Issa Rae: Rejections Fueling Boxing Show Brilliance

Issa Rae, the creative force behind HBO's 'Insecure' and 'Rap Sh!t,' is navigating title challenges for her next television venture. As her five-year deal with HBO nears its end, Rae candidly shared her struggles in naming her upcoming projects, particularly a new series centered on the Las Vegas boxing scene.

While accepting the Entertainment Entrepreneur Award, Rae revealed that HBO has rejected some of her proposed titles for the boxing-themed show. Far from being disheartened, she embraces these rejections, stating, "I'm not mad at the rejections." She attributes this creative friction partly to writing from a different perspective, suggesting a need to "come better."

The series, currently in development and casting, is tentatively known by the working title 'Untitled Male Friendship Show.' It will explore the lives of boxers and best friends Menzel and JB as they navigate ambition, personal struggles, and success in the high-stakes boxing world of Las Vegas. Rae is serving as the creator, writer, and executive producer for this project.