Nas is no stranger to including educational gems about our unsung heroes in his works and the legendary Queens, NY emcee is bringing that energy to the small screen with a new series he’s helping to put together.
Teaming up with “Power” Universe executive producer Mark Canton, the “One Mic” rapper will tell the story of Maurice Ashley, the first Black International Chess Grandmaster, in an eight-episode limited series produced by Alexandra Renee-Scott and Green Hummingbird Entertainment.
“I’m grateful to be part of bringing Maurice Ashley’s incredible life to the screen,” Nas said. “His story is one of greatness, and his perseverance will continue to inspire the next generation of thinkers.”
Set in the ever-bustling scene of 1980s and 1990s New York City, the series plans to tell the triumphant story of Ashley’s life both in front of and away from the chessboard. With themes of perseverance, overcoming odds, and holding on to dreams through adversities, the showrunners believe all audiences will be able get something from the show.
“Maurice Ashley’s story is one of resilience, triumph, and the power of the human spirit,” proclaims Sian Edwards-Beal of Green Hummingbird Entertainment.
Born in 1966 in Jamaica before moving to and being raised in Brooklyn, Ashley was a celebrated chess prodigy in his youth and rose through the ranks earning the Grandmaster title in 1999. Also a decorated coach, he has lead chess teams such as the Dark Knights and Harlem’s Raging Rooks to national championships and was inducted in the 2016 class of the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame.
“I’m so humbled to have my story told and so grateful that Nas has embraced this project,” Ashley said of the series. “It is not just a story about me; it’s about the community of people who have influenced and enriched my life too.”
No release date for series has been given thus far.
