FX orders rap comedy pilot Atlanta

US cable net FX has ordered Atlanta, a pilot comedy about two cousins working their way up through the Atlanta rap scene.

The show was created by Donald Glover – aka rapper Childish Gambino – one of the stars of US comedy series Community and a writer on NBC comedy 30 Rock.

Glover has penned the pilot and will exec produce alongside Paul Simms (Flight of the Conchords). He will also star as one of the rapping cousins.

FX’s in-house division FX Productions will make the pilot, which was ordered by Nick Grad and Eric Schrier, the presidents of original programming for FX Networks and FX Productions.

“Donald Glover is a uniquely talented actor and performer who brings real-life experience to this subject matter,” said Grad. “Not only is Donald a very gifted actor, he has achieved tremendous success and acclaim as the musical artist Childish Gambino. He, along with Paul Simms, has a very honest, sometimes serious, and funny perspective on life, the world of rap music and the city of Atlanta.”

Atlanta is the fourth comedy series pilot produced or ordered by FX Networks this year. Bill Burr series Pariah, is in production as is Man Seeking Woman, starring Jay Baruchel. Billy Crystal show The Comedians is set for a 2015 summer launch and FX has also ordered Denis Leary comedy Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.