https://blackgirlnerds.com/review-issa-raes-rap-sht-drops-a-unique-beat-of-its-own/
Once again, Issa Rae (Insecure) is showcasing a Black woman’s friendship on screen–and she turns it up to the tempo. The Emmy-nominated actress’s new HBO Max comedy series, Rap Sh!it delivers a unique flare that departs from Insecure’s uniquely Los Angeles story of awkward, but loveable Issa Dee (Issa Rae) and stubborn, but ambitious Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji).
This time around, fans are introduced to two Miami-based rappers, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who join forces years after their high school days to form a rap group. Together, they begin slowly climbing the ladder to fame. As expected, their quest to fulfill their dreams isn’t an easy one.
The series was produced by Hoorae Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment with Syreeta Singleton, now stepping into her own as the series’ showrunner after writing for Insecure. Additionally, the show draws reference and authenticity from real-life rappers. This includes the show’s co-lead KaMillion, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, City Girls, and more.
The Good: Rap Sh!t Spits Its Own Distinct Rhymes
Rap Sh!it comedically immerses and juxtaposes Miami tourist culture with local culture. This makes it clear that similar to Insecure, the plot is driven by location. From the first episode, the creators convey plans to be very Miami-centric. They introduce audiences to both Miami, Florida, and the specific group of people they have living there.
While, in many ways the show, replicates the same formula as others, it brings a refreshing perspective through its depiction of social media. Although social media plays a vital role in American life, many series fail to reflect how much leverage an online presence has on social and professional success. This series makes viewers more mindful of their own behaviors (literally with selfies and IG lives). Audiences have a realization that most people use social media like currency — and that’s just what it is on Rap Sh!t.
Social media takes on a persona of its own, as it simultaneously conveys information, fuels conflict, bolsters careers, and cancels people as episodes go by. It plays with surveillance and what it means to constantly live in front of and behind a camera. Even intimate moments are observed by strangers and inundated with comments and likes. In that light, each episode presents a serious phenomenon amid lighthearted booty twerks and dropping beats.
The series also addresses the issues of selling out, cultural appropriation, and talent that goes overlooked. In the rap industry especially, Black women have always had the odds against them–even after making countless contributions to rap culture.
While it’s about the music industry, Shawna and Mia tell a bigger story about how Black women are discounted and devalued for their work. Instead of competing against each other, the Black women rappers in Rap Sh!t are (for the most part) a team. Many of Shawna’s raps are about the structural issues of racism, colonialism, student debt, and misogyny–which are ignored versus music about sex and partying. By contrast, Mia’s raps are more geared toward money, parties, sex, and fast cars. Together, the show pushes the message that rap should combine politics and party to inspire listeners. Thus, making this team the dream.
Finally, there are hilarious “Karen” moments and other pokes at entitled white women that hop on Black trends for the social media likes (but don’t actually value Black people). The show reflects the reality of Black women trying to break into a superficial industry without compromising who they are.
The Bad: The Characters Don’t Extend Further Than Their Social Media
Overall, there aren’t standout performances. However, Osman does create a compelling character that carries to the story. Shawna is the most developed character with clearly understood motives and struggles. Mia, on the other hand, works wonders comically — but presents a character that’s difficult to take seriously. While she endures considerable struggles, there’s an almost unbelievable (and aggravating) ignorance about her, which makes her friendship with Shawna perplexing.
While pairing characters with vastly different temperaments and moral codes may be engaging in some projects, in Rap Sh!t it’s awkward. The same goes for Osman and her longtime boyfriend Cliff Lewis (Devon Terrell). They both seem like they went on a few dates rather than being in a committed relationship for several years. Whether on purpose or due to lack of chemistry, the two don’t make any sense. They beg the question of why the relationship is introduced in the series at all. What it does (if anything) to build the story.
Following a similar path, the minor characters melt into the show without making a strong impact. They help move the plot forward, and not much more. While the social media aspect is engaging, it seems to often act in place of character building. The characters are reduced to their social media–and it feels like a lot of noise without substance.
The number of characters is also disorienting. So many names and faces are introduced within the first few episodes alone that it’s difficult to connect or relate with anyone beyond Mia and Shawna.
Final Verdict
Rap Sh!t is no Insecure. It has charm — but the two don’t and shouldn’t be compared. While there’s nothing like Issa Dee mirror rapping to hype herself up (or not), this is a different rap vibe altogether. Few shows dive into storytelling through social media so boldly while making people evaluate their own lifestyles at the same time. For that, the show is notable. However, it lacks the substance-infused comedy Rae is known for bringing to her projects.
