The Hustle (TV series) explained

The Hustle is an American comedy-drama television series that ran for one season on Fuse.^[1] The series premiered on June 19, 2013. The series focuses on the experiences of two aspiring hip hop artists.^[2] It was produced by Generate, and created and executive produced by Prentice Penny.^[3]

Synopsis

The Hustle 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. Ya-Ya, a childhood friend and A&R representative, advises them and works to get them signed by a major record label. Series regulars include Y'lan Noel and London Brown^[4] as rap duo Kutta and D respectively, along with Erica Dickerson as Ya-Ya and Clinton Lowe as Rashad, the duo's sidekick.

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.^[5]
• 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.^[5]
• 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.^[6]
• 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.

Episodes

• "Rule 4080"
• "Anything for a Klondike"
• "Hi, Hater"
• "Worst Comes to Worst My Peoples Come First"
• "Going Back to Cali"
• "Don't Get Mad, UPS Is Hiring"

Reception

The Hustle was favorably reviewed by The Denver Post,^[5] the New York Post,^[7] LATimes.com^[8] and RedEye.^[9]

"Get your hustle on" - XXL Magazine

Notes and References

1. https://www.deadline.com/2013/05/fuse-sets-first-scripted-series-hip-hop-dramedy-the-hustle-from-generate-video/ Fuse Sets First Scripted Series, Hip Hop Dramedy ‘The Hustle’ From Generate: Video | Deadline
2. http://www.vibe.com/photo-gallery/5-reasons-catch-fuses-new-series-hustle 5 Reasons To Catch FUSE's New Series 'The Hustle' | Vibe
3. https://variety.com/2013/tv/news/fuse-moves-to-scripted-with-the-hustle-1200470609/ "Fuse Moves to Scripted With ‘The Hustle’ "
4. http://www.americascomedy.com/comedian-london-brown-to-star-in-fuses-the-hustle/ London Brown to Star in Fuse's 'The Hustle' | America's Comedy
5. http://www.denverpost.com/television/ci_23446730/hustle-dramedy-about-aspiring-hip-hop-artists-bows Ostrow: "The Hustle" dramedy about aspiring hip-hop artists, bows on Fuse - The Denver Post
6. http://fevatv.com/whats-fuse/ "What's new with Fuse?"
7. http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/tv/on_the_record_CDSLMin5xQzDHZ8lk1SehN On the record: Fuse gets gritty with first scripted series | New York Post
8. https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-amazon-five-original-shows-prime-instant-20130529,0,4808292.story Amazon picks up five original shows for its Prime Instant service - LA Times
9. http://www.redeyechicago.com/entertainment/tv/redeye-fuses-the-hustle-has-flow-tv-review-20130618,0,5763509.story Fuse's 'The Hustle' has flow TV review - redeyechicago.com