Public Figures, a half-hour sad com executive produced by hip-hop superstar Lil Yachty that was being developed for the now-defunct streaming service Quibi, has found new distributor in the form of HBO Max, Variety reports. This is allegedly the first instance of what had formerly been Quibi content acquiring alternative broadcast or streaming opportunities, according to The Wrap.
In addition to working as an executive producer, Yachty will lead the ensemble cast of Public Figures, as the series is reportedly loosely based on his own experiences, as reported by Variety. The show will follow group of young up-and-comers striving for success in the hard-luck environs of New York City as they navigate personal relationships and attempt to suss out their place in the world, The Wrap reports.
Yachty has delegated showrunner duties to Ian Edelman (Puerto Ricans in Paris), according to Variety. Edelman created the short-lived HBO dramedy How to Make It In America, which was similarly set in the Big Apple and followed the day-to-day exploits of group of twenty-somethings trying to make a name for themselves. Edelman also has a history of working with rappers like Lil Yachty. How To Make It In America featured acting turns from Kid Cudi (We Are Who We Are, Need For Speed) and Pusha T. Edelman is also attached to Cudi’s own television project, the upcoming Netflix adult animated series Entergalactic, as reported by The Wrap.
When Edelman wrote and directed the 2018 Netflix original musical comedy The After Party, he was able to reunite with Pusha and work with hip-hop royalty like Jadakiss and DMX, as well as new school luminaries, such as Young M.A., Desiigner, DJ Khaled, Wiz Khalifa, Tee Grizzley and Kyle. The latter three have all collaborated with Lil Yachty.
The Atlanta rapper recently busted out his acting chops voicing Green Lantern in Teen Titans Go! To The Movies and playing amiable stoner Calvin in How High 2. He has also chronicled his recent exploits in more literal documentary style with an unscripted YouTube series, The Boat Show. The first nine episodes feature appearances from Khalifa, Big Sean, DaBaby and Drake, among others.
Lil Yachty’s latest studio album, Lil Boat 3, came out on May 29th.