Christopher Brendan Ward IV (born September 2, 1975), better known by the stage name MC Chris (stylized in all lower case),[4] is an American rapper, voice actor, comedian, and writer. He is recognized for his high-pitched voice and for blending his "geek” background with a “gangsta rap” persona, leading to the popularization of the nerdcore genre originally pioneered by MC Frontalot.[5] He has released ten albums, five EPs, one re-release, and a tenth-anniversary edition of his recordings with the Lee Majors.
He also worked on Sealab 2021, contributing as a writer and voicing the recurring character Hesh Hepplewhite, as well as playing the twins who portray Dolphin Boy in a behind-the-scenes episode. Additionally, Ward was a production assistant and writer for The Brak Show, where he contributed to episodes such as "Brakstreet" and "Shadows of Heat," and voiced a character in "Brakstreet". He also voiced Ward Willoughby in the 2002 pilot for Evan Dorkin's Welcome to Eltingville. He further extended his contributions as a writer for Space Ghost: Coast to Coast and made a cameo in the 2003 episode "Baffler Meal."
In October 2004, he announced his resignation from Cartoon Network on his blog[9] to focus on his recording career. However, in 2018, it was revealed that his departure was also influenced by a deeply distressing experience while working on Sealab 2021. He alleged that in 2001, he was sexually assaulted by Matt Thompson, a senior figure on the show. This incident, along with ongoing harassment and resulting trauma, ultimately contributed to his decision to leave the network.[10]
After a temporary hiatus, he returned to Adult Swim in 2010 as a red Gummi bear named Gummi in Cheyenne Cinnamon and the Fantabulous Unicorn of Sugar Town Candy Fudge.[11] He continued working on the mc chris cartoon, crowdfunding part of the pilot's production,[12] and planned to collaborate with the creators of Metalocalypse for the full series. However, the show was never completed or aired on Cartoon Network, in part due to tensions stemming from the assault and unresolved issues between mc chris and Thompson. Fans would later speculate that these tensions influenced Thompson's decision to focus on other projects, leading to his co-creation and executive production of the successful series Archer instead.[13] As a result, mc chris redirected his creative efforts into music, contributing theme songs for several of the SModcast Internet Radio (S.I.R.) programs, including those for the original SModcast, Blow Hard,[14]Bagged & Boarded, and Jay & Silent Bob Get Old.
In 2018, Ward announced that the mc chris cartoon had resumed production.[15] The project was ultimately shelved due to a combination of industry challenges, including the 2021 Hollywood strikes, disruptions in streaming services, and a downturn in the streaming industry. Additionally, waning interest in Ward's music, highlighted by increasing concerns and criticisms from fans regarding his behavior and interactions,[16][17][18][19] further contributed to the decision to put the mc chris cartoon on hold indefinitely.[20][21][22][23]
Music
Ward originally performed with The Lee Majors. While he is one of the artists most closely associated with the genre of nerdcore,[24][25][26] he had been hesitant to accept the nerdcore label and described his music as "a genre in and of itself".[27] as well as expressing concern over limiting himself to such a narrow audience and subject matter.[28][29] He has appeared in news stories dealing with nerd culture and nerdcore.[30] Of his nerdcore background, he said, "It's nice that a lot of folks consider me part of it. It's actually embarrassing how I used to think I was the only one playing with Star Wars toys and making music, and it just wasn't true. I have absolutely no problem with the label now."[31] Although he has collaborated with various labels in the past, including Good Charlotte's DC Flag, MC Chris primarily self-releases his music independently.[32][33]
Personal life
In July 2012, Ward instructed security guards at his Philadelphia show to eject an audience member who had criticized his opening act, Richie Branson, on Twitter.[34] Following backlash from fans, Ward issued a video apology, and the fan received a refund, later describing the humiliation in a Reddit post.[35] The fallout had a lasting impact on Ward's career,[36][37] causing him to later confirm that he would retire from touring. A farewell tour followed.[38][39]
Discography
Studio albums
Life's a Bitch and I'm Her Pimp (2001)
Knowing Is Half the Hassle (2003)
Eating's Not Cheating (2004)
Dungeon Master of Ceremonies (2006)
MC Chris Is Dead (2008)
MC Chris Goes To Hell (2010)
Race Wars (2011)
Foreverrr (2014)
MC Chris Is Dreaming (2016)
#mcchrisisgoodmusic (2018)
King in Black (2024)
Children's albums
Marshmellow Playground (2011)
Marshmellow Campground (2017)
Compilation albums
The New York University 8-Track Discography 10th Anniversary Edition (2007)
