Kanye West has reportedly confirmed his role as musical executive producer for new TV series Underground.
According to NME, West's rumored involvement has been confirmed in a casting call for extras. The casting call noted that the So Help Me God rapper has "recently agreed to executive produce the music behind the new TV series".
Deadline reported in February that WGN America moved forward with Underground, a Akiva Goldsman-produced drama. The series is a 10-episode project that follows a number of slaves who plan an escape from a Georgia plantation. Their journey includes a trek to cross 600 miles to freedom with aide from a secret abolitionist couple.
Underground's cast includes Jurnee Smollett-Bell of Friday Night Lights, Christopher Meloni of Law 7 Order: Special Victims Unit, Aldis Hodge of Leverage. and Jesse De Gouw of TV series Arrow. Underground was created and written by Misha Green and Joe Pokaski of Heroes. The pair also serves as executive producers along with Tory Tunnell and Joby Harold from Safehouse Pictures, according to Deadline.
Underground and new TV series drama, Titans, both derive from Sony Pictures TV.
Matt Cherniss of WGN America and Tribune Studios shared his thoughts on the new TV series with Variety.
"These projects, each exploring a world we find to be unique and fascinating, continue our aggressive expansion into original scripted programming," Cherniss said according to Variety.
Sony's TV presidents, Zack Van Amburg and Jamie Erlicht also shared their input on dramas Underground and Titans and working with WGN with Variety.
"High-quality original series have consistently helped establish channel brands with the audience, Erlicht said. "WGN appreciates and takes that value proposition seriously."
Amburg added his appreciation for the good working relationship.
"We are happy that working together is a significant part of their growth strategy," he said.
Underground is slated to begin shooting Monday April 13.
