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{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image = [[File:Hip Hop Harry1.gif|250px|right]]
| image = Hip Hop Harry1.gif
| country = United States
| caption = Hip Hop Harry
| language = English
| show_name = Hip Hop Harry
| runtime = 22–30 minutes
| country = {{USA}}
| camera = [[Multiple-camera setup|Multi-camera]]
| language = [[English language|English]]
| location = [[Sunset Gower Studios]], [[Los Angeles, California]]
| format = [[Children's television series]]
| cinematography = Bart Ping <br> Terry Clark
| runtime = 30 Minutes
| creator = Claude Brooks<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washtimesherald.com/news/lifestyles/hip-hop-harry-teaches-multicultural-roots-of-black-history/article_18a7d205-6478-569d-a9d9-6f197e95c229.html|title=Hip Hop Harry teaches multicultural roots of black history|last=TH|first=Special to|website=Washington Times Herald|date=3 February 2018 |language=en|access-date=2019-11-11}}</ref>
| creator = Claude Brooks<br>Gelila Asres
| starring = Hayden Och <br> Kelly Dolan <br> Jeremy Washington
| distributor = Hip Hop Harry Productions<br>[[Allumination FilmWorks]]
| director = Brian Campbell
| network =[[Discovery Kids]]<br>[[The Learning Channel]]<br>[[Retro Television Network]]
| writer = Morgan Wood
| Seasons = 2
| executive_producer = Claude Brooks <br> Martha Ripp <br> Gelila Asres
| Episodes = 25
| producer = Josh Zaretsky
| first_aired = {{start date|2006|9|26}}
| composer = French Spencer
| last_aired = {{end date|2008|6|9}}
| editor = Evan Finn
| company = C to the B Productions (uncredited) <br> Hip Hop Harry Productions
| network = [[Discovery Family|Discovery Kids]] <br> [[TLC (TV channel)|TLC]]
| num_seasons = 2
| num_episodes = 26
| first_aired = {{start date|2006|9|25}}
| last_aired = {{end date|2008|6|26}}
}}
}}
[[File:Hip Hop Harry 1.jpg|thumb|270px|Hip Hop Harry performing at the [[Los Angeles Times Festival of Books]] on the [[UCLA]] campus]]
[[File:Hip Hop Harry 1.jpg|thumb|260px|Hip Hop Harry performing at the [[Los Angeles Times Festival of Books]] on the [[UCLA]] campus]]
'''''Hip Hop Harry''''' is a children's show that aired on [[Discovery Kids]] and [[TLC (TV channel)|TLC]] as part of the [[Ready Set Learn]] block, as well as most [[Retro Television Network]] affiliates, as an [[E/I]]-compliant program. Similar to ''[[Barney the Dinosaur]]'' and ''[[Sesame Street]]'', Hip Hop Harry is a live action program designed for preschool children in the 3-12 year old age group. The program uses [[age appropriate]] [[hip hop]] music and dance to teach social, educational, physical and creative skills.
'''''Hip Hop Harry''''' is an American children's television series created by Claude Brooks that aired on [[Discovery Family|Discovery Kids]] and [[TLC (TV channel)|TLC]] as part of the ''[[Ready Set Learn!]]'' block from September 25, 2006 to June 26, 2008. Similar to [[PBS Kids]] series such as ''[[Barney & Friends]]'' (the setting of the show bears resemblance to ''Barney'' in nature), ''[[Kidsongs]]'', ''[[Sesame Street]]'', ''[[Hi-5 (American TV series)|Hi-5]]'', ''[[Teletubbies]]'' and ''[[The Wiggles]]'', ''Hip Hop Harry'' is a live-action program aimed at younger children ranging from around 2–7 years old.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/southjerseylife/2008/06/hip_hop_harry_takes_stage_at_s.html|title='Hip Hop Harry' takes stage at Sesame Place|last=Williams|first=Victoria|date=2008-06-27|website=nj|language=en|access-date=2019-11-11}}</ref> The program uses [[age-appropriate]] [[hip hop]] music and dance to teach social, educational, physical and creative skills.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://usaweekly.com/2018/01/interview-with-claude-brooks-founder-and-ceo-at-hip-hop-harry-productions/|title=Interview with Claude Brooks, Founder and CEO at Hip Hop Harry|website=USAWeekly}}</ref>

==Synopsis==
The show takes place in a learning/play center house known as "Hip Hop Central", where Hip Hop Harry and various neighborhood children learn, play and dance. In between, the kids learn about the main topic of the episode. After they have learned about the topic, they sing and rap the song "I Love to Learn." Then, the kids and Hip Hop discuss what they've learned via questions/answers and watching recaps from the day's episode via a push-button monitor. Each episode ends with the "Hip Hop Harry Dance Circle", where the kids circle up while one of them dances in the center as they shout, "Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!", to an instrumental hip hop track, with [[Arabic music|Arabian]]-tinged music. Even Harry dances in the circle too (thus, the kids shout, "Go, Harry!!"). But before they dance, they do a warm-up dance called, "The Harry". After the kids come together to move in the middle, the credits roll.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Year in Television, 2008: A Catalog of New and Continuing Series, Miniseries, Specials and TV Movies|last=Terrace|first=Vincent|publisher=McFarland|year=2009|isbn=978-0786443918|pages=205–206}}</ref>


