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"Hip-hop serves as an aspiration and wish-fulfillment function for a lot of white America," said Hirschorn."White Rapper" is being produced in conjunction with Egotrip, the multimedia production company established by the editors of the short-lived hip-hop mag of the same name. The group is behind some of VH1's more high-minded dissections of race, including the series "TV's Illest Minority Moments" and the three-part spec "Race-O-Rama." Company principals Sacha Jenkins, Jeff Mao, Gabriel Alvarez, Brent Rollins and Elliott Wilson will co-exec produce.
Hirschorn was mum on specific situations and obstacles that the competitors will face, saying only that there would be both "creative and cultural trials." Challenges could include anything from freestyle battles in Harlem's Rucker Park to selling sno-cones in a hip-hop club.
At the end of the day, "they'll have to earn credibility and the respect of the people in the Bronx," exec said. The winner will win a cash prize.
"White Rapper" is part of VH1's increasing focus on incorporating more music-themed programming into the lineup, with shows like "Supergroup" and upcoming Ice T-led "Rap School," the second iteration of franchise "Rock School," which toplined Gene Simmons. VH1 also has a docudrama pilot in the works for Houston rapper Paul Wall.
