Dame Dash is making waves in the television landscape with his latest project, OG Stories, a compelling docuseries that premiered on June 17 on BET. Moving beyond the typical celebrity narratives, Dash’s mission is to celebrate the unsung heroes of Hip-Hop culture—those who have played a vital role in shaping the community from behind the scenes.
Hosted and directed by Dash himself, OG Stories is the inaugural series in his broader My Paid in Full franchise. The five-episode series features intimate, long-form conversations with influential figures whose contributions often go unnoticed, starting with Michelle Smalls, a prominent businesswoman and community leader from Harlem. Through these authentic dialogues, Dash aims to preserve the rich history and legacy of individuals who have significantly impacted their communities.
In a candid interview with AllHipHop’s Quierra Luck, Dash emphasized that the project is rooted in authenticity rather than celebrity status. “These are actually my friends. These are people that sleep in my house, people that argue with me,” he stated, highlighting the personal connections that set OG Stories apart from traditional documentaries. This approach stems from Dash’s years of engaging discussions with Smalls, during which he encouraged her to share her remarkable journey.
Rather than viewing BET solely as the owner of the project, Dash clarified that the network serves as a distribution partner, maintaining ownership of the content. He reiterated his long-standing philosophy of ownership in the entertainment industry, describing his evolving business model that now encompasses real estate, with entertainment serving as a tenant in his broader vision.
OG Stories promises to delve into the lives of self-made entrepreneurs and community figures through raw and candid conversations that explore themes of survival, legacy, and resilience. Future episodes will feature notable personalities, including celebrity attorney Dawn Florio and Dash’s close friend and collaborator Steve Mack.
Central to the series is the message of perseverance and community support, as exemplified by Smalls’ episode. She emphasizes that regardless of challenges faced, individuals can overcome their circumstances. “No matter what you go through, you could definitely get through it. Don’t let nobody judge you on your mishaps or the things that you did wrong,” she shares, reflecting the empowering spirit of the series.
Dash believes that the intimate stories captured in OG Stories offer a counter-narrative to sensationalist headlines, showcasing the positive aspects of his friends’ lives and contributions. As the series unfolds, it aims to highlight the often overlooked narratives that contribute to the fabric of culture and community.
Aiming to expand BET’s slate of original unscripted programming, OG Stories airs Wednesdays at 11 p.m., inviting viewers to engage with the life experiences of influential figures who have shaped their communities and the culture at large. Dash envisions this series as a launching pad for future projects that will further explore the lives and legacies of those featured.
For more updates on OG Stories and other groundbreaking television initiatives, keep an eye on hiphopraisedmetheblog.com!