==Physical appearance==
==Physical appearance==
Hip Hop Harry is an [[anthropomorphic]] yellow furry bear with a red shirt, blue hat, baggy blue pants, a [[gold]] chain with an "H" in the middle, and white shoes with an "H" on each side. The character's appearance is in the general style of [[hip hop fashion]]. Harry also has a blue and red wrist watch. His birthday is January 22, 1988 as noted in episode 5.
Hip Hop Harry is an anthropomorphic rapping yellow furry bear with a red shirt, blue hat, baggy blue jeans, a gold chain with an "H" in the middle and white sneaker shoes with an "H" on each side. He also wears a blue and red wristwatch. The character's appearance is in the general style of hip-hop fashion. His birthday is January 22, as noted in Episode 5.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}


==Cast==
==Cast==
* Ali Alimi - Voice of Hip Hop Harry
* Hayden Och Voice of Hip Hop Harry
** [[David Joyner (actor)|David Joyner]] – Hip Hop Harry (In-suit performer),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blavity.com/david-joyner-barney-hip-hop-harry-legend|title=Blavity News & Politics|last=Blavity|website=Blavity News & Politics|language=en|access-date=2019-11-11}}</ref> Chef Rob (1 episode)
* Ryan Andres - Tells jokes in the episode "Finding Your Talent".
** Ben Blair – Hip Hop Harry (in-suit performer) (2 episodes), Dr. Vinnie (1 episode)
* Kendra Bracy - Introduces her Grandmother from [[Trinidad and Tobago|Trinidad]] in one episode.
** Kefla Hare – Hip Hop Harry (in-suit performer) (5 episodes)
* Colton Burton - Colton is one of William's best friends; Colton is only seen in episodes which also feature William.
* Kianna Contreres - Kianna plays a key role in the episode "Get Involved," cheering her sister's [[Double Dutch (jump rope)|Double Dutch]] team to victory.
* Jake Deanda - Jake is one of the first kids to meet Katie in "Making New Friends."
* Savannah Dejesus - Savannah appears in "Fancy Footwook" and "Rain makes Rainbows" with her sister Sophina.
* [[Sophina Dejesus]] - Sophina is an aspiring gymnast who enjoys working with her sister, Savannah
* [[Kelli Berglund]] -Kelli helps plan a surprise party for Pinky in "Do Your Part."
* Hayden Harrah - Hayden appears less frequently than other members of the cast, but was a big help during "A B See."
* Jay Jay Harris - Jay Jay is shown in "Pajama Party" and "Just Give it a Try" to be reluctant to try new things. He and Riddles get along very well. After an impressive bongo drum performance, Hip Hop Harry speculates that Jay Jay may one day be on a salsa record.
* William May - Is one of the best dancers. He appears in many episodes. In "Hip Hop Big Top" he was concered he wouldn't be able to dance with a brace on his leg. With encouragement from Hip Hop Harry and his friends, he realized he could still be a part of the circus.
* Veronicaa Miller - Veronicaa likes to sing and sung on the episode "Finding Your Talent"
* Davide Schiavone - Davide has a similar 'do to Dylan and Cole Sprouse and seems to do the same dance on every episode.
* Elizabeth Small
* Scott Thomas - Scott appears in several episodes. He was featured in "Never Give Up", when he wanted to quit basketball because of a bad day at practice. Hip Hop Harry gives him some encouragement and Scott realizes that he should never give up.
*Megan Woo- Megan loves animals, and wishes to be a [[veterinarian]] when she grows up.
* Kelly Dolan - Plays as Pinky


===People===
The gang performed ''Move Those Feet'' at the [[Los Angeles Times Festival of Books]] April 25 and 26, 2009 on the [[Target Corporation|Target]] children's stage, on the campus of [[UCLA]].
* Ryan Andres – Told jokes in the episode "Finding Your Talent".
* [[Kelli Berglund]] – Kelli helped plan a surprise party for Pinky in "Do Your Part."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.j-14.com/posts/celebrities-you-didn-t-know-starred-in-kids-shows-90267/|title=Celebrities Who Starred In Kids' Shows|date=2016-02-09|website=J-14|language=en-US|access-date=2019-11-11}}</ref>
* Kendra Bracy – Kendra introduced her grandmother from Trinidad in one episode.
* Colton Burton – Colton was one of William's best friends in real life and refused to count the pilots, he did not appear in an episode of Hip Hop Harry without him.
* Kiana Contreras – Kiana played a supporting role in the episode "Get Involved," cheering her sister's Double Dutch team to victory.
* Jake Deanda – Jake was one of the main kids to meet Katie in "Making New Friends."
* Savannah DeJesus – Savannah appeared in "Fancy Footwook" and "Rain Makes Rainbows" with her sister Sophina.
* [[Sophina DeJesus]] – Sophina was an aspiring gymnast who enjoys working with her sister, Savannah.
* Kelly Dolan – played Pinky.
* Jeremy Washington – played Riddles.
* Hayden Harrah – Hayden appeared less frequently than other members of the cast, but was a big help during "A B See".
* Jay Jay Harris – Jay Jay is shown in "Pajama Party" and "Just Give it a Try" to be resistant to try new things. He and Riddles got along very well. After a good bongo drum performance, Hip Hop Harry commented that Jay Jay may one day be on a salsa record.
* William May – He appears in several episodes. In "Hip Hop Big Top" he was concerned about being unable to dance with a brace on his leg. With encouragement from Hip Hop Harry and his friends, he realized he could still be a part of the [[circus]].
* Veronicaa Miller – Veronicaa was shown to discover a talent for singing in "Finding Your Talent."
* Katie Petitte – The new girl in "Making New Friends." She takes a hip hop dance class near the end of the series.
* Davide Schiavone – Dancer
* Elizabeth Small – Her zipper served the finishing touch in "A B See."
* Scott Thomas – Scott appears in several episodes. He was featured in "Never Give Up", when he wanted to quit basketball due to a bad day at practice. Hip Hop Harry gave him some encouragement and Scott realized that he should never give up.
* Megan Woo – Megan loved animals and wishes to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
* Tyler White – A young breakdancer with a talent for windmills and the strongman in Hip Hop Harry's circus.
* Mail Carrier Carla – played by Valerie Sheppard, who appears in the episode, "Dream It! Achieve It!"

