The Cel-Shaded Slayer: Unpacking The Viral Juice WRLD Fortnite Skin And Its Anime Inspiration

The "cel-shaded Juice WRLD" phenomenon is not just a fan art trend but a massive, official tribute that has dominated the gaming and music worlds as of late 2024. This unique visual style, which mimics the look of traditional 2D animation and anime, became the centerpiece of a historic collaboration between the late rapper’s estate and the global gaming giant, Epic Games, immortalizing Jarad Anthony Higgins’ legacy in the virtual world of *Fortnite*.

As of late November and early December 2024, the highly-anticipated cel-shaded Slayer Juice WRLD Outfit was released, quickly becoming one of the game's most talked-about cosmetic additions. This article dives deep into the inspiration, the full collection of items, and the profound significance of this stylistic choice that connects the "Lucid Dreams" artist's music, personal passions, and enduring influence with a new generation of fans.

Jarad Anthony Higgins: A Brief Biography and Digital Legacy

The man behind the music, Jarad Anthony Higgins, better known as Juice WRLD, was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who became a leading figure in the emo-rap and SoundCloud rap genres. His short but impactful career left an indelible mark on modern music, characterized by his raw, emotional lyrics and melodic delivery.

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• Full Name: Jarad Anthony Higgins
• Born: December 2, 1998, in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Died: December 8, 2019, at age 21
• Genres: Emo rap, SoundCloud rap, trap, hip hop, R&B
• Signature Number: 999 (meaning "the opposite of 666," turning bad circumstances into something positive)
• Mother: Carmella Wallace
• Breakthrough Single: "Lucid Dreams" (2018)
• Studio Albums:
  • *Goodbye & Good Riddance* (2018)
  • *Death Race for Love* (2019)
  • *Legends Never Die* (Posthumous, 2020)
  • *Fighting Demons* (Posthumous, 2021)
  • *The Party Never Ends* (Posthumous, 2024)
• Posthumous Collaborations: The Kid Laroi, Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Eminem
• Digital Legacy: The cel-shaded *Fortnite* skin is a key part of his continuing digital presence, honoring his love for video games.

The Cel-Shaded Style: Bridging Anime, Music, and Gaming

The decision to use a cel-shaded art style for the Slayer Juice WRLD Outfit was a deliberate and meaningful choice, directly linking his music videos to his presence in *Fortnite*. Cel-shading is a rendering technique that makes 3D computer graphics appear flat, like a hand-drawn cartoon or anime, giving the character model thick, defined outlines and simplified shading.

Inspired by "Righteous" and Anime Culture

The most direct inspiration for the cel-shaded skin comes from the animated sequence in Juice WRLD's music video for his 2020 single, "Righteous." In that portion of the video, an anime-esque version of the rapper appears, often depicted wearing an outfit that aligns with the aesthetic of the *Fortnite* skin. This look is a clear nod to his appreciation for the anime and manga culture that heavily influences modern hip-hop and youth culture.

Furthermore, the name of the skin, "Slayer Juice WRLD Outfit," has sparked considerable discussion among fans. Many believe the "Slayer" title is a direct reference to the popular anime series *Demon Slayer*, given the animated style and the thematic connection to his music video persona. Another popular theory suggests the inspiration also draws from the animated sequences in the music video for his song "Already Dead."

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A Unique Look in the Icon Series

The cel-shaded aesthetic sets the Slayer Outfit apart from the standard, more realistic Icon Series skins in *Fortnite*, such as those for Travis Scott, Eminem, or Snoop Dogg. While *Fortnite* also released a standard, non-cel-shaded Juice WRLD skin for purchase, the cel-shaded version was offered as a special, limited-time free gift to the community.

The Full Slayer Juice WRLD Cosmetic Collection

The cel-shaded Slayer Juice WRLD Outfit was part of a comprehensive cosmetic bundle, designed to celebrate the rapper's life, music, and his personal passion for video games. The collaboration was a key feature of the Fortnite Chapter 2 Remix: The Finale event, highlighting the significance of the tribute.

Players who logged into *Fortnite* during a specific window in late November 2024 were automatically gifted the entire set of cel-shaded cosmetics. The full collection of items granted for free included:

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• Slayer Juice WRLD Outfit: The primary cel-shaded skin, inspired by his animated music video appearances.
• 999 Knives Back Bling: A backpack accessory featuring the rapper's signature number, 999.
• 999 Knives Pickaxe: A harvesting tool matching the aesthetic of the Back Bling.
• Adventure, Remix'd Loading Screen
• Number One Remix Loading Screen
• Remix With The Golden Touch Loading Screen
• Juice's WRLD Loading Screen: This screen featured unique art by the renowned Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, adding another layer of artistic depth to the collaboration.

The collection also featured the introduction of the WRLD Point Landmark on the *Fortnite* map, a growing area that blossomed throughout the week of the event, further cementing his presence in the game's landscape.

A Tribute to Passion and Connection: The 999 Legacy

Beyond the unique art style, the *Fortnite* collaboration is a powerful tribute to Juice WRLD's life and his deep connection to the gaming community. His mother, Carmella Wallace, provided a heartfelt statement regarding the partnership, emphasizing the personal significance of the project.

“Jarad always loved to play *Fortnite* – it was more than just entertainment for him, it was a way to connect with others,” Wallace stated. She highlighted that video games were a fundamental part of how he bonded with friends and family from a young age, making his inclusion in *Fortnite* an "incredible tribute" to that connection.

The ubiquitous presence of the number 999 throughout the cosmetic set—on the Back Bling, the Pickaxe, and even teased in the Chapter 2 Remix trailer—serves as a constant reminder of Juice WRLD's core message. The philosophy of 999 encourages fans to embrace positivity and turn negative situations around, a message that continues to resonate globally and is now permanently woven into the fabric of one of the world's biggest video games.

This cel-shaded skin is more than just a digital item; it is a fusion of modern art, anime aesthetics, and a heartfelt memorial. It ensures that the music and spirit of Jarad Anthony Higgins—Juice WRLD—will continue to reach and inspire millions of players in a dynamic and visually stunning new format.