The music industry coverage-heavy TV network known as Fuse has announced its first scripted series, titled The Hustle – a hip-hop-themed dramedy that will follow aspiring artists as they try to find their place and break into the hip-hop universe. 

New York, NY (May 7, 2013) – National music television network Fuse today announced that The Hustle, the network’s first foray into scripted programming, will premiere Wednesday, June 19 at 11pm/10c.  This special six episode, half-hour dramedy sheds light on the challenges that aspiring artists face trying to find their place and break into the hip hop world.  The new series comes from Generate, an Alloy Digital-owned production and talent management company.

The scripted series will be accompanied by The Hustle After Party, a program immediately following The Hustle, taped in front of a studio audience in Fuse’s street-front studio on 7^th Avenue in the heart of New York City. Hosted by Esteban Serrano (host of Fuse’s Top 20 Countdown), the after party will complement each episode of The Hustle, making the evening a destination for hip hop fans.  The Hustle After Party will feature interviews and performances with hip hop stars, along with discussions with industry experts and appearances by the cast.

The Hustle is an authentic look at the hip hop industry, as the series follows underground rap duo Kutta and D, also known as “Brooklyn’s Finest,” as they rise through the ranks of the musical elite and struggle to keep their friendship intact.  At the center of it all is Ya-Ya, a childhood friend and A&R representative, who tries her best to get “Brooklyn’s Finest” signed by a major record label, while helping them avoid the pitfalls on the road to success.  Series regulars include Y’lan Noel and London Brown as rap duo Kutta and D respectively, along with Erica Dickerson as Ya-Ya and Clinton Lowe as Rashad, the duo’s sidekick.

The Hustle is created and executive produced by Prentice Penny (Happy Endings, Scrubs, Girlfriends), produced by Generate and directed by Millicent Shelton (Everybody Hates Chris, 30 Rock, Californication, Parks and Recreation), Rusty Cundieff (Chapelle’s Show, The Bernie Mac Show, CSI New York) and Billie Woodruff (Honey 2, Beauty Shop).

“There are plenty of stories about trying to make it in the music industry, but never has there been such an authentic look at the hip hop industry and the struggles that accompany the journey to get to the top,” said Mike Bair, president, MSG Media.  “The Hustle is filled with richly drawn characters in real life situations, connecting with our audience and giving viewers a real and honest look at life before fame and fandom.  We’re looking forward to sharing this project with viewers, as we continue to make Fuse the one and only destination for the best music stories on television.”

Generate President Peter Aronson commented, “We are incredibly excited to bring Prentice Penny’s vision to the screen via our partners at Fuse.  This is a world and an audience that is underserved, so it is particularly rewarding that the project and Prentice attracted such a fantastic team to bring it to life.”

In order to maintain the authenticity of the writing, Generate recruited acclaimed feature film casting directors Avy Kaufman (American Gangster, The Sixth Sense, The Bourne Ultimatum) in New York and Kim Coleman (Inside Man, Everybody Hates Chris) in Los Angeles.  Best Song Oscar winner Paul Stewart (Hustle & Flow, Four Brothers,Barbershop) serves as music supervisor.  The series will feature cameos by hip-hop’s finest, including rappers Jadakiss, Freddie Gibbs, Red Cafe, Travis Porter and Nipsey Hussle, along with DJs The Breakfast Club, DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Skee.