==Events==
The cast performed their song ''Move Those Feet'' at the [[Los Angeles Times Festival of Books]] on April 25–26, 2009 on the [[Target Corporation|Target]] children's stage on the campus of [[UCLA]].


==Episodes==
==Episodes==
=== Series overview ===
{{Series overview

| color1 = E952FF
| link1 = #Season 1 (2006)
| episodes1 = 13
| start1 = {{Start date|2006|9|25}}
| end1 = {{End date|2006|11|3}}

| color2 = 52E9FF
| link2 = #Season 2 (2007–08)
| episodes2 = 13
| start2 = {{Start date|2007|4|16}}
| end2 = {{End date|2008|6|26}}
}}

===Season 1 (2006)===
{{Episode table|background=#E952FF|overall=|season=|title=|aux1=|aux1T=Kids in the episode|airdate=|episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 1
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = Fancy Footwork
|Aux1 = Sophina, Savannah, Jay Jay, Scott
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|9|25}}
|ShortSummary = Savannah and Sophina, who are sisters, compete against each other in a dance competition. But they learn that in reality, they're on the same team.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 2
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = When I Grow Up
|Aux1 = Savannah, Jay Jay, Scott, Megan
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|9|26}}
|ShortSummary = Megan has trouble deciding what she wants to be when she grows up; Harry and the gang learn about different jobs.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 3
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Words Have Power
|Aux1 = Sophina, Davide, Scott, Megan
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|9|27}}
|ShortSummary = When Sophina gets mad at Davide, she uses mean words and then learns a lesson about carefully choosing your words. Meanwhile, Megan learns that the best birthday gift to give to somebody is one you make yourself.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 4
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Making New Friends
|Aux1 = Jake, Veronicaa, Katie, Davide
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|9|28}}
|ShortSummary = The kids try to make a new girl named Katie feel comfortable by involving her in their activities.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 5
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = Do Your Part
|Aux1 = Kelli, Kendra, Colton, William
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|9|29}}
|ShortSummary = Kelli throws a surprise birthday party for Pinky.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 6
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Never Give Up
|Aux1 = Kelli, Kendra, Colton, William
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|10|2}}
|ShortSummary = Scott is discouraged when he doesn't make any shots during basketball practice, so Harry gives Scott a few tips. The kids learn about what happens underwater.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 7
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = Be Creative
|Aux1 = Sophina, Davide, Scott, Kelli
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|10|3}}
|ShortSummary = Harry and the gang have a costume party at Hip Hop Central. The theme for it is a Marching Band costume party. Scott learns how to be creative about the fact that you can use other things for costumes.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 8
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = We Have Five Senses
|Aux1 = Jake, Veronicaa, Davide, Elizabeth
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|10|4}}
|ShortSummary = The kids are challenged to perform an activity that uses all five of their senses.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 9
|EpisodeNumber2 = 9
|Title = Air Air Everywhere
|Aux1 = Kelli, Kendra, Colton, William
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|10|13}}
|ShortSummary = William has a homework assignment to prove that air surrounds everyone.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 10
|EpisodeNumber2 = 10
|Title = Wildlife Wendy
|Aux1 = Jake, Veronicaa, Davide, Elizabeth
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|10|30}}
|ShortSummary = Wildlife Wendy teaches the kids about birds to help Veronicaa get over her fear of birds.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 11
|EpisodeNumber2 = 11
|Title = Pajama Party
|Aux1 = Jay Jay, Kiana, Savannah, Tyler
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|11|1}}
|ShortSummary = Harry and the kids throw a pajama party; Wildlife Wendy teaches the gang about nocturnal animals.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 12
|EpisodeNumber2 = 12
|Title = Rain Makes Rainbows
|Aux1 = Sophina, Scott, Jay Jay, Megan, Savannah
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|11|2}}
|ShortSummary = The kids are sad about not being able to play outside when it rains, but Hip Hop Harry encourages them not to be sad and helps them learn that rain makes rainbows, and invents a musical way to put them all in order.
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 13
|EpisodeNumber2 = 13
|Title = Dream It, Achieve It
|Aux1 = Elizabeth, Hayden, Veronicaa, William
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2006|11|3}}
|ShortSummary = Hip Hop Central wins a reading contest.
Special guest appearance by [[Brutha]].
|LineColor = #E952FF
}}
}}

