Multi-talented hip hop artist, Caktuz, is set to appear alongside Mack Wilds, Wood Harris, Afton Williamson, T.I., Teyana Taylor, & Method Man on VH1’s new series The Breaks. Adapted from the studio’s own original hip-hop movie of the same name in 2016, the series premiere attracted 2.6 million viewers.
Growing up between North Carolina and the DMV, Caktuz has written and produced with the district’s own Perfection Band, T.O.B., Black Bo (TCB), Lo (Backyard Band), Capitol Kidds, Killa Cal (Whut Band), & Shorty Corleone (Rare Essence), as well as become a highly respected videographer for the scenes top bands.
During the musical scoring of his directorial debut W A N D E R L U S T (Set for release March 27th 2017) Caktuz formed an alternative hip hop/go go collective with the help of producer Mickey Freeman (the son of DC music legend, Go Go Mickey). Comprised of several producers and musicians working with some of the industry’s biggest acts, this musical suicide squad combine to form The DOPESH!TE – owners of the moment.
Soon after the score’s completion, co-creator/ executive producer for The Breaks – Dan Charnas, turned to Caktuz for authentic musicians who could portray an early 90’s go go band. The 6 selected bring a heavy history of music making with a long list of iconic names. Bassist SilleStar (Tameka ‘Tiny’ Harris, Karlie Redd, Brandy), vocalist Kenny Black, drummer LeAngelo ‘Lo’ Jacobs (UCB, Qlick), percussion brothers Mickey Freeman (Rare Essence, E.U.) & Boogie BeeJay (Rare Essence, Qlick), along with frontman Caktuz (Akon, M.O.P., Bilal, dead prez,).
Catch The DOPESH!TE in episode 6: “Runaway” of VH1’s The Breaks March 27th 2017, as well as Caktuz’s musical noir W A N D E R L U S T to premiere following The Breaks 10pm est/ 9pm cst
OTHER CREDITS: 3 independent albums, 2 UK tours, a single with Sony Red imprint We Build Hits, Akon, Kardinal Offishal, Bilal, M.O.P., Dead Prez, Boot Camp Clik, SA-RA, Sadat X, Young Guru (Jay-Z), Chink Santana, to Award Winning actor Michael K. Williams.
From 2011-2013, with a fanbase of over 450,000+, online users tuned in every week to Cak’s comedic Radio One web show ThatsWhatsUp! and Sports Stoop (both produced by Caktuz). A bonafide web star, Caktuz’s online webisodes held the top rated spot at The Urban Daily for 3yrs.
The Breaks aired last year ranking as the No. 2 cable original movie of the year among adults 18-49, 18-34 and women in both demos. The January premiere and immediate encore collected a combined 2.6 million total viewers, propelling VH1 to a 42 percent gain among adults under 50 in January.
T.I., Teyana Taylor, Melonie Diaz, Sinqua Walls and Ali Ahn are joining the movie’s original cast, which includes Afton Willamson, Wood Harris, Mack Wilds, Antoine Harris, David Call and Evan Handler. In case anyone’s keeping track, this cast boasts TV and film credits ranging from Billions, Power, and Sex and the City to Fruitvale Station.
Inspired by Charnas’ book entitled The Big Payback, The Breaks is written, directed and executive produced by Seith Mann (Walking Dead, The Wire) with a story by Mann and Charnas. John J. Strauss is joining as Executive Producer for the series. The film followed three young friends fulfilling their hip hop dreams in New York City in 1990, and the series will continue to explore their triumph and heartbreak trying to make their mark in a new and complex hip hop culture. The Breaks is set to premiere in February 2017 and the band is scheduled to appear in the 6th episode.
