

@@SonicSwift99 it's mid

[@primeoctober]

I agree bro idk what hes talking about when we have bangers like undefeatable in the game, AND sonic forces too with infinite & fist bump ig hes just dissing it cause he doesnt like them

[@SonicSwift99]

@@pinkfoxboi1331 Trippin

[@pinkfoxboi1331]

@@SonicSwift99 nah spitting fact's and besides frontiers soundtrack is nothing compared to sonic advanced 1 to 3s their soundtrack is peak sonic music alongside unleashed and sonic chronicles

[@SonicSwift99]

@ Crodie said Chronicles 🤣

[@HOLYVEXZEL]

Just watched Sonic movie 3, the ending Song was another Black influenced song just like the previous movies.

[@gravemind76]

Shadows prison break scene has hip-pop

[@Babsmeme]

Also the music when the eggmen and shadow arrive in london

[@TheHuskyK9]

To add onto that, the Malcolm X sample isn't the only black-inspired sample in the Sonic Rush series. In fact, I'd estimate over 90% of the entire soundtrack has samples from black R&B, house, and even gospel music. Hideki Naganuma (the composer of Sonic Rush & Jet Set Radio) has even admitted he takes inspiration from black artists. To say that black culture *hasn't* influence Sonic is just flat-out wrong.

[@espinoth9913]

My favorite fun fact about Sonic is that the final boss theme of Sonic Rush, 'Wrapped in Black,' mixes a sample from a Malcolm X speech.

[@theboy689]

Tell me you cant hear Tribe Called Quest when you hear aquatic mine, fr

[@glowisbored]

Anyone that wonders what’s the Jackson 5, it was a band of Michael Jackson when he was little with his brothers as a boy band. It was very famous in the 60s and 70s but Michael eventually left the group and became a solo artist, which lead to its downfall.

[@HDAspen]

I’m 33. I’ve literally grew up with blue from my childhood to adulthood. When I played s&k3 for the first time on the genesis, I felt in my soul this boy was black. Lmao the music was a CLEAR indication. ESPECIALLY SONIC 3 and most of the Saturn age music.

[@jarrellfamily1422]

You should have mentioned hideki naganuma who did sonic rush

[@thatoneguyonyourfbthatwont857]

i genuinely love seeing how different aspects of a bunch of different cultures influence media i already love. i really appreciate all of the learning opportunities that come from videos like this! good shit, keep at it :D

[@epicman3181]

11:50 his sonic mania adventures theme is pretty good (a remix to his theme from sonic 3 and knuckles) but i still think unknown from me is better

[@MalcomeXnox]

That mania remix is incredible I will give you that

[@Ronboy-20]

If you consider the old DIC Sonic cartoons canon in any way, Sonic was voiced by Jaleel White (Steve Urkel), a black guy. And many consider him the definitive voice of classic Sonic, which is why people wanted him to voice classic Sonic in Generations. Just something I thought was interesting to point out.

[@fromdadarknessofdakut]

@@Ronboy-20 sonic also has white voice actors and also theres an interview where jaleel white says he doesnt want anyone to assign race to sonic

[@batmanultra7]

Banger. Just found you through this video, I AM HERE FOR AN UNLEASHED RETROSPECTIVE.

[@soupythecat]

I love learning about all the music early Sonic songs were based on. Such a vast field of inspiration.

[@RazorEdge2006]

Michael Jackson + Mickey Mouse + Goku + Mario = Sonic the Hedgehog

[@TheDayd111returns]

Sonic is a mix of America, Black and Japanese culture put together.

[@AlfredFJones1776]

“We wuz hedgehogs n’ shiet.”

[@kammyromero17]

EDITING IS FIRE!! 🔥🔥🔥 and i feel like this video has definitely come out at the perfect time, SONIC IS REALLY HIM!!

[@DarkDesertRose]

Do people not know that Knuckles canonically has dreds? 😂 They said that ages ago, he was even supposed to have a Jamaican accent originally

[@Movingp-tq3mf]

@DarkDesertRose let me get your Instagram?