===Season 2 (2007–08)===
{{Episode table|background=#52E9FF|overall=|season=|title=|aux1=|aux1T=Kids in the episode|airdate=|episodes=
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 14
|EpisodeNumber2 = 1
|Title = My Favorite Things
|Aux1 = Kelli, Colton, Kendra, William
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|4|16}}
|ShortSummary = William and Kendra share their favorite possessions. William learns how wrong it is to lie.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 15
|EpisodeNumber2 = 2
|Title = A-B See
|Aux1 = Elizabeth, Hayden, Veronicaa, William
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|4|17}}
|ShortSummary = The kids find things that begin with each letter of the alphabet. When Elizabeth starts having trouble and is about to call it quits, Hip Hop Harry teaches her to let our friends help solve a problem instead of just giving up.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 16
|EpisodeNumber2 = 3
|Title = Peas in a Pod
|Aux1 = Kiana, Tyler, Savannah, Jay Jay
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|4|18}}
|ShortSummary = Farmer Fran teaches the kids about farm life.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 17
|EpisodeNumber2 = 4
|Title = Make Your Dreams Come True
|Aux1 = Sophina, Davide, Scott, Megan
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|4|19}}
|ShortSummary = A professional gymnast, a veterinarian, and a children's band visit to explain the concept of hard work.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 18
|EpisodeNumber2 = 5
|Title = Finding Your Talent
|Aux1 = Ryan, Veronicaa, William, Elizabeth, Katie
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|4|20}}
|ShortSummary = Veronicaa has trouble deciding what her talent is.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 19
|EpisodeNumber2 = 6
|Title = Get Involved
|Aux1 = Kiana, Tyler, Jay Jay, Savannah
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|9|10}}
|ShortSummary = Kiana feels left out, but Hip Hop Harry encourages her to get involved in things that other people do.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 20
|EpisodeNumber2 = 7
|Title = I Like to Move
|Aux1 = Kelli, Hayden, Sophina, Scott
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|9|11}}
|ShortSummary = The kids learn about exercise and try new ways of exercise with help from Ms. Kellee.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 21
|EpisodeNumber2 = 8
|Title = Just Give It a Try
|Aux1 = Ryan, Veronicaa, Elizabeth, Jay Jay
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|9|12}}
|ShortSummary = The kids make hand puppets for a puppet show, but Jay Jay worries if his will be any good. So Hip Hop Harry encourages him to just try it out because something good might come out of it.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 22
|EpisodeNumber2 = 9
|Title = Grandma Brooks
|Aux1 = Kiana, Kendra, William, Tyler
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|9|13}}
|ShortSummary = The kids create a Hip Hop Center Carnival. Also, Kendra's grandmother is from the Trinidadian country, who visits to Hip Hop Central.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 23
|EpisodeNumber2 = 10
|Title = My Music is Your Music
|Aux1 = Jay Jay, Ryan, Veronicaa, Elizabeth
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2007|9|14}}
|ShortSummary = Hip Hop Harry helps the kids appreciate diverse styles of music; Elizabeth and Pinky have a short-term savings plan that inspires long-term goals.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 24
|EpisodeNumber2 = 11
|Title = Hip Hop Big Top
|Aux1 = Kendra, Kiana, William, Tyler
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2008|6|24}}
|ShortSummary = The gang has a circus at Hip Hop Central. William thinks he can't help because he's wearing a boot on one of his feet, but Hip Hop Harry tells him not to worry about that.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 25
|EpisodeNumber2 = 12
|Title = You Can Dance
|Aux1 = Katie, Jake, Veronicaa, Davide
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2008|6|25}}
|ShortSummary = Katie can dance ballet, but she needs to take classes with the other kids to learn hip-hop.
Special guest appearance by [[Shane Sparks]].
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
{{Episode list
|EpisodeNumber = 26
|EpisodeNumber2 = 13
|Title = Fun Memories
|Aux1 = Scott, Jay Jay, Elizabeth, Kendra, Kiana
|OriginalAirDate = {{Start date|2008|6|26}}
|ShortSummary = The kids are worried they'll never see each other again. Hip Hop Harry encourages them to not be sad because school is out, but rather to use their memories to remember their friends, wherever they may be.
|LineColor = #52E9FF
}}
}}

==Legacy==
In 2017, the character Harry was featured in the YouTube web series ''Hip Hop Harry Toy Review''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIbzAiUycfuz4O0_gosBvxA|title=Hip Hop Harry|website=YouTube|language=en|access-date=2019-11-06}}</ref>

