Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat
Major Lazer has spent the better part of the last few years dropping beats and making booties shake. The out of this world live shows have been a hallmark of the group’s reputation and the larger than life characterization of Major Lazer has become some what of an icon in the electronic dance music world. It’s only appropriate that they get their own cartoon. While the show is a longtime coming and anticipation has built for the premiere over some time, FXX has released a new trailer and behind the scenes look at the latest edition to their Animation Domination block.
Stereogum reported on the show’s new trailer explaining that the cartoon focuses on the titular character, Major Lazer, in post-apocalyptic Jamaica. Major Lazer is voiced by Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, best known as Lost fan favorite Mr. Eko, and stable of famous names are joining in on the voice talent including Oscar winner JK Simmons, Aziz Ansari, Andy Samberg, Riff Raff, Charli XCX and Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig will be taking the role of a vegan vampire, naturally.
The cartoon itself pays homage to the cartoons of the 80s, drawing obvious comparisons to the GI Joe series. Diplo explains that the cartoon has been in plans for years and derives off of the pop culture influences he and fellow group members Jillionaire and Walshy Fire grew up with. Art Director Ferry Gouw illustrates the show and has been designing flyers and record covers for the group and brings the same style to the show. Akinnuoye-Agbaje gushes that “the minute you watch it, it’s like being high” in describing the overall design of the show which has neon visuals and trippy sequences that are sure to emulate the Major Lazer music catalog. At the same time, the cartoon is looking to capture the essence of Jamaican music culture and transcend all the musical influences of the group in one concise package.
Major Lazer premieres on FXX’s Animation Domination block on April 16.
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