A controversial eating choice that has brought Lil Baby into the minds of Japanese people.

While rap music does have a presence in Japan, it is hardly at the forefront of the culture. But recently an event in the hip hop world occurred that was so shocking it reverberated all the way to the land of the rising sun.

The incident took place during a Source Magazine documentary on Atlanta-based rapper Dominique Jones, aka Lil Baby.

About three minutes into the video Lil Baby visits a supermarket to purchase some snacks including a pack of diced watermelon. When he leaves the store, you can see him holding the watermelon, while using his other hand to sprinkle a can of salt onto the juicy fruit.

The crew was visibly shocked by the seasoning, leading Lil Baby to ask, “You never seen that?” He then explained, “Probably some down south sh*t. Probably is….”

His trailing off was indicative of a momentary reflection prompting Lil Baby to ask again in disbelief, “You ain’t ever seen that?” The person behind the camera confirms, causing Lil Baby to remark, “Damn.”

That brief interchange was but a microcosm of a greater cultural divide, further seen in the YouTube comments for this video piece.

“Real southern boy salt on the watermelon boi ya late on this.”
“Bru Mexicans stay puttin salt on fruit lol. I was puttin salt on oranges and watermelon in 3rd grade.”
“Y’all trippin if you don’t put salt on yo watermelon.”
“Bro that salt on the watermelon had me confused AF. It’s cuz I’m from LA.”
“Ain’t neva seen no salt on watermelon, thought it was sugar at first haha.”
“I thought he poured salt on strawberries I was like wtf but when I seen it was watermelon I was like ok that’s normal.”
“Mexicans be doin that salt wit watermelon sh*t too.”

Little did everyone know, that far off in the land of Japan, putting salt on watermelon is also a common practice. However, up until now, many people out here had thought they were alone in doing it and felt a certain kinship with this musician from a distant land.

“I always thought salt on watermelon was only a Japanese thing?!”
“Salt is good, but putting lemon on watermelon is the real deal.”
“When I was a kid I didn’t like the taste of watermelon, so I used a lot of salt to cover it up.”
“Salting the watermelon helps bring out the sweetness.”
“Salt on watermelon is gross.”

As the last comment illustrated, not everyone is a fan of putting salt on watermelon, but everyone in Japan has heard of it. It’s such a widely held custom out here that when Pepsi Japan released their watermelon flavored soda, they went and made it a Salty Watermelon flavored Pepsi.

So, Lil Baby, if any other those northerners are giving you static about your salty watermelon lifestyle, rest assured Japan has your back. Maybe you can even come do a tour here, where everyone brings their own watermelon and you make it rain salt. Just make sure everyone’s wearing goggles and free of open wounds.

Source:  FNMNL, My Game News Flash
Images: YouTube/The Source TV