Lifetime is getting into the hip-hop game.
Following the success of Fox’s Empire, the female-skewing cable network is teaming with Queen Latifah and Jermaine Dupri for a new unscripted series called The Rap Game.
The eight-episode unscripted series, set to premiere on New Year’s Day, follows five emerging artists ages 12-16 who will be immersed in the Atlanta hip-hop scene in a quest to become the next big rap star.
During his more than 30-year career, Dupri has worked with young talents including Bow Wow, Da Brat, Kris Kross and TLC. Dupri will exec produce alongside Latifah and her Flavor Unit partner Shakim Compere. The Rap Game is additionally produced by Intuitive Entertainment, Mechelle Collins and Kevin Dill (The Millionaire Matchmaker), showrunner Sean Rankine (Basketball Wives), Laura Fuest Silva (America’s Next Top Model) and Chris Deaux (Rods and Wheels). Lifetime’s Eli Lehrer, Mary Donahue and Mariana Flynn oversee in for Lifetime. Filmed in Atlanta, the series will air Fridays at 10 p.m.
“Hip-hop is where Latifah and I came from so it’s great to be able to produce a television show that is derived from our roots. The show is going to be a lot of fun,” Compere said.
Here’s a look at the aspiring hip-hop stars set to participate in The Rap Game:
| Lil’ Niqo, 15, San Diego, CA Lil’ Niqo has been making music history since he was 10. He was the youngest rapper signed to Island Def Jams and was a correspondent for BET and MTV’s red carpets. Lil’ Nigo also appeared on the drama The Finder, working alongside 50 Cent, Michael Clarke Duncan and Jacob Latimore. With his “momager” Nique by his side, there’s no stopping Lil’ Niqo’s path to success. Lil’ Poopy, 12, Brockton, MA The youngest in the group, Lil’ Poopy has made more than 200 videos, writes his own songs and has performed with Puff Daddy, Rick Ross and French Montana. His father and mentor, Luis Rivera Sr. will do anything to see his son rise to the top – including hiring the hottest models and renting out Ferraris for his son’s music videos. Miss Mulatto, 16, Atlanta, GA Miss Mulatto began her career performing at birthday parties and has since made a name for herself in the Atlanta music scene. Her mom, Misti, is always by her side at competitions, despite finding it difficult to infiltrate the tight-knit social circle. Supa Peach, 12, Atlanta, GA With a unique style highlighted by her signature cape, Supa Peach raps, sings, dances and models. Sure of her daughter’s profound talent, Josetta has moved her family from the Virgin Islands to give her daughter everything she needs to launch her rap career. Young Lyric, 15, Houston, TX Young Lyric’s hip-hop career began when a video of her rapping went viral. She recorded her first song at 7 and was named the “Best 14-Year-Old Rapper” by WorldStarHipHop.com viewers. Her parents, Olivia and Mitchell, will do whatever it takes to get her to the next level and believe she’s on the brink of superstardom.
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Source: The Hollywood Reporter
