Rapping for a cure

Alumni Profile: Chris Ward

Graduated: 1997

Major: Dramatic Writing

NYU alumnus Chris Ward trained to roll film. But that's not the only arts medium he's dipped his hand into.

Since graduating from the Tisch School of the Arts in 1997, Ward is better known by his stage name, MC Chris.

Ward transferred from the Art Institute of Chicago to NYU in 1993 with hopes of breaking into the film industry. Although he said he was concerned about pursuing such a volatile career path, transferring to NYU helped alleviate his fears.

'When you're attending a school that so many [filmmaking] greats went to, you start to think that maybe your dreams aren't so impossible,' Ward said.

After graduation, he performed at a number of comedy clubs in the tristate area. At one performance in 2000, a Cartoon Network executive approached Ward and asked him to do some voice work for the company.

Soon, Ward became involved with many programs on Adult Swim, including 'Aqua Teen Hunger Force,' 'Sealab 2021' and 'Space Ghost: Coast to Coast.' Although he primarily voiced an assortment of characters, Ward also served as a writer and production assistant on the shows.

While at NYU, Ward's roommates helped him become involved in the music scene, encouraging him to perform rap songs at local clubs. And after several years with Cartoon Network, Ward returned to the music scene in late 2004 with the release of his third studio album, 'Eating's Not Cheating.' Over time, Ward became associated with founding a hip-hop subgenre known as nerdcore, which deals with 'nerdy' topics not generally associated with hip-hop.

Although rapping was originally a coping mechanism for Ward, it soon became an integral part of his life.

'It was never something I thought I could make a career out of, which is kind of ironic because I'd be comfortable doing this for the rest of my life,' he said.

Currently, Ward is preparing for the release of his newest effort, 'Part Six,' as well as a nationwide supporting tour. Ward has created a new distribution method for the album: Although he plans to release a complete LP in the fall, he hopes to put forth several EP installments with exclusive bonus material throughout the year.

Ward has also spent much of the past year supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. After his nephew was born with cystic fibrosis in 2008, Ward became involved in increasing awareness and raising money for the cause. In just under a year, Ward has managed to donate nearly $30,000 as a result of fan contributions and album sales.

Ward has many accomplishments to his name, but he says he is most proud of his work against the disease.

'[Cystic fibrosis] is really a horrible thing to have to live with,' Ward said. 'I really think that these donations can help find a cure.'

Daniel Levinsohn is features editor. E-mail him at dlevinsohn@nyunews.com.