Chris “Ludacris” Bridges carries many of titles; rapper, actor, producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and creator of the new children-focused animation, Karma’s World. However, his most important role is being a father to his four daughters.
Inspired by his oldest daughter, Karma Bridges, “Karma’s World” is about a young girl making a change in the world with her music. Chris revealed to Blavity that his daughter’s aspirations to become an entertainer and a musician like her father was the motivation behind the creation of the animation.
“Karma world is about a young lady who is basically trying to change the world for the better through her music. And [in] each episode, you know, [sic] it has themes and morals, and it has music in there,” Chris said. “And obviously, there’s a very diverse cast. And it’s based on my daughter, Karma—she was the inspiration behind it, and this was over a decade in the making.”
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Chris added that when his daughter was six years old, he told her that if this were the career she wanted to pursue, she would have to be transparent about her life, like himself.
“I had sat her down when she was six years old, and I told her [that] if she wants to make music, she has to talk about what goes on in her life and her world,” Chris revealed. “because daddy talks about and narrates what goes on in his life in hip hop. And that’s what started this whole idea.”
Throughout the series, Karma Grant, a talented tween, faces issues such as self-esteem, friendship, and discrimination with the help of her friends and family. According to Chris, the response to the show was far better than he would expect, and he couldn’t be happier. In 2022, the show was nominated for three NAACP awards, including the Outstanding Children’s Program.
“We couldn’t hope for a better response. And it is now expanding into books, merchandising, music, and everything else. So I’m very happy and want to thank all the fans.”
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On July 13, Mattel announced the release of the extensive doll collection based on the children’s series. The collection includes dolls, playsets, and accessories, allowing children to create memorable scenarios and moments from the TV show. The father of four said that the collaboration between himself and the multi-billion dollar toy brand occurred after Mattel executives watched the show.
“That partnership came about from them [executives] seeing this show, hearing about it, and watching it and loving it,” Chris shared. “And they did so much that they wanted to take that representation to a whole other level regarding physical and tangible dolls.”
Lisa McKnight, Executive Vice President and Global Head of Barbie and Dolls, Mattel, said that the company is proud to unveil the collection ahead of the third season of “Karma’s World.” McKnight also notes that the series takes on vital issues relevant to children today, drawing them to the partnership.
“We are proud to unveil Mattel’s Karma’s World collection of dolls and playsets, perfectly timed to the show’s third season,” McKnight said. “When we first learned how Karma’s World takes on topics relevant for kids today, we were immediately drawn to the property. With incredible talent, strong characters who stay true to themselves, and themes of courage and ambition, we are honored for the Mattel dolls portfolio to bring something new to the toy aisle and encourage fans to play out the inspiring storylines.”
Chris told Blavity that Karma, 20, is overwhelmed that her dreams have inspired a series and now a doll collection. He said that she is in a state of “constant gratitude.”
“She’s [Karma] like overwhelmed. I don’t— I think it’s so much to process, even at 20. She’s in a state of constant gratitude,” Chris said. “That’s the best way I could put it, just smiling from ear to ear. She knows what she represents and understands that.”
The multi-faceted entertainer believes that Black representation is essential for children and the animation they watch. He also had a message for parents of Black children who wish to be in the entertainment business one day.
“Man, you can do it,” Chris said. “You can, it, it can work if you choose to work for it. That would be my best advice. But we need to see more of ourselves on screen and a lot more inclusion. And I’m telling you, this is just one of those things that if it took me over a decade, it was only a matter of time. If you don’t give up on your dreams and you continue to recalibrate, you will be okay.”
The Mattel “Karma’s World” collection will be available for $12.99 to $44.99 starting on July 17, followed by other toys on October 22. The toys will be available for purchase on Target.com, Amazon, and Walmart.com.
