Drake brings Top Boy TV show to Netflix

Drake has successfully revived gritty London based drama Top Boy after teaming up with bosses at streaming service Netflix.

The Hotline Bling rapper bought the rights to the show last year (16) after it was dropped by British broadcaster Channel 4 in 2013 after just two seasons.

On Wednesday (08Nov17) Netflix chiefs confirmed they had signed a deal with the Canadian hip-hop star to produce a new series of Top Boy.

"We couldn't be more excited for Netflix members around the world and a new generation of fans to discover the authentic, raw and real world of Top Boy," Cindy Holland, Netflix's Vice President of Original Content told Variety. "Drake came to us several months ago with a passion to help bring this series back to life, and we're thrilled to support the original creative team to do just that."

The series, written by Ronan Bennett, followed the rise of local criminals Dushane and Sully, played by actor Ashley Walters and U.K. rapper Kane 'Kano' Robinson, and the tough decisions they must make to stay alive and in business. It also starred Sharon Brewster Duncan as a single mom trying to keep her young son away from the perils of gang life. The show was praised by critics for its authentic take on London street culture.

The new 10 episode season will premiere in 2019 and will pick up where the original show ended, with Walters and Robinson reprising their roles as Dushane and Sully.