Anyone who's seen the video for "Hey Ya!" knows that Andre "3000" Benjamin is a character. Now, he's an animated character as well. Inspired by the singer's childhood, Cartoon Network's new Class of 3000 is the story of a disillusioned entertainer who spurns superstardom to mentor a class of talented young musicians. In addition to cocreating and producing the show, the Grammy Award winner also composes music for each episode, and voices his alter ego, Sunny Bridges. TVGuide.com recently spoke with the multitalented performer about his new venture, premiering this Friday, Nov. 3, at 8 pm/EST.
TVGuide.com: It seems like Class of 3000 is geared towards kids, but there's a lot in there for adults as well.Andre Benjamin: Yeah, I feel like our target audience is kids, but if you're an adult and you love music and cartoons, yread more
Robert Edelstein, father of kids 11, 7 and 2 and frequent contributor to TV Guide on the subject of kids' TV, recently exchanged some observations about the new fall season with Tv Guide's family editor, Michael Davis. They screened previews of some new and returning shows for schoolkids, including one from André Benjamin of OutKast.
Michael Davis: I love the idea that André Benjamin from OutKast has created a series for Cartoon Network, entitled Class of 3000 (November, Cartoon Network). You liked it, right?
Robert Edelstein: Absolutely — though, to be fair, I've only seen one two-minute preview reel. But you can tell by the style, the look, the sound of the voices and the pedigree (Benjamin and cocreator Tread more