Damon Dash's Ultimate Hustler Premiers Oct. 4th

I've actually seen very little online about Damon Dash's "reality" tv show Ultimate Huster that premiers Tuesday, October 4th 9:00 ET/PT on BET. However, I just received this press release with the basic information about the show.

The show will run for 13 episodes and feature 16 contestants in what sounds like a combination of MTV's Real World, whatever that Donald Trump show is called and Survivor.

The contestants include a "party promoter from Atlanta, fashion designers from Miami and New York, a street hustler from New Orleans and even an adult entertainer from Long Island." They will be housed "in Harlem in the former home of legendary 1970's gangster, Nicky Barnes; fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology which delivers their weekly challenges." Furthermore, "'You are being watched' is the consistent theme throughout the series with the contestants under constant surveillance by Dash, even in their private quarters." That's the Real World voyeuristic element.

The Survivor element comes in with the kind of tasks given that sound like an endurance contest:
"In each episode viewers watch as contestants face a series of mental and physical challenges. Tasks put forth by Dash, run the gamut from boxing ring stamina, innovative street sales to all night studio sessions --- the hustle never stops."

An instant death option is built in to create additional stress for the participants, dramatic tension for the viewers and leaving Dash free to go off and eliminate people on a momentary whim:
"Dash does not follow the usual formula of one contestant eliminated per episode. Contestants may be asked to leave the show at any given point, sometimes in multiples."

Not surprisingly, the opportunities for product placement in the show are incredible, including Dash's own properties:
"Each task will focus on a different arena of Dash's empire. Dash's vast array of businesses includes America Magazine, Damon Dash Music Group, Dash Films, Armadale Vodka, Dash Management, PRO-KEDS, State Property, Team Roc and Dash/DiBella Boxing."

But the prizes also represent branded entertainment:
"The ULTIMATE HUSTLER winner receives a position within the Damon Dash Empire to shepherd their winning "big pitch" idea, a platinum and diamond chain worth $15K, a 2006 Jeep Commander, and a myriad of additional prizes (Roc Box, clothing, etc.) fit for an Ultimate Hustler from Damon Dash."

Damon Dash states, "This program will be the blueprint on how to become an entrepreneur and BET is the perfect place to demonstrate it to my culture." Whatever. Despite my reservations, I will probably be trying to check this out but I certainly won't be drinking the kool-aid.

In related branded entertainment news, the NY Times has an extended piece on the ever more extensive desires of advertisers as tv viewers Tivo out ads and "brands go from props to stars".

Comments

www.ultimatehustler.tv

[Brenda Bell]

I would like to know how could someone be come a contestant on ULTIMATE HUSTLER ?

[tia]

I am so glad that he got rid of Sevens Big mouth ass, my only question is why did it take so fucing long. The girl talked to much, and from my experience from deling with people I have learned a couple of things. *1 people who always have something to say don't take time out to listen and follow dorections, *2 theyreally aren't saying anything at all and #3 the are trying to sell a $1.00 worth of bullshit just so they can be heard.
Thanx Damn for not being a Sucker Stroke Ass Ni66qa

[kentucky]

i feel like damon is much more of a real hustler than jay.plus he dont even rap and west should have done what a real camera tom Nigga WOULD DO SHOW THE REAL TOM HE REALLY IS!KENTUCKY.O BY THE WAY THE TRUE HUSTLER INTHE HOLE PIMPING NIGGAS AND TURNING THAT SHIT INTO MILLIONS IS TRINA NOT BABY GIRL .LOOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS !

[solomon]

So far i saw a lot of negative idea from the viewer, can any body tell me what this show is about, i know it is a competition about to become supreme or ultimate hustler but what did they compute for every week, and how does he judge them in the contest.Is the competition is how to make more money from their opponents by working various real-world jobs or not. If you want to compete people about hustling, you must test in every different kind of jobs, to see who will make more money than his contestants.
I'm waiting for some one to responding me back about what they compete with. e.g is they compete with singing or making the most money or some other hustling.

[serena]

i think that seven got the shows mixed up she thought they said the ultimate ass maker

[tap]

what is the beef with damon dash? I think the reality show is the best idea on television thus far,,,, I can agree that seven should have been booted off a long time ago because of her outspoken momments in time,,, I just wonder if she really made three figures in income from stripping and if so why in the hell was she so mad when damon said farewell to her ass,,,,,,, oh well i guess she will make some money somewhere but it won't be there!!!!!!

