Usher is among the executive producers for a new series based on the introduction of the Jazz Age, Variety reports. Storyville, powered by Starlings Television, is the first series drama credit for the R&B superstar.
The series, which is in development, is one that specifically touches Usher. “Storyville is an epic tale sparked by the origins of the sound that inspired my career – a story that touches the nerve of social and cultural relevance today,” said Usher.
According to Variety, Storyville takes place in New Orleans, Louisiana, and puts five brothel madams and their journey for power over the red light district as the series’ focal point.
Usher will share the executive producer responsibilities of Storyville with Bill Macdonald and Walt Becker, as well as Marcus Morton and Starlings TV President Chris Philip and CEO Karine Martin.
Philip shared, “Usher’s massive global appeal, musical and acting genius will propel this unique and compelling original series into must-see viewing worldwide. His invaluable creative and musical contributions to Storyville fulfill our vision of contrasting the gritty, sometimes brutal sides of New Orleans life with it giving birth to a beautiful, diverse and defining new artform.”
At this time, Storyville has not been attached to any television network or subscription streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu or Peacock. It also does not have an official premiere date.
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Usher’s EP announcement comes behind a recent global campaign inked with Rémy Martin that revealed a limited edition bottle and NFT. He also capped the first series of dates associated with his My Way The Las Vegas Residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM. He’ll resume on Aug. 26. Tickets are available here.
In music news, Usher recently collaborated with City Girls for their new summer bop, “Good Love.” It debuted at No. 70 on the Billboard Hot 100 during the week of July 16, becoming his 52nd career entry. Currently, the Mr. Hanky-produced track has been played more than 3.7 million times on Spotify.
Usher, who appeared on Mary J. Blige’s 2022 album Good Morning Gorgeous, is working on his ninth full-length album. “I’m going to release an album this year, hopefully, but now it’s just a matter of the timing, and what the name of the album is and all of that,” Usher told People in a March interview.
The buzz for Usher’s follow-up to 2016’s Hard II Love has been incredible. He celebrated Black Music Month in June with a performance for NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. The 25-minute set has surpassed 9.2 million views on YouTube. Usher saw a streaming boost across his catalog following its debut.
Additionally, in June, Rated R&B honored the 10th anniversary of Usher’s Looking 4 Myself. Collaborators ranging from Rico Love and Eric Bellinger to Luke Steele and Pierre Medor offered commentary on the megastar’s most expansive album to date.
