Fuse Taps Hip Hop for First Scripted Series

Fuse will look to strike a chord in the scripted series arena with the Jule 19 debut of hip-hop-themed dramedyThe Hustle, network executives said Tuesday.

The six-episode, 30-minute series will follow aspiring artists as they try to find their place and break into the hip-hop world, according to the network. The series will be followed by The Hustle After Party,  a series taped in Fuse's New York street front studio which will feature interviews and performances from hip hop stars, as well as appearances by the cast.

"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 in a statement.  "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."

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.