BET has greenlit Uptown, a new scripted series that will take a deep dive into the creation of Uptown Records.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, the three-part scripted miniseries will be a comprehensive look at Andre Harrell’s label, which launched the careers of Mary J. Blige, Notorious BIG, Diddy, Russell Simmons, Jodeci, Al B. Sure and many more.
From Jesse Collins and the production team behind The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story, the new series “will explore the label’s inception to present day, featuring music and the hit makers who helped mold what would eventually be known as the ‘Uptown sound’ that defined a musical era that would impact generations to come.”
Harrell will also executive produce the series alongside writers Charles Murray, Carlito Rodriguez and Barry Michael Cooper.
“I am thrilled to partner with BET Networks and Jesse Collins Entertainment to share my story, the rise of Uptown Records and successful black entrepreneurship, and the management and cultivation of some of the most iconic artists to come out of the late ’80s and ’90s hip-hop, R&B and soul music era,” said Harrell.
“We are proud to bring the story of Uptown Records to life and celebrate the indelible imprint the label has made on the industry, transforming the sound, face and business of hip-hop and R&B,” said BET president Scott Mills. “We look forward to partnering with music industry titan Andre Harrell and powerhouse producer Jesse Collins on the Uptown miniseries, bringing viewers premium content that reflects and celebrates Black excellence.”
The series will premiere on BET in 2020.