Rapper/actor Pras Michel is working on a new police TV drama with Polygram Entertainment. The series is based on the real life NYPD Rap Intelligence Unit. The controversial division was formed after the murders of Notorious B.I.G. and Tupac Shakur to investigate crimes related to the hip hop world.

The as-yet-untitled project centers on a cop who goes undercover at a successful New York rap label and is exposed to the lavish and intoxicating lifestyle of a hip-hop underworld.

Pras said the series came from his time in the industry and actual stories from him and his peers.

“The idea for this project was born out of my own experiences as an artist and hearing about the experiences that others had with the RUI,” he said. “We’re excited to develop a show that will not only entertain but inform fans about the world of hip-hop, given its prominence in popular culture.”

Steven Victor, EVP of Def Jam Recordings, cites the popularity of hip hop music and culture as the reason for developing the series now.

“As the landscape of media and entertainment continues to evolve, we are constantly looking for new opportunities to tell stories, entertain and help our artists build strong connections with their fans,” said Victor. “With hip-hop’s growing influence on popular culture, the time is right for this show and I couldn’t be more thrilled to work with Pras to bring this project to life.”

Will you watch a show about hip hop cops?

Source: Variety