The Hustle (TV series)

The Hustle (TV Series)

The Hustle premiered on Fuse, the national television network, on June 19, 2013. This dramedy sheds light on the challenges that aspiring artists face while trying to find their place and break into the world of hip hop. The series centers on up-and-coming rap duo “Brooklyn’s Finest,” two best friends navigating the music industry in hopes of making it big. The new series come from Generate, an Alloy Digital-owned production and talent management company. The first season consists of six episodes.

About

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 music 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(Chappelle's Show, The Bernie Mac Show, CSI:NY) and Bill Woodruff (Honey 2, Beauty Shop).

Cast

Y'lan Noel as Kutta. Half of rap duo “Brooklyn’s Finest,” Kutta is the producer, focused and spending every minute he can in the studio. Although he wants the fame, he’s also trying to provide the best he can for his son.

London Brown as D. Half of rap duo, “Brooklyn’s Finest,” D is loyal to his boy Kutta, doing whatever it takes to get signed. Without any commitments tying him down, when he’s not in the studio, D is definitely down for getting into the high life of glitz and girls.

Erica Dickerson as Ya-Ya. Although the boys are putting in the work in the studio, she is the one holding it all together. She manages to find the time to balance her job working as an A&R rep at Flatbush Records and working to help the guys get a record deal and rise to fame. She will do anything it takes to help out her childhood friends and to have a successful career in the industry.

Clinton Lowe as Rashad. A man of many talents, Rashad, is the sidekick and hype man to the duo, Brooklyn’s Finest. When he is not out hustling the group’s music, he’s keeping the guys in line.

Davetta Sherwood as Cecile. Mostly known to us as Kutta’s baby momma. She is strong, but a very emotional woman, balancing being a single mother and her career as a stylist in the industry. Although Kutta seems to still be concerned with her personal life, she doesn’t let that stop her from her hustle.

Season One

Rule 4080

The guys of “Brooklyn’s Finest” (Kutta and D) are one step closer to getting signed with Flatbush Records thanks to their girl, Ya-Ya, but getting the deal done isn’t as simple as she had anticipated. Kutta learns that Cecile, the mother of his son, has someone new in her life.

Anything for a Klondike

Tensions rise within the group when Flatbush Records decides they only want to sign D until another opportunity presents itself.

Hi, Hater

Loyalties are tested and tempers flare when Flatbush Records brings in another producer over Kutta. Meanwhile, Kutta and Cecile start to rekindle their relationship.

Worst Comes to Worst My Peoples Come First

Flatbush Records decides to go with a single that Kutta didn’t produce and Ya-Ya is forced to decide whether she’ll back her boys or protect the label. Meanwhile, Kutta attracts the interest of a reporter and has to decide between her and Cecile.

Going Back to Cali

Feelings are exposed when “Brooklyn’s Finest” jets off to Los Angeles to shoot their first music video. D is shocked to learn the video’s director is Ya-Ya’s boyfriend.

Don't Get Mad, UPS is Hiring

“Brooklyn’s Finest” are just weeks away from their first album release when the label decides to put everything on hold. The group decides to take the future of their album and career into their own hands.

Reception

"The Hustle is hip-hop's answer to Entourage - Denver Post

"Three out of four stars" - New York Post

"...as smart and serious about music-making and the music business as Nashville - LATimes.com

"Fuse's 'The Hustle' has flow" - Redeye

"Get your hustle on" - "XXL Magazine