When combined with its encore presentation, 2.6 million total viewers tuned in to watch three young friends set out to fulfill their hip hop dreams in New York City in 1990.
“The Breaks” also surged on social media, trending as the #2 topic during its premiere time period, according to the Nielsen SocialGuide.
“The Breaks” chronicles the journey of Nikki (Afton Williamson), DeeVee (Mack Wilds), and David (David Call) three friends united by their love of hip-hop, as they work to make their big mark in the music industry. The film takes viewers back to the summer of 1990 in New York City where the music industry’s artists and hustlers intersect in the dance clubs and the street corners of the still crime-ridden city. Nikki fast talks her way into working for unpredictable rap mogul Barry Fouray (Wood Harris) while DeeVee finds Ahm (Antoine Harris) – a drug dealer with a lyrical gift who might bring them all to the next level.
Inspired by the book by journalist Dan Charnas entitled "The Big Payback," a narrative history of the hip-hop business, "The Breaks" is written, directed and executive produced by Seith Mann ("The Wire," "The Walking Dead," "Homeland") with a story by Mann and Charnas.
Additional cast members include Cliff "Method Man" Smith, Evan Handler, Russell Hornsby and AFRO.
Legendary New York music producer DJ Premier composed the score and served as executive music producer.
In addition to Seith Mann, Dan Charnas, Darren Goldberg of Atlantic Pictures, Maggie Malina and Bill Flanagan serve as executive producers.
Susan Levison serves as executive producer for VH1.