In 2020, ''Hip Hop Harry'' had a resurgence in popularity on social media soon after people began to protest following the murder of [[George Floyd]]. Clips of the "Hip Hop Harry Dance Circle" portion of the show first resurfaced on Twitter when director and author [[Matthew A. Cherry]] posted a short video of this sequence in response to reports that all four of the officers involved in the death had been arrested.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-03|title=George Floyd Death: All Four Ex-Officers Involved Now Charged, In Custody|url=https://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2020/06/03/george-floyd-death-derek-chauvins-murder-charge-upgraded-to-2nd-degree-unintentional-murder-3-other-officers-charged/|access-date=2020-06-21|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet |last=Cherry |first=Matthew A. |user=matthewacherry |number=1268613732998901762 |title=Go go go (dance) |access-date=2020-06-21}}</ref> The video went viral and many across social media continued to post several dancing clips from the show in celebration of victories in the fight for [[Police reform in the United States|police reform]] and racial equality.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-06-16|title=How 'Hip Hop Harry' went from kids' show to soundtrack for a 'movement'|url=https://www.dailydot.com/unclick/hip-hop-harry-dance-tiktok/|access-date=2020-06-21|website=The Daily Dot|language=en-US}}</ref>


==Reception==
{|class="wikitable"
[[Common Sense Media]] rated the show a four out of five stars.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.commonsensemedia.org/tv-reviews/hip-hop-harry/user-reviews/adult |title = Parent reviews for Hip Hop Harry {{!}} Common Sense Media}}</ref>
|-
!Season- #
!Episode Name
!Original Air Date
!Kids In Episode
!Summary
|-
|1-1.
|Fancy Footwork
|September 26, 2006
|Sophina, Savannah, Jay-Jay, Scott
|Two sisters compete against each other in a dance competition
|-
|1-2.
|When I Grow Up
|September 27, 2006
|Savannah, Jay Jay, Scott, Megan
|Megan has trouble deciding what she wants to be when she grows
up, Harry and the gang learn about different jobs
|-
|1-3.
|Words Have Power
|September 28, 2006
|Sophina, Davide, Scott, Megan
|Sophina uses bad words and learns a lesson in carefully choosing your words when you speak
|-
|1-4.
|Making New Friends
|September 29, 2006
|Jake, Veronica, Katie, Davidae
|The kids try to make a new girl feel comfortable by involving her in their activities
|-
|1-5.
|Do Your Part
|October 2, 2006
|Kelli, Kendra, Colton, William
|Kelli throws a surprise birthday party for Pinky
|-
|1-6.
|Never Give Up
|October 3, 2006
|Sophina, Davidae, Scott, Megan
|Scott is discouraged at not making any shots during basketball practice; Harry gives Scott a few tips; the kids learn about what happens underwater
|-
|1-7.
|Be Creative
|October 4, 2006
|
|Harry and the gang have a costume party at Hip Hop Central. The theme for it, is a Marching Band costume party. Scott learns how to be creative about the fact that you can use other things for costumes.
|-
|1-8.
|We Have Five Senses
|October 5, 2006
|Jake, Veronica, Davidae, Elizabeth
|The kids are challenged to perform an activity that uses all five of their senses
|-
|1-9.
|Wildlife Wendy
|October 30, 2006
|
|Wildlife Wendy teaches the kids about birds
|-
|1-10.
|Air Air Everywhere
|October 31, 2006
|Kelli, Kendra, Colton, William
|William has a homework assignment to prove that air surrounds everyone
|-
|1-11.
|Pajama Party
|November 1, 2006
|Kelli, Kendra, Colton, William
|Harry and the gang throw a pajama party; Wildlife Wendy teaches the gang about nocturnal animals
|-
|1-12.
|Rain Makes Rainbows
|November 2, 2006
|Sophia, Scott, Davidae, Megan
|The kids learn about rainbows and invent a musical way to put them all in order
|-
|1-13.(Season Finale)
|Dream It, Achieve It
|November 3, 2006
|
|Hip Hop Central wins a reading contest
|-
|2-1.
|My Favorite Things
|April 23, 2007
|Kelli, Colton, Kendra, William
|William and Kendra share their favorite possessions
|-
|2-2.
|A-B See
|April 24, 2007
|
|The kids find things that begin with each letter of the alphabet
|-
|2-3.
|Peas in a Pod
|April 25, 2007
|
|Farmer Fran Teaches the kids about farm life
|-
|2-4.
|Make Your Dreams Come True
|April 26, 2007
|
|A Professional Gymnast, a veterinarian and a children's band visit and explain the concepts of hard work
|-
|2-5.
|Finding Your Talent
|April 27, 2007
|Jake, Veronica, Davidae, Elizabeth
|Veronica has trouble deciding what her talent is
|-
|2-6.
|Get Involved
|September 10, 2007
|
|Kiana feels left out
|-
|2-7.
|I Like to Move
|September 11, 2007
|
|The kids learn about exercise
|-
|2-8.
|Just Give It a Try
|September 12, 2007
|
|The kids make hand puppets for a puppet show, but Jay-Jay worries if his will be any good
|-
|2-9.
|Grandma Brooks
|September 13, 2007
|
|The kids create a Hip-Hop Center Carnival
|-
|2-10.
|My Music is Your Music
|September 14, 2007
|
|Hip Hop Harry helps the kids appreciate different styles of music; Elizabeth and Pinky have a short-term savings plan that inspires long term goals
|-
|2-11.
|You Can Dance
|February 23, 2008
|
|Katie can dance ballet, but she needs to take classes with the other kids to learn hip-hop
|-
|2-12.
|Hip Hop Big Top
|June 9, 2008
|
|The gang has a circus at Hip Hop Central; William thinks he can't help because he accidentally wore a boot on one of his feet.
|-
|2-13
|Fun Memories(Series/Season Finale)
|July 14, 2008
|Savannah, Scott, Megan, Davide
|The kids are worried that they'll never see each other again. So Hip Hop Harry encourages them not to be sad just because school is out and just use their memories to reminisce on so that they'll always remember their friends, wherever they may be.
|}