[@alka6432]

Having dreads doesn't mean your black lmao

[@TheDayd111returns]

@@alka6432So you’re gonna ignore the fact that Knuckles was indeed based off Jamaican culture?

[@sonicdark1375]

The ammount of stuff I learned from this video, not only made me love sonic even more it also made me feel extremely inspired. Thank you so much for sharing this brother 🙏🏿

[@Babsmeme]

I would love if you would make a video on the influences of black culture in general media as a whole. I loved this video and I definitely discovered a new and deeper reason as to why I love the sonic franchise! You've earned my sub.

[@artyom2801]

Jaleel White voicing 5 Sonics (SATAM Sonic, Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog Sonic and Underground's ALL three hedgehogs Including Manic and Sonia) will never stop being funny. It's a good voice, but the fact he VA'd 3 seperate characters that were siblings is funny.

[@BeatEngine-qr7if]

That was the Jaleel White stimulus. They knew he was the star Friday nights in family matters and wanted him to lead into Saturday mornings.

[@YokoChanAdventures]

Yooooo I'm so glad you covered it. I knew MJ had a Huge influences in the franchise in terms of music but that's it. I love this. Thanks for covering it

[@vinodford1448]

Sonic and other characters with them dreads always take it for me

[@boodastillstanding2636]

Not just Sonic but Sega in general showed love to Black Culture in the 90s

[@NotSoGenesiz]

shoutouts to knuckle’s theme in frontiers for being the closest thing to r&b or neo-soul in that entire soundtrack (outside of cyberspace probably lmaooo)

[@pixelateddoctor3274]

you can't have classic sonic without new jack swing

[@insanylum13]

I saw “black creat-“ in the tags and thought that you tagged the video with the Shadow The Hedgehog quote but it just is the black creator tag. LMAOOO!!! Amazing and informative video though.

[@ThatGuySleepyMiles]

I absolutely love this video. It feels like I'm listening to a friend lay down some hot facts on me and I'm nodding along with my hand on my chin like an anime character or somethig. (I'll just give 1 piece of advice, start doing some second takes or cuts for when you flub your sentences, to make it a bit easier to follow.)

[@MalcomeXnox]

@@ThatGuySleepyMiles I wanna say thank you for the comment and I’ll definitely make sure to improve upon my audio in feature videos!

[@ThatGuySleepyMiles]

@MalcomeXnox Keep going strong, man! This video was super informative and super fun, I sent it to a friend before I finished it and came back to it after I had to set it aside to watch Sonic 3!

[@simplyzam]

Let not forget during the Dreamcast era sonic was also coo with Allen Iverson 😂

[@notsans9995]

Rumour has it that hedgehog commit more than 50% of all crime despite being less than 13% of the population

[@SonicKid_05]

All the Stardust Speedway mixes had to be influenced by black culture.

[@Arvoyea]

Sonic CD's original soundtrack has inspirations in the House music genre (1980s', in Chicago, Illinois) and the UK Rave scene that was gaining traction in Japan by the time CD's development happened. And even Sonic 1 and 2 has track that can feel similar despite being composed by someone (Masato Nakamura) from a J-Pop band (which has influences from funk and R&B in the 70s' and 80s' onward)

[@SonicKid_05]

@@Arvoyea Good to know👍

[@pilot8220]

@@Arvoyea All that to say it was still influenced by Black culture

[@Arvoyea]

@@pilot8220 it can help to give specific cases

[@moonshoes8931]

I've always claimed Knuckles as Mexican because of the Mesoamerican influence of the echidnas, but you brought up a good point with the dreadlocks, and the overall hip hop influence he had in his themes and stage songs. I think Knuckles belongs to both my new headcanon is he's Afro-Latino

[@gravemind76]

I think shadow is more afro-Latino inho. He was profiled on introduction and they gave the black hedgehog a glock. Lol

[@moonshoes8931]

@gravemind76 i see it fs

[@XavielArt]

This is a fire ass vid! Also in SA2 one of the composers for Shadows tracks in Sa2 is black btw

[@StarSquadEnt]

I always ALWAYS thought Sonic was black. No other game I played sounded like Sonic, Jaleel White voiced him in the nineties, he had attitude, cracked jokes in the face of danger like the fresh prince. And when I read in the game guide Knuckles had dreadlocks it sealed the deal for me when I was like 7years old.

