Some light spoilers present. Read with caution.
Towards the beginning of watching this show, I couldn't help but draw similarities between the two. Both include characters that share similarities in some ways (Mugen being similar to Spike, Jin closest to Jet, and Fuu most similar to Faye) and follow a procedural episode format, for the most part. This means that any conflict introduced in an episode is usually solved by the end of the episode. This is the opposite of a cohesive story being present. However, throughout Samurai Champloo the characters are continuously on a journey to find the "man who smells of sunflowers". In Cowboy Bebop, there is less of a "main plot" and this procedural structure is even more embraced until towards the end. I can keep nit-picking on similarities but truly I couldn't help but notice them for a while of watching. Cowboy Bebop is Sci-fi with Jazz / Noir Music while Samurai Champloo is feudal / Edo Japan with Hip hop.
The similarities ARE there, however, as I kept on watching I less-so followed this mindset and started to view Samurai Champloo for what it is. It formed its own identity and became less about some of the things that reminded me of another show that the creators worked on. That should not be the mindset going in, and if it is I recommend either rewatching or just pretending that Bebop doesn't exist for a little bit.
You can still prefer one over the other, but it should not be for a reason as simple as "I prefer jazz to hip hop" or "feudal Japan to space". This being said, I invite you to form separate opinions on the two. They are two different works of art.
As for my feelings towards Samurai Champloo... its wonderful.
I personally believe the series' own "magnum opus" occurred during the ending of episode 11. If you watch you'll see what I mean, and I am by no means the only one who felt this way.
Thanks for reading.