So far, the story of Shawna and Mia draws intrigue without adoration, making for an overall mildly fun show that (if given another season) could become the newest top-charting hit.
Rap Sh!t arrives on HBO Max on July 21, 2022.
Once again, Issa Rae (Insecure) is showcasing a Black woman’s friendship on screen–and she turns it up to the tempo. The Emmy-nominated actress’s new HBO Max comedy series, Rap Sh!it delivers a unique flare that departs from Insecure’s uniquely Los Angeles story of awkward, but loveable Issa Dee (Issa Rae) and stubborn, but ambitious Molly Carter (Yvonne Orji).
This time around, fans are introduced to two Miami-based rappers, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), who join forces years after their high school days to form a rap group. Together, they begin slowly climbing the ladder to fame. As expected, their quest to fulfill their dreams isn’t an easy one.
The series was produced by Hoorae Productions and 3 Arts Entertainment with Syreeta Singleton, now stepping into her own as the series’ showrunner after writing for Insecure. Additionally, the show draws reference and authenticity from real-life rappers. This includes the show’s co-lead KaMillion, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, City Girls, and more.
The Good: Rap Sh!t Spits Its Own Distinct Rhymes
Rap Sh!it comedically immerses and juxtaposes Miami tourist culture with local culture. This makes it clear that similar to Insecure, the plot is driven by location. From the first episode, the creators convey plans to be very Miami-centric. They introduce audiences to both Miami, Florida, and the specific group of people they have living there.
While, in many ways the show, replicates the same formula as others, it brings a refreshing perspective through its depiction of social media. Although social media plays a vital role in American life, many series fail to reflect how much leverage an online presence has on social and professional success. This series makes viewers more mindful of their own behaviors (literally with selfies and IG lives). Audiences have a realization that most people use social media like currency — and that’s just what it is on Rap Sh!t.
Social media takes on a persona of its own, as it simultaneously conveys information, fuels conflict, bolsters careers, and cancels people as episodes go by. It plays with surveillance and what it means to constantly live in front of and behind a camera. Even intimate moments are observed by strangers and inundated with comments and likes. In that light, each episode presents a serious phenomenon amid lighthearted booty twerks and dropping beats.
The series also addresses the issues of selling out, cultural appropriation, and talent that goes overlooked. In the rap industry especially, Black women have always had the odds against them–even after making countless contributions to rap culture.
While it’s about the music industry, Shawna and Mia tell a bigger story about how Black women are discounted and devalued for their work. Instead of competing against each other, the Black women rappers in Rap Sh!t are (for the most part) a team. Many of Shawna’s raps are about the structural issues of racism, colonialism, student debt, and misogyny–which are ignored versus music about sex and partying. By contrast, Mia’s raps are more geared toward money, parties, sex, and fast cars. Together, the show pushes the message that rap should combine politics and party to inspire listeners. Thus, making this team the dream.
Finally, there are hilarious “Karen” moments and other pokes at entitled white women that hop on Black trends for the social media likes (but don’t actually value Black people). The show reflects the reality of Black women trying to break into a superficial industry without compromising who they are.
The Bad: The Characters Don’t Extend Further Than Their Social Media
Overall, there aren’t standout performances. However, Osman does create a compelling character that carries to the story. Shawna is the most developed character with clearly understood motives and struggles. Mia, on the other hand, works wonders comically — but presents a character that’s difficult to take seriously. While she endures considerable struggles, there’s an almost unbelievable (and aggravating) ignorance about her, which makes her friendship with Shawna perplexing.
While pairing characters with vastly different temperaments and moral codes may be engaging in some projects, in Rap Sh!t it’s awkward. The same goes for Osman and her longtime boyfriend Cliff Lewis (Devon Terrell). They both seem like they went on a few dates rather than being in a committed relationship for several years. Whether on purpose or due to lack of chemistry, the two don’t make any sense. They beg the question of why the relationship is introduced in the series at all. What it does (if anything) to build the story.
Following a similar path, the minor characters melt into the show without making a strong impact. They help move the plot forward, and not much more. While the social media aspect is engaging, it seems to often act in place of character building. The characters are reduced to their social media–and it feels like a lot of noise without substance.
The number of characters is also disorienting. So many names and faces are introduced within the first few episodes alone that it’s difficult to connect or relate with anyone beyond Mia and Shawna.
Final Verdict
Rap Sh!t is no Insecure. It has charm — but the two don’t and shouldn’t be compared. While there’s nothing like Issa Dee mirror rapping to hype herself up (or not), this is a different rap vibe altogether. Few shows dive into storytelling through social media so boldly while making people evaluate their own lifestyles at the same time. For that, the show is notable. However, it lacks the substance-infused comedy Rae is known for bringing to her projects.