[@donnellmadison5586]

The bass from labrith zone is the same as best of my love and bridge zone from sega master system's sonic 2 is very similar to janet jackson's together again

[@williamhanekom9882]

Really excellent video, there's generally not enough video essay's exploring the nuanced cultural zeitgeist the sonic franchise was birthed from imo. Another interesting thing to read into with Sonic are it's environmentalist/civil rights themes. Robotnik is an obscenely power hungry egomaniac, often colonising new locations, stealing artefacts and either assimilating, or destroying the native populations for his own benefit. He even prefer's the company of unquestioning machines over people. Sonic's main line of characters are more often than not systemically affected by this, Yes...even Big The Cat. Especially considering that animals either provide the power source for the robots or get turned into robots themselves in the games/cartoons/comics.

[@KnucklesTheEchidna.]

I prefer Hunnid P's version of my theme song. No disrespect to Dredd (Cause that man is a legend for my SA1 theme) but Hunnid puts the grit and and rawness into my theme that blends with that soulfulness of Marlon. When that comes on it gives you the feeling of "Yeah this is the man we grew up with since 94. He still on his grind to this day. He taught me to take pride who I am and where I come from and to never back down when things get tough." #YearOfKnuckles2025

[@DaARK_Chocolategang]

Sonic being a hedgehog apeals way more to a general audience, than a Italian plumber. Anyone can identify with, which is something beautiful.

[@vaporduckwave]

I myself am not black but as I got older I can really hear the influence of black music in the osts, sonic cd especially, and of course Rouge's very jazzy sa2 tracks

[@Maximum4power]

there are so many sonic characters that are black

[@xandrietv6958]

Thanks for the vid! I knew some things like knuckles and the whole MJ thing, but the other things are pretty cool! its great how AA culture is still in sonic media including in all the movies I'm like Sonic really messes with this lol.

[@Not_so_chill_guy]

Unrelated note Mario is the chick-fil-a of the gaming industry

[@micah_hedgehog]

I was JUST gonna make a video on this lmao. This explains the influence of Sonic perfectly bro this is good shit man 🙇🏿🙇🏿🙇🏿🙇🏿

[@ravsucks]

even before the MJ Sonic 3 soundtrack, the new jack swing influence is unmistakable in those first few games! also, jaleel white being THE voice of American Sonic in the 90s

[@waypastcoolkid]

You missed out on the detail that Sonic’s shoes were based on the boots that Michael wore in the music video for Bad and Speed Demon, which is the same outfit he wore on the album cover. The strap and buckle design that Michael wore inspired the straps and buckles on Sonic’s shoes! :)

[@AydenSuro]

Very entertaining and informative video!! Great job

[@MalcomeXnox]

I’m glad you enjoyed it‼️‼️

[@libraking601]

Born in '90, Sonic has always been my ninja 🥷🏿 since day 1 back in Sega Genesis days

[@DoubleO88]

In my opinion, if they were human Sonic: Japanese kid heavily influenced by hip hop, black American culture. Knuckles: Caribbean black kid Tails: white kid

[@ThisisAOTV]

Aye I think you got it 😅

[@pilot8220]

Nah Knuckles is Black American kid

[@jerviasjohnson700]

🗣️ “TOO BLACK!!!” 🗣️ “TOO STRONG!!!”

[@Chris-v5p1f]

Just got a sonic forces ad while watching this 😭

[@comefwtee]

I’m not putting it over Unknown from Me, but Knuck if you Buck is a good theme song for Knuckles

[@Negameleon]

Good video, I think there's more to be said about the subject but the perspective through Sonic's music is great.

