Dropped to air on its YouTube comedy channel

Channel 4 has commissioned a rap mockumentary, Dropped, to air on its YouTube comedy channel.

The five-part series, which airs from next Wednesday, follows East London rap collective ATM as they struggle to stay relevant in a savage music industry.

Iain Gordon and Ren Boateng play Shella and XEN1, who had a grime banger, Man Be Flexin’, in 2016 but are plummeting fast, following a series of bad record deals and a few cheap hits. Now ATM must fight to protect their legacy and keep up with the latest trends, which is tricky when you don’t have the budget. So the five-part ‘documentary’ intended to reel off ATM’s accolades instead reveals a string of embarrassing scenarios the boys find themselves in.

Lola Jagun plays ATM’s long-suffering manager Clara, Priscilla Fagbemi is their trusty fixer Plugz and Ameziane Aissaoui is cameraman Jackz.

Channel 4 says: ‘The series taps into universal themes of ambition, greed, ego, unfulfilled potential and unpaid hire purchase bills. The authenticity of Dropped transcends from the rap world into everyday life.’

The series draws on the real-life experiences of DJ and music producer, Rude Kid, who produced the shows soundtrack, and Justin Smith Uzomba, formerly known as rapper Mikil Pain, who is one of Dropped’s writers.

The series also features cameos from Zeze Millz, Man Like Haks, Kae Kurd, and Victor Kunda.

Charlie Hyland, who commissioned the series, said: ‘Channel 4’s digital content is defined by its ability to play with form, encapsulate youth culture and showcase a calibre of new and upcoming talent. Dropped embodies all of that and more, blending an utterly original mix of UK rap culture, humour and authenticity, fuelled by invaluable friendships.’

Producer Tobi Kyeremateng added: ‘Everything about the making of Dropped has been both intentional and authentic - from the amazing creatives and crew having first-hand experience in the music industry and cast members coming from the battle rap scene to the black-owned brands our characters are dressed in.

‘It's a truly unique show to have worked on. I'm excited for everyone to meet ATM and be fully immersed in their world.’

Dropped was created by production company Mother’s Best Child, written by Guy Davidson, Justin Smith Uzomba and Daniel Clarke.

Some of the crew came from the Black Ticket Project, a charity giving creative opportunities to young black people in England.

Published: 1 Feb 2023