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Irv ‘Gotti’ Lorenzo: 'I Want the Hip-Hop Culture to Love It First'

We're about to go on an emotional roller coaster.

On June 8, 2017, a crowd of insiders got the opportunity to view the first episode of BET's highly anticipated hip-hop anthology series, Tales. One word to describe the visual? Unexpected. Executive producer Irv "Gotti" Lorenzo wants the episode to knock viewers in the jaw. "I did it to jar an emotion and I want that emotion," he said. The crowd at the 34th Street AMC Theatre in NYC got knocked out. They laughed, clapped, gave "oohs" and "ahhs" and cheered throughout the entire screening. 

According to Irv, the true test will be on premiere night (Tuesday, June 27 at 8P/7C) when his hip-hop counterparts give the thumbs up. "It's the best feeling to do something that your culture gets. And let's be clear, I want everybody in the world to love this show, but I want the hip-hop culture to love it first," Irv said.

Viewers will get the chance to see a few notable actors like the forever handsome Boris Kodjoe, Clifton Powell and Menace II Society star Tyrin Turner along with some fresh faces like Matthew Noszka, Nafessa Williams and Tom Hanks's son Chet Hanks. Chet's relatable authenticity seemed to have made the crowd fall in love. "This guy is a monster. [The] acting gene is in that dude," Irv shouted. Irv even talked about a time during taping where Chet was so into character that it spooked Irv a bit. "I'm like, 'Cut.' We gotta do another angle and he's walking around ice grilling everybody. I'm like, 'This [dude is his character] Troy right now.'"


5 Things You Didn't Know About "Tales"


Expect each episode to be gut-wrenching in some form. Although the finale hasn't been shot yet, Irv has plans to tap at women's heartstrings. He shared, "My goal for that one is to make every woman cry 'cause I'm gonna deliver a monster, Titanic-esque love story."

As for this first episode? It's going to hit hard.

Scroll up to see our list of 5 Things You Didn't Know About Tales. Be sure to get yourself in front of a TV or phone for the season premiere following the BET Awards on Tuesday, June 27 at 8P/7C.

 

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