Hip Hop Legends Damon Dash, Rev. Run, Russell Simmons, Master P,
El DeBarge and Pepa Also StarHip Hop Legends Damon Dash, Rev. Run, Russell Simmons, Master P,
El DeBarge and Pepa Also Star
Series Joins WE tv’s Original Programming Slate in Late 2015
NEW YORK, NY — July 8, 2015 — WE tv has ordered the six-episode docu-series “Growing Up Hip Hop” from Entertainment One (eOne), scheduled for a late 2015 premiere. The series follows the next generation of hip hop royalty as they attempt to step outside the shadow of their famous families. Music legends Damon Dash, Rev. Run, Russell Simmons, Master P, El DeBarge and Pepa are always nearby as each up-and-comer tries to build their own life and fortune in careers ranging from music to acting and fashion. At every turn they are challenged with maintaining their own identity while evolving the hip-hop sound and culture they come from.
“Hip hop is a hugely popular music genre, but beyond the songs it has become a lifestyle and has influenced a generation of young people,” said Marc Juris, WE tv’s president. “‘Growing Up Hip Hop’ profiles what it’s like to be raised by hip hop legends, living in their shadow while trying to balance success and independence. This series will be right at home in our growing line-up focused on the authenticity and the challenges of real people and real relationships, and we can’t wait to share these distinctive original stories with WE tv viewers.”
“Growing Up Hip Hop” spotlights the dynamic between this group of well-known hip hop legends as they attempt to school the next generation:
Romeo Miller is a musician, actor (formerly known as Lil’ Romeo) and the son of Master P. He’s on track to take over the music empire his father built, but is that really his path or will he veer off course? He consistently leans on close friend Angela for guidance and support;
Angela Simmons, the daughter of rap pioneer Rev. Run and niece of Russell Simmons, is a hip hop socialite, model and fashion designer of her own line, Foofi. Angela is a social media powerhouse who’s hoping to translate her fashion success into dollars away from the comfort of her father’s fortunes;
Damon “Boogie” Dash is the namesake of his father, Roc-A-Fella co-founder and media mogul, Damon Dash. Like father like son, “Boogie” is also an entrepreneur having co-founded Chipz Cookies as well as a record label and NYC art gallery;
Kristinia DeBarge is the daughter of James DeBarge from the legendary yet troubled group DeBarge, and a singer/songwriter in her own right. With her father currently in prison, Kristinia leans on her uncle, hip hop legend El DeBarge, as she struggles to choose between family and fame, all while considered the outsider of this tight-knit group;
Egypt Criss, the daughter of Sandra “Pepa” Denton from Salt-N-Pepa and rap icon Treach from Naughty By Nature, is actively pursuing a solo music career. Her overprotective mother, however, has yet to bless her career choice based on her own experiences in the hip hop industry which she helped establish;
TJ Mizell, the son of the late Run D.M.C. DJ, Jam Master Jay, has stepped into his father’s shoes as a DJ, spinning at the hottest events and venues around the world, yet always on his mind is his father’s mysterious and still unsolved murder.
With their love and work lives intertwined and with their overprotective families always nearby, these friends will each face challenging and sometimes surprising situations as they strive for independent success.
“Growing Up Hip Hop” is executive produced by John Morayniss and Tara Long for eOne along with Romeo Miller, Angela Simmons, Percy Robert Miller (Master P) and Datari Turner. Turner’s Datari Turner Productions is co-producing the series. Lauren Gellert, executive vice president, development and original programming, Suzanne Murch, vice president, original programming, and Mark Powell are the executive producers for WE tv.
About WE tv
With compelling, can’t miss unscripted shows and dramatic scripted series, WE tv’s programming is fueled by personalities and relationships filled with purpose and passion. WE tv welcomes everyone and creates an inclusive experience across all platforms: on TV, online, on demand, and social media, embracing how today’s digitally savvy, socially engaged audiences connect through content, using it as a catalyst to drive conversation and build community. WE tv is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc., and its sister channels include AMC, BBC America, IFC and SundanceTV. WE tv is available to over 85 million U.S. homes. WE tv: All In.
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