Fuse Music Channel Sets First Scripted Series, Hip Hop Dramedy ‘The Hustle’

Music TV network Fuse is making its first foray into scripted programming with The Hustle, which will premiere June 19 at 11PM. The six episode, half-hour dramedy is in the vein of Entourage set in the hip hop world and centers on aspiring artists trying to break into the business. It is produced by Alloy Digital-owned Generate. The Hustle will be joined by a companion after-show, The Hustle After Party, which will be taped in front of a studio audience in Fuse’s street-front studio on 7th Avenue in New York City. Hosted by Esteban Serrano (host of Fuse’s Top 20 Countdown), 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 follows underground rap duo Kutta and D (Y’Lan Noel and London Brown), also known as “Brooklyn’s Finest,” as they rise through the ranks of the musical elite and struggle to keep their friendship intact. Ya-Ya (Erica Dickerson), a childhood friend and A&R representative 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. Co-starring is Clinton Lowe as Rashad, the duo’s sidekick, with a number of hip-hop artists set to make cameos, including rappers Jadakiss, Freddie Gibbs, Red Cafe, Travis Porter and Nipsey Hussle, along with DJs The Breakfast Club, DJ Whoo Kid and DJ Skee. “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. Added Generate President Peter Aronson, “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.” The Hustle is created and executive produced by Prentice Penny (Happy Endings) and directed by Millicent Shelton (30 Rock), Rusty Cundieff (Chapelle’s Show) and Billie Woodruff (Beauty Shop). Avy Kaufman in New York and Kim Coleman in Los Angeles are the casting directors, and Oscar winner Paul Stewart (Hustle & Flow) serves as music supervisor. Click to below to see  a video introducing the show: 
http://www.deadline.com/2013/05/fuse-sets-first-scripted-series-hip-hop-dramedy-the-hustle-from-generate-video/#more-491746
article by Nellie Andreeva via deadline.com