[@jamal874]

Frontiers had a DOPE soundtrack, you put some respect on it. I agree with the rest

[@jjoshi4858]

I'd like to add that in the present version of Stardust Speedway, the vocals saying "get funky be funky etc." is black af and you can't tell me otherwise.

[@Dailvin]

13:56 the klan ka klan even going to the Sonic fan base is crazy

[@mushroomdude123]

I miss the black influence that Sonic used to have in the late 90s/early 2000s. We need that spice back.

[@OShaggenussyGarrity]

Also, if you're looking for that song that defines Knuckles, have you tried "Door Into Summer" from Knuckles Chaotix? It was in Sonic Generations as the bonus room music.

[@chefbruhardee3590]

YOOO YOOO YOOO STOP FORCES SOUNDTRACK IS ABSOLUTE HEAT BRO DONT EVER DISRESPECT IT LIKE THAT

[@just_drew1831]

Naw bro cooked with this. The REAL og Sonic fans already knew this but I’m glad it’s getting a proper video dissection& breakdown. Well done 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🔥🔥🔥

[@sbdevon9700]

Fun fact in a early sega magazine article they referred knuckles to having Jamaican roots

[@Sly_Maverick_31]

Commenting for the algorithm. I also subbed. This was a great vid, fam.

[@dirtypms]

Does Sonic being voiced by Jaleel White in the 90s count as being partly inspired by black culture? If so, there's one more thing.

[@justingarrett2239]

Bro I've been WAITING for a video game like this!!! I have a PLETHORA of reasons why I think Sonic is/would be Black!! I also found out recently that he's based on an African Pygmi Hedgehog so I'mma add that too the list😎. But yeah from Jaleel White, to him always breakdancing or being behind the turntables on official artwork, his character being partly based/influenced by on Michael Jackson, him being "The Fastest Thing Alive", the Malcolm X "Too Black, Too Strong" sample, and all of the other musical influences they use in his games, I'm convinced Sonic is Black.

[@DoomGuyOG93]

Funny, I always thought Sonic was a hedgehog 🤔🤷‍♂️

[@pilot8220]

@@DoomGuyOG93 No, thats just you being willfully obtuse

[@DoomGuyOG93]

@ if that’s the case then why did he change the title of the video?

[@justingarrett2239]

@@DoomGuyOG93 I don't remember the original title of the video, but I'm sure it's so people wouldn't start complaining or have a visceral reaction when they see the title

[@DoomGuyOG93]

@@justingarrett2239 that’s funny, now would people have a visceral reaction to a harmless title? Could it be that *maybe* they are tired of black people always latching onto and claiming everything even tho they only had a minuscule contribution to it? This is coming from a black man btw

[@dreamsprayanimation]

You have Little Richard to thank for Sonic Buttrock.

[@sharksocks8130]

Never cared about sonic until a few years ago, I’m a huuuuuuge Music guy and I remember finding this video explaining Sonic’s music and I was like ok I’ve heard sonic has “good” music, bro when it got to sonic cd and all the new jack swing influences (then I went into a njs rabbit hole) that was my gateway to get into sonic as a franchise while

[@Loriddian]

Not entirely but the 2000s era "Cool sonic" (my favorite). yes it's exactly what you described.

[@TristenUrBoi]

93'till infinity is such a bop

[@JoshuaPryce-ps7hx]

The music of inspiration comes from all kinds of people and forces.

[@coughidareyou3797]

Sure bud

[@guapito_angelito]

MY BOY SOCK TALKING HIS SHIT!!! 🔥🔥🔥 It's good we're talking about this, black history shaped the legacy that is Sonic.

[@czms922]

Sonic is just too cool to not have black soul in his media

[@Five_FingersofDeath]

So THAT'S why Sonic lost to Mario! Makes sense now.