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
* {{official|http://www.hiphopharry.com}}
* {{official website|http://www.hiphopharry.com}}
* [http://www.tv.com/hip-hopharry/show/68792/episode.html Hip Hop Harry Season 1-1 Episode Guide]
* [http://www.tv.com/hip-hopharry/show/68792/episode.html Hip Hop Harry Season 1-1 Episode Guide]{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* {{imdb title|0872176}}
* {{IMDb title|0872176}}
{{Discovery Kids}}


[[Category:Discovery Kids shows]]
[[Category:2006 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2006 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:2008 American television series endings]]
[[Category:2008 American television series endings]]
[[Category:Hip hop television]]
[[Category:Hip-hop television]]
[[Category:2000s American television series]]
[[Category:2000s American children's television series]]
[[Category:2000s American music television series]]
[[Category:TLC (TV network) original programming]]
[[Category:Television series about bears]]
[[Category:American television shows featuring puppetry]]
[[Category:American children's musical television series]]
[[Category:Television series about children]]
[[Category:Television shows filmed in Los Angeles]]
[[Category:American preschool education television series]]
[[Category:2000s preschool education television series]]
[[Category:Discovery Kids original programming]]
[[Category:Weekday television series]]
[[Category:Children's television series about talking animals]]

Latest revision as of 18:24, 13 December 2024

Hip Hop Harry
Created byClaude Brooks[1]
Written byMorgan Wood
Directed byBrian Campbell
StarringHayden Och
Kelly Dolan
Jeremy Washington
ComposerFrench Spencer
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons2
No. of episodes26
Production
Executive producersClaude Brooks
Martha Ripp
Gelila Asres
ProducerJosh Zaretsky
Production locationsSunset Gower Studios, Los Angeles, California
CinematographyBart Ping
Terry Clark
EditorEvan Finn
Camera setupMulti-camera
Running time22–30 minutes
Production companiesC to the B Productions (uncredited)
Hip Hop Harry Productions
Original release
NetworkDiscovery Kids
TLC
ReleaseSeptember 25, 2006 (2006-09-25) –
June 26, 2008 (2008-06-26)
Hip Hop Harry performing at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on the UCLA campus

Hip Hop Harry is an American children's television series created by Claude Brooks that aired on Discovery Kids and TLC as part of the Ready Set Learn! block from September 25, 2006 to June 26, 2008. Similar to PBS Kids series such as Barney & Friends (the setting of the show bears resemblance to Barney in nature), Kidsongs, Sesame Street, Hi-5, Teletubbies and The Wiggles, Hip Hop Harry is a live-action program aimed at younger children ranging from around 2–7 years old.[2] The program uses age-appropriate hip hop music and dance to teach social, educational, physical and creative skills.[3]

Synopsis

[edit]

The show takes place in a learning/play center house known as "Hip Hop Central", where Hip Hop Harry and various neighborhood children learn, play and dance. In between, the kids learn about the main topic of the episode. After they have learned about the topic, they sing and rap the song "I Love to Learn." Then, the kids and Hip Hop discuss what they've learned via questions/answers and watching recaps from the day's episode via a push-button monitor. Each episode ends with the "Hip Hop Harry Dance Circle", where the kids circle up while one of them dances in the center as they shout, "Go! Go! Go! Go! Go!", to an instrumental hip hop track, with Arabian-tinged music. Even Harry dances in the circle too (thus, the kids shout, "Go, Harry!!"). But before they dance, they do a warm-up dance called, "The Harry". After the kids come together to move in the middle, the credits roll.[4]

Physical appearance

[edit]

Hip Hop Harry is an anthropomorphic rapping yellow furry bear with a red shirt, blue hat, baggy blue jeans, a gold chain with an "H" in the middle and white sneaker shoes with an "H" on each side. He also wears a blue and red wristwatch. The character's appearance is in the general style of hip-hop fashion. His birthday is January 22, as noted in Episode 5.[citation needed]

Cast

[edit]
  • Hayden Och – Voice of Hip Hop Harry
    • David Joyner – Hip Hop Harry (In-suit performer),[5] Chef Rob (1 episode)
    • Ben Blair – Hip Hop Harry (in-suit performer) (2 episodes), Dr. Vinnie (1 episode)
    • Kefla Hare – Hip Hop Harry (in-suit performer) (5 episodes)

