Chozen

Chozen is a unique blend of animation and comedy, first introduced to audiences in 2014 on the FXX network. The show takes viewers on a 180-degree journey as it tells the story of its main character, Chozen, a white gay rapper. It combines elements of rap culture, the LGBTQ+ community, and ex-con life in creative yet often outrageous ways that may not be for all viewers but that managed to carve out a niche audience during its run.

The series centers around Chozen, whose real name is Phillip Cullens. Chozen is a flamboyant, openly gay rapper trying to navigate his career and make a comeback following a lengthy stint in prison. While the premise provides a rather unconventional basis for a comedy show, it's the show's exploration of Chozen's dual identities – as a rapper and as a gay man, that give it some depth.

Bobby Moynihan, a Saturday Night Live alumnus, masterfully voices the title character. The character comes to life, displaying a detailed mix of braggadocio, sensitivity, flamboyance, and vulnerability, showing that a character can simultaneously be outrageous while still being relatable. It’s Moynihan’s comedic performance that layers on the depth to the character, making him someone the audience can empathize with while still finding his antics incredibly funny.

The show is set in Atlanta, Georgia, a city known for its vibrant rap and hip-hop scene. The setting serves as a backdrop to Chozen's journey to reclaim his spot in the limelight while juggling his personal life, beliefs, and new-found identity. Each episode features Chozen's attempts at becoming a legitimate rapper, often coming up against societal expectations and typical rap stereotypes. The series excels in illustrating fame as a double-edged sword packed with pitfalls and opportunities.

But the supporting cast shouldn’t be overlooked. Each episode features a slew of oddball characters, from aspiring producers and fellow ex-cons to college students and professors. All characters are impeccably voiced by talented comedians such as Michael Pena and Hannibal Buress, adding immeasurably to the show’s humor and complexity. This impressive array of talent provides a diverse lens through which the audience can view Chozen and his endeavors, creating a cast as peculiar and diverse as Chozen himself.

At its core, Chozen is a show about transformation and acceptance. It’s the story of a man returning to society after a decade-long prison sentence, dealing with readjustment, reinvention, and reestablishing his career. But it is also about the complexities of inhabiting intersections of multiple identities: how Chozen’s sexuality plays into his rap persona and how his time in prison has shaped him. It is a comedy, but it also raises some thought-provoking issues about identity, acceptance, and what it means to truly be yourself.

Chozen was created by Grant Dekernion, who was also in charge of writing and executing most of the show’s original music. The series never shied away from immersing viewers in the rap scene, providing a soundtrack that keeps the show’s hip-hop roots firmly in place. The show’s unique premise, combined with the comic chops of its voice actors and its original music and animation, made for a truly one-of-a-kind series that audiences hadn't seen before and haven't seen since.

The animation of the show, reminiscent of other adult animated series, juxtaposes the realistic with the absurd effectively. The energetic visual style perfectly aligns with the narrative’s pace and humor, combining to craft something fresh in the animation genre.

While Chozen only ran for a single season, its creativity and novelty still echo today. With its audacious jokes, admirable cast, and striking animation, coupled with its exploration of sensitive societal issues, the series made a statement during its short airtime. Looking at it now, one can appreciate how it tested the boundaries and created something quite groundbreaking on television at the time.

In conclusion, Chozen is an animated comedy that defies stereotypes and pushes boundaries like few other shows do. The series was brave enough to take on topics of identity and acceptance using a form and humor that is audacious and in-your-face. Although it may not have enjoyed a long run, this one-season wonder left an indelible mark in the realm of adult-animation and comedy.