So far, the story of Shawna and Mia draws intrigue without adoration, making for an overall mildly fun show that (if given another season) could become the newest top-charting hit.
Rap Sh!t arrives on HBO Max on July 21, 2022.
Since 2018, any time you have seen me get on this site and mention Craig of the Creek, you know I’m about to tell you bout an episode where they not only understood the assignment but handed in extra credit as well. ‘The Champion’s Hike’ is another notch in the belt for Craig of the Creek as an episode that does not miss. What I’ve always loved about Craig of the Creek is the long game they play. The show focuses on character development extremely well. We also see a rotation of which kid from the creek gets highlighted. This episode is no different as we get a closer look at the former Champions of King Xavier. Aggie, Keun-sup, and Maya sit at the center of the episode, but it’s Jackie who steals it entirely.
An interesting thing about Craig of the Creek is how characters are handled when they become someone else. We saw this with Omar no longer having to dawn the Green Poncho. He is now just Omar but letting go of the routine of the Green Poncho wasn’t easy, but he has. We’ve seen glimpses of the former champions of the king post-capture the flag war. This is the first time we’re seeing all the champions hanging out together as former champions now. We get to explore who these characters are outside of their old roles.
Enter Jackie formerly known as “The Arm.”
“The Champion’s Hike” episode centers around Craig trying to fit in among his former enemies turned friends and Maya being the one to let him know that it’s okay to just be himself. The other portion of this story is how we get to see African American Sign language on screen via Jackie who is deaf. We see Jackie’s father communicating with him prior to the group leaving. We also see Keun-Sup signing communicating to Jackie with ASL as well. Not only do we get to see African American Sign Language, but this episode gives us sign language conversation between two characters of color. We also see Craig learning more ASL and remembering what he’s learned prior from Keun in order to interact with Jackie. Craig of the Creek really be out here thinking of everything man.
There is an artist touch used here as well where we know what is being said of the conversation only by how Keun reacts verbally to what Jackie is saying. We viewers who aren’t versed in ASL won’t understand what’s being said (like the conversation between Jackie and his father) However, that’s fine because it’s not for us. There was an issue of Hawkeye (Hawkeye #19 [2014]). The issue had Hawkeye, Clint Barton, receiving an injury that made him deaf again. We see his brother Barney signing to him, but there is no caption for those not familiar with ASL, which was an intended choice. I appreciate the creators “The Champion’s Hike” episode making the same choice for their audience as well. There’s something that makes it even more authentic.
I’ve been saying this since 2018, but you’re going to love what them creek kids are getting up to over at Craig of the Creek. They’re putting up new episodes along with top tier substance. It’s really not getting any better than this MVP cartoon over on Cartoon Network.
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The post ‘The Champion’s Hike’ Brings African American Sign Language to ‘Craig of the Creek’ appeared first on Black Nerd Problems.
Afronerd Radio can now be heard LIVE courtesy of Apple Music/Itunes
Greetings to our longstanding and loyal listenership! it's certainly that time, AGAIN! Check out a new episode of Afronerd Radio's The Grindhouse broadcast, airing every Sunday at 6 p.m. eastern on the BTalk 100 internet radio platform. Join your Nanda Parbat-trained AFROnerdist hosts as they decipher the following issues: yet another business succumbs under the financial weight of the COVID-19 crises, the beloved Black-owned, Amalgam Comics & Coffeehouse, located in Philadelphia, PA, and owned by entrepreneur, Ariell Johnson will be closing its doors after a 7-year run; Controversial Youtuber/Libertarian/Comic Creator, Eric July's Rippaverse continues to cause a stir with an increasing investment tally of 2.3M;
Thor: Love and Thunder dips to a frightful 68% in box-office revenue for its 2nd week release; more Wakanda Forever news-noted actor, Daniel Kaluuya, has opted out of the Black Panther sequel and a recent plot leak for the film does not bode well for fans who were hoping for a #recastTchalla framework:
Our thoughts about the live and in-person return of SDCC (San Diego Comic-Con) starting up next week; perhaps like a phoenix, The Black News Channel, too, may also return, this time under the tutelage of media mogul, Byron Allen, and lastly, our impressions concerning the proposed reboot of the Stargate franchise starring much of the original movie cast.
One thing that Dburt is doing (finally) is investing in cryptocurrency, courtesy of Roundlyx. We would implore our followers to investigate, discern and then explore by using our referral code: afro-87A4BF
Call us LIVE at 508-645-0100. AFTER CLICKING ON THE HIGHLIGHTED LINK, GO DIRECTLY TO AFRONERD RADIO!!!
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