With the new drama series "How To Make It In America" HBO gives us a glimpse into the lives of New York City twenty-somethings trying to succeed in the intersecting worlds of fashion, art, music and nightlife. Born and bred New Yorker, Richie Cruz gives us his opinion on whether or not they got it right. I'm 27 years old and Puerto Rican.

I love Latin food. None of the women in my family went to culinary school. But what they lack in professional tutelage -- they even the scales with authenticity. La verdad is what draws me to their cooking time and again despite the absence of a culinary school pedigree. In the same vein, HBO's much-hyped series "How To Make It In America" might lack an instantly recognizable cast (most will know Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi and maybe Victor Rasuk, but that's about it), but tells a narrative that will resonate strongly with young urbanites striving for greatness in any big city.



Shooting on location in NYC makes it relatively easy to transmit a gritty, urban aesthetic, but to capture the multitude of emotions that us young hustlers tryna get it have to brave everyday is uncanny and, in some ways, divine. Like my family's cooking, it feels like La verdad. My clique, professional colleagues and I could merge seamlessly into the show without it -- or us -- missing a beat. "How To .... " illustrates New York's unique appreciation for hustlers who would rather be defined by their side hustle than their day job; where a titere can chase his dreams and charm his way into business meetings with the likes of John Varvatos. (I can't count how many times a chance encounter has turned into a bona fide opportunity to build with that person -- it's surreal, actually.)



What's most impressive is how the show has captured the nuances of our daily life: the rubberband keeping one's BlackBerry intact, the unwavering faith in abuela's prayers, the art of getting past doormen. Critics have been referred to the show as a New York version of "Entourage." What they miss is that the grind in the Rotten Apple is anything but Hollywood. It is uncertain, hopeful, crushing and invigorating all at once. Watch it with a careful eye and ear -- if you're anything like me, the show is as stark a look in the mirror as you'll ever find.