Nas connected with Mark Canton, one of the producers behind 50 Cent’s Power franchise, to develop a TV series based on the first Black Grandmaster in chess. According to Deadline, the Nas-backed drama intended to tell the story of chess great Maurice Ashley over eight episodes in its first season.
“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.”
Ashley achieved Grandmaster status in 1999 and was inducted into the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame in 2016. The chess player told Deadline he was honored to see his story adapted for TV with the help of the Nas.
“I’m so humbled to have my story told and so grateful that Nas has embraced this project,” Ashley said. “It is not just a story about me it’s about the community of people who have influenced and enriched my life too. I love the idea of shining a light on the greatness of so many people and what they have done to contribute to my success and success in their own right.”
He added, “It’s a happy story about doing something that no one expected and taking the road less traveled, which is always exciting for me. I think this is a story that will resonate with a broad audience as it speaks to living your dreams and shocking the world.”
Nas returned to the world of scripted television with the development of his chess-centric show. He previously produced Netflix’s musical drama The Get Down, which premiered in 2016. The Get Down was canceled after one season.
More recently, Nas produced documentaries for Showtime. His credits included You’re Watching Video Music Box and the three-part docuseries Supreme Team.