People

[edit]
  • Ryan Andres – Told jokes in the episode "Finding Your Talent".
  • Kelli Berglund – Kelli helped plan a surprise party for Pinky in "Do Your Part."[6]
  • Kendra Bracy – Kendra introduced her grandmother from Trinidad in one episode.
  • Colton Burton – Colton was one of William's best friends in real life and refused to count the pilots, he did not appear in an episode of Hip Hop Harry without him.
  • Kiana Contreras – Kiana played a supporting role in the episode "Get Involved," cheering her sister's Double Dutch team to victory.
  • Jake Deanda – Jake was one of the main kids to meet Katie in "Making New Friends."
  • Savannah DeJesus – Savannah appeared in "Fancy Footwook" and "Rain Makes Rainbows" with her sister Sophina.
  • Sophina DeJesus – Sophina was an aspiring gymnast who enjoys working with her sister, Savannah.
  • Kelly Dolan – played Pinky.
  • Jeremy Washington – played Riddles.
  • Hayden Harrah – Hayden appeared less frequently than other members of the cast, but was a big help during "A B See".
  • Jay Jay Harris – Jay Jay is shown in "Pajama Party" and "Just Give it a Try" to be resistant to try new things. He and Riddles got along very well. After a good bongo drum performance, Hip Hop Harry commented that Jay Jay may one day be on a salsa record.
  • William May – He appears in several episodes. In "Hip Hop Big Top" he was concerned about being unable to dance with a brace on his leg. With encouragement from Hip Hop Harry and his friends, he realized he could still be a part of the circus.
  • Veronicaa Miller – Veronicaa was shown to discover a talent for singing in "Finding Your Talent."
  • Katie Petitte – The new girl in "Making New Friends." She takes a hip hop dance class near the end of the series.
  • Davide Schiavone – Dancer
  • Elizabeth Small – Her zipper served the finishing touch in "A B See."
  • Scott Thomas – Scott appears in several episodes. He was featured in "Never Give Up", when he wanted to quit basketball due to a bad day at practice. Hip Hop Harry gave him some encouragement and Scott realized that he should never give up.
  • Megan Woo – Megan loved animals and wishes to be a veterinarian when she grows up.
  • Tyler White – A young breakdancer with a talent for windmills and the strongman in Hip Hop Harry's circus.
  • Mail Carrier Carla – played by Valerie Sheppard, who appears in the episode, "Dream It! Achieve It!"

Events

[edit]

The cast performed their song Move Those Feet at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books on April 25–26, 2009 on the Target children's stage on the campus of UCLA.

Episodes

[edit]

Series overview

[edit]
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
113September 25, 2006 (2006-09-25)November 3, 2006 (2006-11-03)
213April 16, 2007 (2007-04-16)June 26, 2008 (2008-06-26)

Season 1 (2006)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleKids in the episodeOriginal air date
11"Fancy Footwork"Sophina, Savannah, Jay Jay, ScottSeptember 25, 2006 (2006-09-25)
Savannah and Sophina, who are sisters, compete against each other in a dance competition. But they learn that in reality, they're on the same team.
22"When I Grow Up"Savannah, Jay Jay, Scott, MeganSeptember 26, 2006 (2006-09-26)
Megan has trouble deciding what she wants to be when she grows up; Harry and the gang learn about different jobs.
33"Words Have Power"Sophina, Davide, Scott, MeganSeptember 27, 2006 (2006-09-27)
When Sophina gets mad at Davide, she uses mean words and then learns a lesson about carefully choosing your words. Meanwhile, Megan learns that the best birthday gift to give to somebody is one you make yourself.
44"Making New Friends"Jake, Veronicaa, Katie, DavideSeptember 28, 2006 (2006-09-28)
The kids try to make a new girl named Katie feel comfortable by involving her in their activities.
55"Do Your Part"Kelli, Kendra, Colton, WilliamSeptember 29, 2006 (2006-09-29)
Kelli throws a surprise birthday party for Pinky.
66"Never Give Up"Kelli, Kendra, Colton, WilliamOctober 2, 2006 (2006-10-02)
Scott is discouraged when he doesn't make any shots during basketball practice, so Harry gives Scott a few tips. The kids learn about what happens underwater.
77"Be Creative"Sophina, Davide, Scott, KelliOctober 3, 2006 (2006-10-03)
Harry and the gang have a costume party at Hip Hop Central. The theme for it is a Marching Band costume party. Scott learns how to be creative about the fact that you can use other things for costumes.
88"We Have Five Senses"Jake, Veronicaa, Davide, ElizabethOctober 4, 2006 (2006-10-04)
The kids are challenged to perform an activity that uses all five of their senses.
99"Air Air Everywhere"Kelli, Kendra, Colton, WilliamOctober 13, 2006 (2006-10-13)
William has a homework assignment to prove that air surrounds everyone.
1010"Wildlife Wendy"Jake, Veronicaa, Davide, ElizabethOctober 30, 2006 (2006-10-30)
Wildlife Wendy teaches the kids about birds to help Veronicaa get over her fear of birds.
1111"Pajama Party"Jay Jay, Kiana, Savannah, TylerNovember 1, 2006 (2006-11-01)
Harry and the kids throw a pajama party; Wildlife Wendy teaches the gang about nocturnal animals.
1212"Rain Makes Rainbows"Sophina, Scott, Jay Jay, Megan, SavannahNovember 2, 2006 (2006-11-02)
The kids are sad about not being able to play outside when it rains, but Hip Hop Harry encourages them not to be sad and helps them learn that rain makes rainbows, and invents a musical way to put them all in order.
1313"Dream It, Achieve It"Elizabeth, Hayden, Veronicaa, WilliamNovember 3, 2006 (2006-11-03)

Hip Hop Central wins a reading contest.

Special guest appearance by Brutha.

