VH1 has officially given a series order to drama The Breaks, which aired on the network in January as a two-hour movie/backdoor pilot. The drama is based on Dan Charnas' best-selling book The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip-Hop.
The Breaks chronicles the journey of three friends united by their love of hip-hop as they work to make their big mark in the music industry. The film started in Summer 1990 in New York, where the music industry's artists and hustlers intersect in the dance clubs and the street corners of the still crime-ridden city. But they will all soon discover lives can be broken as fast as legends can be born.
The movie starred Wood Harris, Mack Wilds, Afton Williamson, David Call, Antoine Harris, Evan Handler, Russell Hornsby and Method Man. It's currently unclear how many will return for the series. An episode count is also unknown.
The Breaks was written, directed and executive produced by Seith Mann. DJ Premier composed the score and served as executive music producer. Charnas, Bill Flanagan and Maggie Malina also executive produce.
"The Breaks is VH1 at its best, intersecting '90s nostalgia with hip-hop for the masses," said Chris McCarthy, General Manager, VH1. "Both the viewers and critics have spoken, and we couldn't be happier to continue telling the story that has already connected with millions of pop culture fans."
