Revealing its next season lineup of shows earlier today, VH1 will introduce a slate of new original programs that reflect the interests of what it calls its "adultster" audience – adults who are balancing new responsibilities with their desires to stay current with what’s happening in music and pop culture.
It also announced an acquisition of a hip-hop documentary we've covered extensively.
First, the new programming of note: VH1 has given the greenlight to a new series titled Black Ink, which centers on a successful Harlem tattoo shop staffed by a tight crew of employees, who boast hip hop stars, athletes and celebrities as clients.
It's a reality TV series obviously; here's the breakdown:
Located in the middle of Harlem on 113th and Lennox Avenue, Black Ink is one of the few black-owned and operated tattoo parlors in New York City. It’s a magnet for hip hop stars both old school and new (Cam’ron, Jadakiss, Jim Jones, Asap Rocky, Corey Gunz) as well as pro athletes (Amare Stoudamire, C.C. Sabathia, Stephon Marbury, Brandon Spikes), video vixens and a who’s who of urban elite (Tyson Beckford, Keri Hilson). The employees are a tight but totally dysfunctional “family.” For many of them, this shop is the key to turning around their lives and for some of them it’s their first legitimate job off the streets. But can they survive all of the drama that is part of everyday life at the shop? “Black Ink” is executive produced by Dan Cesareo and Doug DePriest for Big Fish Entertainment. Executive producers for VH1 are Shelly Tatro, Kari Mcfarland, Rick Hankey and Jeff Olde.
Black Ink will premiere in early 2013.
In addition, VH1 has acquired Ice-T’s feature-length documentary Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap for its Emmy Award-winning Rock Doc franchise.
“Nostalgia, hip hop and authentic storytelling covering diverse aspects of pop culture are all topics that are connecting with VH1′s audience. Our new slate strengthens that connection while expanding upon our viewers’ interests. We can’t wait to share these shows,” said Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President, Original Programming And Production, VH1.
For more of what's to come, head over to VH!'s blog HERE.