Season 2 (2007–08)

[edit]
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleKids in the episodeOriginal air date
141"My Favorite Things"Kelli, Colton, Kendra, WilliamApril 16, 2007 (2007-04-16)
William and Kendra share their favorite possessions. William learns how wrong it is to lie.
152"A-B See"Elizabeth, Hayden, Veronicaa, WilliamApril 17, 2007 (2007-04-17)
The kids find things that begin with each letter of the alphabet. When Elizabeth starts having trouble and is about to call it quits, Hip Hop Harry teaches her to let our friends help solve a problem instead of just giving up.
163"Peas in a Pod"Kiana, Tyler, Savannah, Jay JayApril 18, 2007 (2007-04-18)
Farmer Fran teaches the kids about farm life.
174"Make Your Dreams Come True"Sophina, Davide, Scott, MeganApril 19, 2007 (2007-04-19)
A professional gymnast, a veterinarian, and a children's band visit to explain the concept of hard work.
185"Finding Your Talent"Ryan, Veronicaa, William, Elizabeth, KatieApril 20, 2007 (2007-04-20)
Veronicaa has trouble deciding what her talent is.
196"Get Involved"Kiana, Tyler, Jay Jay, SavannahSeptember 10, 2007 (2007-09-10)
Kiana feels left out, but Hip Hop Harry encourages her to get involved in things that other people do.
207"I Like to Move"Kelli, Hayden, Sophina, ScottSeptember 11, 2007 (2007-09-11)
The kids learn about exercise and try new ways of exercise with help from Ms. Kellee.
218"Just Give It a Try"Ryan, Veronicaa, Elizabeth, Jay JaySeptember 12, 2007 (2007-09-12)
The kids make hand puppets for a puppet show, but Jay Jay worries if his will be any good. So Hip Hop Harry encourages him to just try it out because something good might come out of it.
229"Grandma Brooks"Kiana, Kendra, William, TylerSeptember 13, 2007 (2007-09-13)
The kids create a Hip Hop Center Carnival. Also, Kendra's grandmother is from the Trinidadian country, who visits to Hip Hop Central.
2310"My Music is Your Music"Jay Jay, Ryan, Veronicaa, ElizabethSeptember 14, 2007 (2007-09-14)
Hip Hop Harry helps the kids appreciate diverse styles of music; Elizabeth and Pinky have a short-term savings plan that inspires long-term goals.
2411"Hip Hop Big Top"Kendra, Kiana, William, TylerJune 24, 2008 (2008-06-24)
The gang has a circus at Hip Hop Central. William thinks he can't help because he's wearing a boot on one of his feet, but Hip Hop Harry tells him not to worry about that.
2512"You Can Dance"Katie, Jake, Veronicaa, DavideJune 25, 2008 (2008-06-25)

Katie can dance ballet, but she needs to take classes with the other kids to learn hip-hop.

Special guest appearance by Shane Sparks.
2613"Fun Memories"Scott, Jay Jay, Elizabeth, Kendra, KianaJune 26, 2008 (2008-06-26)
The kids are worried they'll never see each other again. Hip Hop Harry encourages them to not be sad because school is out, but rather to use their memories to remember their friends, wherever they may be.

Legacy

[edit]

In 2017, the character Harry was featured in the YouTube web series Hip Hop Harry Toy Review.[7]

In 2020, Hip Hop Harry had a resurgence in popularity on social media soon after people began to protest following the murder of George Floyd. Clips of the "Hip Hop Harry Dance Circle" portion of the show first resurfaced on Twitter when director and author Matthew A. Cherry posted a short video of this sequence in response to reports that all four of the officers involved in the death had been arrested.[8][9] The video went viral and many across social media continued to post several dancing clips from the show in celebration of victories in the fight for police reform and racial equality.[10]

Reception

[edit]

Common Sense Media rated the show a four out of five stars.[11]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ TH, Special to (3 February 2018). "Hip Hop Harry teaches multicultural roots of black history". Washington Times Herald. Retrieved 2019-11-11.
  2. ^ Williams, Victoria (2008-06-27). "'Hip Hop Harry' takes stage at Sesame Place". nj. Retrieved 2019-11-11.
  3. ^ "Interview with Claude Brooks, Founder and CEO at Hip Hop Harry". USAWeekly.
  4. ^ Terrace, Vincent (2009). The Year in Television, 2008: A Catalog of New and Continuing Series, Miniseries, Specials and TV Movies. McFarland. pp. 205–206. ISBN 978-0786443918.
  5. ^ Blavity. "Blavity News & Politics". Blavity News & Politics. Retrieved 2019-11-11.
  6. ^ "Celebrities Who Starred In Kids' Shows". J-14. 2016-02-09. Retrieved 2019-11-11.
  7. ^ "Hip Hop Harry". YouTube. Retrieved 2019-11-06.
  8. ^ "George Floyd Death: All Four Ex-Officers Involved Now Charged, In Custody". 2020-06-03. Retrieved 2020-06-21.
  9. ^ Cherry, Matthew A. [@matthewacherry] (June 4, 2020). "Go go go (dance)" (Tweet). Retrieved 2020-06-21 – via Twitter.
  10. ^ "How 'Hip Hop Harry' went from kids' show to soundtrack for a 'movement'". The Daily Dot. 2020-06-16. Retrieved 2020-06-21.
  11. ^ "Parent reviews for Hip Hop Harry | Common Sense Media".