“MTV’s Diary meets HBO/NFL’s Hard Knocks.”
That’s the intriguing description for On Tour With, an hourlong docuseries premiering July 10 on BET at 10 p.m. ET. The new show also signals the launch of Philly Films, founded by Maverick management's Julius “J” Erving. Under CEO Erving’s watch, Philly Films will focus on film, TV and content production.
Meek Mill takes center stage on the first episode of On Tour With, which promises to give viewers the ultimate all-access pass as they watch top artists and their entourages navigate the ups and downs that come with preparing and launching a major live show or world tour. On Tour With was created and developed by Erving and Maverick partner Shawn Gee. Gee, also president of Live Nation Urban, is an executive producer of the show along with entertainment One.
The Meek Mill episode centers on the rapper’s high-stakes homecoming show at Philadelphia’s Wells Fargo Center and the attempt to sell it out for a second time. Beyond that, notes Erving, was the opportunity to show another side of Mill -- which is at the heart of what On Tour With hopes to accomplish with each episode.
“This isn’t about just picking the biggest artists to profile,” explains Erving. “We’re looking for artists with a compelling story and interesting characters around them. Meek’s Dreamchasers are very interesting in the way they support and rock with each other like a family. We want the audience to fall in love with and root for those characters as well, not just the lead artist. That’s the goal.”
“Partnering with Philly Films and BET let us deliver an uncompromising look at Meek Mill’s world, the people around him and the dedication that goes into putting on one of the hottest hip hop events in recent years,” said Tara Long, EVP, alternative programming, eOne Television. “Featuring other superstars including Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Yo Gotti, Jadakiss, On Tour with Meek Mill goes deeper than the music and captures the captivating story of the resurrection of Meek Mill.”
Along with Maverick partners Gee Roberson and Cortez Bryant, Erving and Gee work with an urban roster that includes Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, The Roots, Jill Scott and G-Eazy.
“Launching a tour can be the most exhilarating, stressful and funny part of any artist’s career,” adds Erving. “As Shawn and I conceived the idea, we wanted to capture all of that and allow fans to watch it unfold. This is the perfect project to launch Philly Films, and it’s the beginning of something very special.”
