Megan Thee Stallion has captivated the world not just with her chart-topping hits and confident persona, but also with her unapologetic embrace of her passions, including her deep love for anime. Fans are curious about the woman behind the music and the “Hot Girl” energy, and one common question arises: How Old Is Megan Thee Stallion?
Born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete on February 15, 1995, in San Antonio, Texas, Megan Thee Stallion is currently 29 years old as of late 2024. Her age is often a point of interest as she has achieved remarkable success in a relatively short period, dominating the rap scene and becoming a cultural icon. But beyond her age, it’s her multifaceted personality and interests that truly make her stand out. One of these prominent passions is her love for Japanese anime, which she openly shares with her global fanbase.
Megan’s journey into the world of anime began with Adult Swim’s late-night programming on Cartoon Network. She was particularly drawn to Inuyasha, captivated by its intricate storyline. This fascination highlights a key element of anime’s appeal: its compelling narratives. Anime often delves into themes of personal growth, the pursuit of honor, complex character development, and unique philosophies. These elements resonate deeply with viewers, much like Western audiences connect with stories rooted in frontier narratives.
In an interview, Megan articulated what draws her to anime: “I like how it looks. I don’t know what it is about Japanese culture but the way that they portray their women. She’s super strong or she’s like a super loving motherly wife type. But like the men in anime, their main mission is going out and fighting because they’re trying to hold it down for a woman. That’s really what it be like and I really love that.” She further elaborated on her appreciation for character development and overcoming adversity, stating, “Like there’s always a reason why these people are going so hard and nine times out of ten it’s all because of a lady. I also like to see the struggle from beginning to end. Like what did this character have to go through to grow into what they became? Maybe they getting ass-whooped in one episode but by the end of it they’ve defeated everybody and now they’ve leveled up so much. And I feel like I can relate to that in real life.”
This sense of relatability is a cornerstone of anime’s widespread appeal, fostering a strong connection among fans, mirroring the community found within Western genre fandoms. Megan is part of a growing and vibrant community of Black anime enthusiasts, contributing to a broader movement that challenges conventional Western expectations, much like the “yeehaw agenda” reclaims and reinterprets Western aesthetics. Artists like Megan Thee Stallion are instrumental in creating platforms for diverse creative expressions that blend anime, Western fashion, and hip-hop culture.
Her passion for anime reached a new level when she graced the cover of Paper magazine, embodying her beloved anime character, Shoto Todoroki, from the popular series My Hero Academia. This marked the birth of her anime-inspired alter ego, Todoroki Tina. Shoto Todoroki, a character created by Kohei Horikoshi, possesses the unique ability to wield both fire and ice. Megan was particularly drawn to Todoroki’s journey of overcoming internal conflicts. In a Crunchyroll interview, she explained, “Being an adult and watching anime, I really like the storylines. You see a character who might not be the strongest. You grow with that character. You meet new people along the way as they try to be the hero and become the person they need to be.” Crunchyroll further celebrated her fandom by animating her character in the My Hero Academia style and creating a merchandise line featuring her anime persona.
Megan Thee Stallion’s prominent position as a mainstream artist openly embracing anime has had a significant impact. Cosplayers, particularly within the Black community, have cited her as an inspiration to confidently express their fandom. Taylor Hobbs, a Black cosplayer known as YourFavoriteSenpaii, shared her experience of finding acceptance and community within cosplay. Inspired by Sailor Moon, Hobbs initially felt nervous about cosplaying at conventions but was met with overwhelming support. Now based in Houston, like Megan Thee Stallion, Hobbs expressed her admiration for Megan’s influence: “When I moved to Houston, Megan was starting to pop. It was cool she was from Texas, and I just moved to Texas. When I found out Megan was into anime I was like ‘bet’ I’m really about to listen to her.”
In conclusion, Megan Thee Stallion, at 29 years old, is more than just a successful rapper. She is a cultural force who redefines perceptions of the “West” by integrating diverse art forms and performance styles, including her cherished anime fandom. Her influence extends beyond music, inspiring individuals to embrace their passions and express themselves authentically within various creative communities. As we look to the future of artistic expression, artists like Megan Thee Stallion are crucial in shaping a more inclusive and dynamic cultural landscape.
