With the popularity of the animated band, Gorillaz, and the recent announcement of a Cartoon Network/Andre Benjamin (Andre 3000 of Outkast) series, it seems like pop music and animation double teams are just what the kids are craving. And now, Warner Strategic Marketing and Headstart Ent. have announced that they’ve got the beat, having entered into an exclusive distribution agreement for the launch of Da Jammies.
A new direct-to-DVD animated series, Da Jammies aims to teach young viewers life lessons with a blend of hip-hop beats, kicking dance moves, the latest in fashion and ethnically diverse characters tweens can relate to. The show centers on two groups of kids, the well-to-do BattleBrats from the ‘burbs and inner city denizens Da Jammies. Both crews attend a performing arts school where they struggle to balance real-life issues with their dreams of making it as rappers and singers.
Toon Farm founders and music industry vets Aulsondro "Novelist" Hamilton and William "Dolla" Chapman II serve as co-exec producers, co-writers and co-stars on Da Jammies. "When William and I were growing up, there were television shows around us like Schoolhouse Rock and Fat Albert that taught strong values and positive lessons," Hamilton notes. "William and I both have young children now and we know how hard it is to find constructive parent-friendly entertainment for kids. We want Da Jammies to be the hip new version of Schoolhouse Rock."
The show’s hip-hopping voice cast features MC Lyte, songwriter and producer Pittboss and MTV’s La La and DJ Clue. Ginuwine and Mario also make guest appearances. The first Da Jammies DVD will release early in 2006, equipped with two episodes, bonus material and a soundtrack CD.
