Sky have finally released a trailer for upcoming drama series Blocco 181 which stars rapper Salmo and could be Italy's answer to hit Netflix show Top Boy.
The eight-part series explores love and crime, set to the rhythms of rap and reggaeton, in a hyper-real, ultra-colourful and multicultural Milan and stars Italian rap-music pioneer Salmo.
Set in the fictional block 181, an imposing apartment complex on the hidden outskirts of Milan, Blocco 181 follows the story of block residents Bea (Laura Osma), Ludo (Alessandro Piavani) and Mahdi (Andrea Dodero).
These three characters at the heart of the story come from different backgrounds but are brought together by a strong bond; Bea is a Latin-American girl, torn between loyalty to her family, the dangerous Misa gang, and a desire to change her life, whilst Ludo and Mahdi are two friends that come from different social classes but are as close as brothers.
A dangerous triangle ultimately forms that challenges the rules of their social identities, as the trio navigate love, family, sex, crime, and emancipation.
The synopsis for the upcoming series reads: "Blocco 181 is the Milan that is never shown. A swath of the city’s outskirts centred around a hive of illegal flats, a place where suspicious, threatening looks are exchanged daily.
"On one hand, there are the kids from the block who protect the cocaine dealers. On the other hand, there are the pandilleros of Misa, who are hungry, and ready to give up their lives for their gang.
"As guns and machetes are brandished, an intimate, passionate love story comes to the fore. It includes Bea, a sensual and fearless pandillera; Ludo, a middle-class party boy; and Mahdi, a protective guy from the block.
"Their relationship is all about sex, friendship, and belonging to a new sort of family, which will see them making their way up through the criminal hierarchy together, as the Latinos and kids from the block battle it out."
Commenting on the project, Nils Hartmann EVP Sky Studios Germany and Italy previously said: "This partnership with Salmo confirms Sky Studios’ ambition to create fresh, thought-provoking and bold television with the most exciting new voices from across Europe and beyond, following on from our recent announcement of our first in-house project with the D’Innocenzo siblings.
"We are pleased that we have been chosen by a talented artist who knows that Sky Studios is the perfect hub to develop his powerful vision into something unique.
"Together, the in-house team at Sky Studios, Red Joint Film and Salmo will create a landmark Sky Original series that explores Milan like never before. We can’t wait to get started."
Blocco 181 will be available to watch on Sky Atlantic and NOW in the UK.
