EXCLUSIVE: Green light from WE tv and AllBlk cold x windy, a new scripted drama series from creators Kenny Young, Phil James and Vernon “Xtreme” Brown. The 8-episode project, We tv’s return to scripted television, is set to air in the fall via WE tv and AllBlk.

cold x windy follows rising hip-hop and drill star Malika (stage name Kold), who desperately seeks to create a better life for herself and her son in south Chicago. Her trusted confidante and bandmate Renee (stage name Windy) is a rapper with a strong devotion to the city streets.

As Malika’s career begins to heat up, her lifelong hustle – credit card fraud – catches up with her, and rival drills see her as a threat. Facing increasing pressure, she soon finds herself at a crossroads and must decide which path to choose.

However, Renee, who also dabbles in credit card fraud, doesn’t agree with her best friend’s desire to change her image and will stop at nothing to stop it. Will Malika be able to free herself from her life of crime to fulfill her musical dreams and save her family?

“cold x windy is an important and thought-provoking survival story that shines a light on the strong influence of Drill culture on our city streets and social media that has become so controversial,” said Brett Dismuke, General Manager of AllBlk & WE tv in a statement to Deadline. “Our goal is to pull back the curtain and give viewers a first-hand look at these strong female characters by humanizing them as we paint a vivid picture of the personal relationships, real-life challenges and ongoing cycles that can be difficult to overcome. ”

He continued: “In particular, cold x windy will mark WE tv’s return to the scripted space after several years, and to do so with a story as culturally relevant and timely as this, seems like a great opportunity for us to introduce a new element into the current programming mix from WE tv. ”

“We are delighted to partner with WE tv on cold x windy as we work together to bring this serious and honest series to life,” commented co-creator Phil James, Chalice Entertainment. “Malika and Renee’s earnest story is extremely reflective of the many struggles facing the streets of our city today.”

Lauren Gellert, Executive Vice President of Production and Development, David Stefanou, Senior Vice President of Production and Development, and Nikki Love, Senior Vice President of Production and Development (ALLBLK) are the executive producers of WE tv.