Nas is venturing into the realm of television production with a compelling new project. Teaming up with Mark Canton, the mastermind behind “Power,” Nas is set to develop a captivating docuseries centered around the remarkable life of Maurice Ashley, the trailblazing first Black International Chess Grandmaster.
Reported by Deadline, the series will unfold over eight episodes, delving into Ashley’s journey from his upbringing in Brooklyn, New York, to his historic achievement as a Grandmaster in 1999.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the project, Nas articulated, “I’m grateful to be part of bringing Maurice Ashley’s incredible life to the screen. His story is one of greatness and his perseverance will continue to inspire the next generation of thinkers.” Canton echoed this sentiment, stating, “We cannot be more excited to move forward on this one.”
Maurice Ashley, born in Jamaica and raised in Brooklyn, not only shattered barriers in the world of chess but also founded the Harlem Chess Center, nurturing the talents of future champions like the Raging Rooks and Dark Knights. Additionally, he authored the acclaimed “Chess For Success” in 2005, with upcoming releases including “Move By Move” and “The Life Changing Magic Of Chess.” In recognition of his contributions, Ashley was inducted into the United States Chess Hall Of Fame in 2016.
Reflecting on the significance of his story being brought to life, Ashley expressed gratitude for Nas’s involvement, emphasizing that it extends beyond his personal journey. “It is not just a story about me; it’s about the community of people who have influenced and enriched my life too,” Ashley remarked. “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. It’s a happy story about doing something that no one expected and taking the road less traveled… I think this is a story that will resonate with a broad audience as it speaks to living your dreams and shocking the world.”
Despite his foray into television, Nas has not strayed far from his musical roots. Following his September 2023 album “Magic 3,” a collaborative effort with Hit-Boy, Nas’s latest musical endeavor, “King’s Disease III,” released in November 2022, garnered a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
As Nas embarks on this captivating journey to unveil the legacy of Maurice Ashley, audiences eagerly anticipate the intersection of artistry and inspiration in this forthcoming docuseries.