(Photo By Google Images)
A new series is getting ready to hit the airwaves titled South Side. The show is written, directed, and created by Taheim Bryan. The premise for the show will focus on New York in the 80’s. Specifically the drug trade in Jamaica Queens and the Drug Enforcement unit’s efforts to shut it down. The main part of storyline revolves around the daily operations of a drug organization that pulls in $200,000 in sales per day, along with it’s rise and fall. The plot is said to be based on true events.
The cast for the new program includes rappers Treach (Naughty By Nature) and the infamous Method Man. Treach will play one of the top dealers in the drug game. He states that the series can be looked at as a combination between The Sopranos and The Wire infused with a Hip-Hop style and an old school flavor. Though highlighting the drug trade will be the primary theme for the show, Bryan doesn’t want people to think that’s the sole purpose of the program. He also wanted to create the show to shine some light on the city of Jamaica Queens. He feels like every state has a city like Queens but that it’s a special place to those who reside and or are from there. He went on to share the reminder that a lot of well known figures have origins in Queens such as: Russell Simmons, LL Cool J, Donald Trump, former 1st lady Nancy Reagan, etc. However, he doesn’t feel like the rest of the world appreciates it properly. He think the city has been overshadowed by another city in NY, Brooklyn. So the show is his way of changing that while at the same time enlightening the masses on a portion of Queens’ history. No release date has been given for the series. And there is no word on what network will air the upcoming program. In the mean time, a clip of South Side can be viewed below.
**My Two Cents: I love shows like this. Plus, I think both Treach and Meth are pretty decent actors. However, the trailer didn’t do much for me. The cast seemed a little lacking in commitment to their roles. It just didn’t have a natural feel to it. And that is key in selling a series like this. The characters have to be believable and have something that will leave a lasting impression on the audience. But in all fairness, it was just a collection of clips. Maybe a full episode or two will resonate better. I’m definitely open to checking it out when it officially hits the small screen. Much love to Jamaica Queens. -MinM