[@Maximum4power]

FOR REAAAAAL

[@bandusphonechannel879]

Mario loses to sonic what you saying bro😂

[@afronautexplorer144]

It was actually MARIO THAT LOST TO SONIC LOL

[@triggeredxbot3251]

Sonic is and will always be better than Mario. SEGA Does What Nintendon't.

[@blackbankers1883]

Sonic makes Mario his bitch. Mario is just a creep of a plumber, always simping for the wrong woman he calls princess. It's pathetic. Just goes to show the lack of standards Nintendo has for their own fat plumber.

[@Fadertrader1321]

Bro please make a pt2 I loved learning about this

[@e69alpha]

i'll never forget he was overturning the turn table for the dreamcast. Also that rock n roll pivot in the 2000s

[@devionewilkins8903]

Sonic was originally voiced by a black man from the early 90s too.

[@melrose246]

Jaleel White i think...

[@BlackRaveBow]

I feel like this is common knowledge but the better question and video I would like to see is why after sonic adventure, they strayed away from black culture, hip hop, jazz, skater influences and towards more of a white, rock heavy metal aesthetic.

[@MalcomeXnox]

Probably in favor of making Sonic more of a corporate brand friendly hero instead of him having his edge and personality

[@BlackRaveBow]

@ I mean heavy metal still has edge.

[@jamman9569]

Skater? That's American culture in general.

[@MsMvsc]

For the longest time I never vibed with most sonic human interpretations. Then i saw people saying he'd be light skinned and it all clicked 😂

[@deedeedeedeedeedeedeedeedeedee]

The statement in the original tweet was it "wouldn't exist without" not "hasn't been influenced by"

[@MalcomeXnox]

I mean thats just blatantly true, if Sega never took inspiration from these famous people than the Sonic we know today would be very different. I agree with that statement and my video was intended to shine a light on the influences within the franchise

[@grantellington1623]

Yo Malcolme thanks for pmo to this no wonder why I love the franchise’s soundtracks

[@MalcomeXnox]

No problem! I’m glad I was able to help 🔥

[@neometer8814]

I've always favored Sonic to be the true video game icon over Mario. Mario fanboys are why more toxic and annoying than Sonic fans

[@Chillin-jg8vg]

In one comment section someone said both Sonic and Mario fans can be toxic and than one comment was saying "Sonic fans are way worse" and he got mad that someone made a Sonic vs Mario video and made an overly long comment about why Mario would win and than I said "Guy is coping that Sonic is beating Mario" because Sonic would is faster than the speed of light Mario isn't touching Sonic and than he said "Light speed is all you got Sonic is an baby Mario victim" and another comment was someone said he's an Mario fan but he acknowledges Sonic would whoop him and than a Mario fanboy commented that "Your not an real Mario fan" people always claim Sonic fans are toxic but never talk about the shit Mario fans do.

[@glowisbored]

People think Sonic fans are more toxic? I’d say Mario fans are way more toxic. No matter how much times you try to tell them true fully, they’ll always just be like “nO, MaRiO sOlOs”

[@Stoplookingathatistolethis]

​@@glowisboredbro as both a Sonic and Mario fan Sonic would clear him anyday

[@glowisbored]

@@Stoplookingathatistolethis fr

[@ssg-eggunner]

I dont see all mario fans going mental over minor design aspects of a character

[@EngageNow]

The more I see it I think a lot of sega franchises take influence from black culture like bayonetta, mad world/ anarchy rains, jetset radio and I think a little bit of persona 5. Idk about that last one. It could be wrong

[@AlriikLives]

The jazz feel is unmistakable. And jazz doesn't exist without black culture. That, and the whole "Rebellion against the set up, messed up culture" is pretty black culture, even if the "mixed" character is half white. But I'm a honky, so I dunno if I'm out of line but right or just completely off the mark. I think there's only, like, a single black person in all of Persona 5, and he's, like, a door guard who doesn't speak the language well but is trying to be decent to everyone around him.