[P- Lord]

Seven was an fraud fake and phony, she was a disrepectful BIIIACH. she was not on her grind just a bunch of mouth she was a facade,. i seen right thru her fake self. she could be the ultimate buster. she needed to stall Jen out Jen is the ultimate hustler so bye seven you knuckl;re hesd broad,you;re going to get money but not from big Damon. so keep hoeing TRICK

[Sexy K]

I would like to say you can't be mad at seven for speaking her mind you have to be able to speak your mind and be true if you cant be true to yourself who can you be true 2 but you have to have respect and maybe thats somthing that she just dont have

[G aka swade]

This is a joke...all this time u think dash was a hustla, what u doing right now is hustla'n BET. You dont want no real hustla on ur show u want want cream puff nicca on ur show. What u doing right now has already been done.. it was call "The inturn"... Hustla is niccas who can turn a penny into a twenty. Got these gurls gone wild on the show what they know abt hustla'n other then a football or basketball playa. You gonna put the brawd off the show you should have put the nicca off the show for catchn feeln for the brawd... she hustls that clown if he had any money he would have been broke.....lol big ups baby gurl game recongnize game. Niccas dont make movies niccas make deals when hustla'n. So holla@urboi in TX if u lookn for hustla who can turn a penny in2 twenty.....

[lexx]

How do get on The Ultimate Hustler????

[chi til i die]

I think the ideas and concepts for the ultimate hustler show is great. It gives young people a chance to prove their hustler talents in a positive way, not only that but they are put under pressure by a hip hop mogul/business man, so they are not under the same pressure as being in a business type of environment. It allows them to be there selves but at the same time they have opportunites to prove they have what it takes to be apart of the business. I think that all the hustlers should thank Dame for giving them a opportunity. I wish I had a position in business that I could create opportunities for others. I respect Dame for what he is doing. Many people may think the show is lame but you lame for watchin it if you don't like it. Look beneath the surface. Overall, it is positive, challenging, and teaches values of business, and they get to chill in New York, meet all types of business people. I think the show cool. Don't knock the hustler.

[Taya]

I just wanted to say congrats to Sharp for making it this far we go waaaay back. You probably don't remember me by name... we made a loooowww budget video together at ur studio in long island for one of your songs !! neway congratulations keep working hard and drop me an e-mail k? lets network.

[Germeika]

I just wanted you to know (Damon Dash) that i love your and like when u cut Jen i did not get it but you know a boss gotta do what a boss gotta do yoiu know what im sayin?Well keep up the good work on yur show and keep cuttin people til' you find your true "Ultimate Hustler".

[juanita]

i love the ultimate hustler that is one of my favorite shows on television today

[the minnesotas hustler]

I think seven was a kool person she just try to hard for attention and don't know when to stop stuntin. She tried to hard to make it like she wanted dame to give her something like he was going to give the show to her instead of her doing what she supposed to be doing like everybody else. She wanted to make it like she was better than everybody else and she don't need to be on the show.Like She already make to much money then why did you come on the show...to stunt

[TALISAH MORROW]

DAMON DASH IS A COMPLETE ASSHOLE.WE THINK THAT HE DON'T REALLY KNOW HOW WE LIVE IN THE GETTO,HOW IT IS TO BE RICH.I LEARED THAT YOU DON'T TAKE LIFE OR PEOPLE FOR GRANTED.HE TOOK HIS BIG ASS HEAD TO DAME FAR.HE DON'T CARE ABOUT OUR PEOPLE HE JUST TO MAKE A BUCK OF US,"WHO WANT TO SAY UNCLE TOM".

[Moon]

Its a shame ppl chose 2 criticize what they cannot understand nor achieve. Dame is the first of many to give the 'now generation' ingredients of what it takes to make 'success soup'.Only the real would appreciate him doing what he chooses to do for his community. Sure he makes money, but honestly he does way more than ppl realize.The camera only shows you what the editors want you to see. Real hustlas often do things they dont want, because if it is deemed necessary for success, that goal must be accomplished. In short, all Dame has been tryin to say to you is Plot,Plan, Strategize, & follow thru!
Good Lookin D!
Moon-