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Apple is getting into show business, and in a decidedly un-Apple-like way.
The technology titan is set to back a series from rapper Dr. Dre, who will produce and star in “Vital Signs,” according to the Hollywood Reporter. Dre (real name Andre Young) joined Apple alongside music producer Jimmy Iovine when the company bought Beats in 2014 for $3 billion.
The six episode, semiautobiographical series is purported to include plenty of sex and violence, with a shoot this week featuring an extended orgy scene. The content contrasts with the more rigidly defined moral principles at Apple, which bans pornography from its App Store.
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The show marks the first original program from the Cupertino, California, company. Apple is relatively late to the game, with other tech players such as Netflix and Amazon winning awards and attention for buzz-worthy shows such as “House of Cards” and “Transparent.” Original programming could help drive awareness and adoption for its Apple TV box, and potentially lay the groundwork for the oft-rumored television service.
The series will be distributed via Apple Music, according to the report. It’s unclear whether Apple TV or the company’s other platforms will be involved. The report stems in part from people with knowledge of the series filming in Los Angeles this week.
Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Media mogul Dre already has plenty of experience in Hollywood. He was an executive producer on 2015’s “Straight Outta Compton,” a hit biopic about rap group N.W.A. The movie brought in more than $200 million. Dre was a member of N.W.A.
There’s certainly interest in Dre himself, as evidenced by his nearly 3 million followers on Twitter.
