When one thinks of stories that involve the chasing one’s dream, one thinks of positive concepts. After all, chasing a dream is something we all deem to be a noble and powerful cause. One that truly speaks to the wonder of the American Dream and the wonder of the human spirit. Because it takes bravery to risk it all to do precisely what we love in this life. Granted, there are hardships, because we would be foolish to believe that people won’t run into roadblocks and challenges along the way, but for the most part those stories quickly move beyond those to give us the grand payoff. Wherein the hero finally grabs hold of their dream, so that the audience in the theater, or on their couch at home will flip off the television or close their book, and/or walk out of the theater, feeling inspired to make a push to chase the dream that resides within their heart.
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But as this era of peak television continues along and audiences demand more of their stories, we are starting to encounter stories that present the chase of the dream in a vastly different light. In fact, they are a touch grittier than we remember them, simply because realism in storytelling is what audiences want, and in reality… the pursuit of our dreams can be quite the difficult and emotional affair. Because it isn’t easy in the slightest and there are no quick shortcuts or alternate routes to the end. And if we want to be successful, we must learn from the tough times and become masters of our craft to stand out when we finally do get our opportunity. If anything, it is refreshing to see stories offer up that honesty at last and what’s incredible… is that these more realistic stories about chasing the dream, are pushing even harder to find new ways to really explore this grand chase in bold new ways.

In fact, this week will see the premiere of a supremely unique television series on WE tv, entitled, Kold x Windy. Which is a brand-new series that offers that different type of story regarding the pursuit of one’s dream, and we here at NTG had the opportunity to see season one of this series in advance and thought it would be worthwhile to preview why you… a fan of shows in this vein… should tune in and give it a look, in a spoiler-free manner of course. And the first reason it will be worth your while, is courtesy of its refreshing and original plot. One that allows for us to meet a pair of Drill Musicians in Chicago named Malika ‘Kold’ Wise and Renee ‘Windy’ Johnson. Who are supremely talented and are quickly gaining in popularity, leading to the real possibility that the two of them will soon be free of the rough streets they’ve spent their life within because they are about to hit it big.

Which is precisely where this series deviates from what we normally see in this genre of storytelling. Because it quickly becomes apparent that just… walking away from the life they’ve known since they were children, is no easy task. For they’ve both laid down foundations in their neighborhood and are closely tied to the community and the various happenings within their town. Giving rise to a story that asks some important questions about how badly these characters actually want to be free of the lives they lead, which are oft complete with acts that are grey in nature, and if they actually want to be the stars, they dream of being… and if they’re willing to put in the work. Which creates all kinds of engaging drama and of course, offers up some fascinating modern commentary regarding how we view the pursuit of our dreams.

But there are more reasons that this series will fascinate and impress. Such as the fact that it takes us into the world of Drill music, a genre this reporter knew nothing of and will need to research further since it features some unique attributes as a genre. But above all, it is a solid cast that sells this kind of special story and that is present here as well. For Sh’Kia Augustin (Kold) and Nijah Brenea (Windy) are simply phenomenal in their roles and sell their characters and their respective plights with a stunning honesty that only draws you into this fascinating world and story further. And the best news of all, is that you don’t have to wait that much longer to see this refreshing series. For Kold X Windy will make its debut on WE tv on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at 10 p.m. EST/9 p.m. CST, and we certainly hope you give it a look and join us here to geek out about the show weekly, as we learn more about these incredible characters and their incredible pursuit of a dream that haunts them.

Over the course of the past few days, we’ve talked at length about how the STARZ series, BMF, continues to impress through its incredible world-building and origin themed storytelling. A feat this show has accomplished by offering up every formative moment of the Flenory brothers future drug empire and well… that’s worth mentioning again, simply because this series refuses to back off regarding its rich storytelling work. For the next episode in this fascinating saga is another educational story for the audience. One that takes the time to explore some of the challenges that young and ambitious dealers might encounter in the drug trade. A feat that offers up some unique insight for the audience as well, since we know little about this world outside of what we hear on the news or watch in fictionalized stories about it.
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As it turns out, the roadblocks young drug entrepreneurs run into are vast. Such as figuring out where to get their supply, and how to enjoy freedom when they’re working for someone else. Simply because Meech could not get Pat to provide the 50 Boyz with additional product for their explosive business in ‘Heroes’, a move that prompted both he and Terry to look at alternate suppliers and that too, proved to be quite troublesome. In part because the lead that Rock sent their way did not seem to pan out in the slightest and of course… Pat got wind of this and took personal offense over a problem that he created. Simply because he wanted control through and through of everyone in his stead, and he was so prepared to make that clear, that he killed Rock… who set up the side meeting in the first place… and made Tee and Meech bury him.  Which was a perfect way to hammer home this particular set of lessons.

However, that wasn’t the only issue that the Flenory brothers ran into in this particular tale. For this is a story that also informed them that when you have a legitimate competitor/nemesis… they are going to cause all kinds of problems for your business. After all, with new information in hand, Lamar was quick to wreak havoc on the 50 Boyz operation. First by taking the time to swing by their food truck operation to disrupt it in an epic manner, and he was supremely successful in doing so. Because he confused everyone within earshot of his nonsense and he even forced the business to shut down momentarily and of course… that level of trouble, demanded more security. So, Tee and Meech made a point to add as many bodies as possible to the food truck to keep the Stone Burgers flowing and that… proved to be a critical mistake.

Simply because, that was Lamar’s only incursion regarding the business and that left Hoop concerned. Because Lamar wasn’t the kind of guy to just be one and done in such matters. He was relentless and ruthless, so to see him fade away… meant he was up to something. In fact, Hoop posed the theory that maybe, just maybe… he caused trouble at the food truck, to pull resources away from the new safe house for the stash, and well, he was right. For it was unguarded, and thanks to Kota giving Lamar the address, he was able to get hold of the 50 Boyz supply with only a minimal firefight. And this was a fine lesson in what a nemesis can do to the business, and it will be interesting to see how Terry and Meech respond to this devastating move and what they learn from it, and they will have to learn and decide on their response quickly.

Simply because… there’s another problem brewing for this duo. In that, despite B-Mickie and Meech’s best efforts to keep Jay-Mo’s death a secret, his body turned up in the river. Putting Detective Bryant in a tough place, since this forced him to do his job, and eyes are on Meech at the worst possible time. But while we wait to see what kind of resolution comes forth from all of these challenges, we can in fact, celebrate another brilliant tale from this brilliant series. Since it really did a wonderful job of further plunging us into this world and an industry, we know little off in a manner that was supremely compelling. Since this kind of raw realism and madness just grabs hold of you and never lets go and it truly does compel us to continue the journey post haste, to see what other stunning education and genesis moments await us. Until next time.