Swizz Beatz and ’Godfather of Harlem’ Showrunner Chris Brancato Formalize Creative Partnership (Exclusive)

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Chris Brancato, the mastermind behind “Narcos” and “Godfather of Harlem,” is once again gathering a group or assembling a team, using his proven skills.

Brancato and hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz are solidifying the creative bond they established during their work on the Epix series, “Godfather of Harlem,” and further nurtured on “Hotel Cocaine.” According to The Hollywood Reporter, this dynamic duo is now collaborating on a new gang drama titled “The Westies” for MGM+. Notably, Brancato serves as showrunner in all their projects together, while Swizz Beatz handles the executive music production role in “Godfather of Harlem.”

Brancato and hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz are strengthening a creative relationship they started on “Godfather of Harlem” and expanded upon “Hotel Cocaine.” They are now working together again, this time on a MGM+ gang drama called “The Westies.” Brancato is in charge of the show for all their collaborations, while Swizz Beatz manages the music production side in “Godfather of Harlem.

The group hasn’t chosen a title for their upcoming banner as of now; the LLC part is still pending according to information received. In simpler terms, it might be coming up “a little ways off…perhaps soon,” as stated by Brancato.

As a passionate admirer, I’m thrilled about the collaboration between these two creative minds. They’ve got some exciting plans brewing for television, film, and podcasts. Their aim is to weave captivating stories with profound cultural elements, ensuring their storytelling resonates with a broad range of viewers, truly reflecting their dedication to diverse audiences.

Brancato has crafted and overseen more than 250 hours of television content, with contributions to shows like The X-Files, Law and Order: Criminal Intent, and Hannibal. He also penned the screenplays for Hoodlum and Species II, two feature films.

Kasseem Daoud Dean, professionally known as Swizz Beatz, is a Grammy-winning music producer. Alongside Jay-Z, he clinched the award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group in 2011 for their joint track “On to the Next One.” Swizz Beatz is undeniably a hip-hop icon from the ’90s; it was his family who established Ruff Ryders Entertainment, a label that introduced us to notable artists such as DMX, Drag-On, Eve, and The Lox (consisting of Jadakiss, Sheek, and Styles P).

Dean has composed the main themes for both “Hotel Cocaine” and “Godfather of Harlem”, and he serves as a consulting producer on “The Westies”, a hard-hitting crime drama that revolves around New York City’s notoriously violent Irish gang known by the same name. Production for “The Westies” is set to begin in July.

More specifics about our upcoming collaborative ventures are expected to be revealed within the next few months, according to information we’ve received.

Speaking with THR, Brancato expressed that collaborating with Swizz has been both inspiring and invigorating. They’ve discovered a creative harmony that seems unusual yet captivating. I look forward to furthering our collaboration with him and his team, Grady Spivey and Monique Blake, to breathe life into unheard tales in daring, cinematic manners.

Swizz Beatz stated: “Collaborating with Chris has been extraordinary! Following the success of four seasons of the groundbreaking series Godfather of Harlem, transitioning into producing and developing new projects together feels effortless and authentic. Our dynamic, our diverse synergy, inspires and propels us to generate innovative ideas. This partnership embodies just that.

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2025-06-13 19:54