The Get Down
Let’s face it, we were all kind of skeptical, especially with the potential of them missing all the major marks, then the teenage, sappy romance and Jaden Smith experimenting with… conceptual acting…?
But despite minor flaws, the creativity produced by the collaboration of Hip Hop artists, performers and historians, of all backgrounds, has made for another successful show, topping the Notorious Netflix: BINGE-WATCH LIST. [I just made that up].
The fast-paced dramatization has me stuck on my couch for 90 minutes after 90 minutes because my ass falls into the-- “only one more” cycle. The dynamic between the nostalgic, 70s disco vibes and psychedelic cartoons paints the story of the Get Down Brothers in a kaleidoscope fashion. For me, the excitement comes specifically from seeing figures I’ve come to respect through my growing-love for Hip Hop-- personified in their prime. And I have yet to be unimpressed by an impression.
Side-note: this isn’t necessarily a review of the show, but rather a rambling of everything I love about it. Just keeping it positive, people.
What I find most appealing about the show and its premise, is the writers’ ability to connect with the young generation now; the viewers who are (or around) the same age as the main characters in the show. Freedom of expression, the chase for individuality and the struggle to preserve what culture we were born into-- are all matters we still battle for today. Viva la revolucion, as Dizee would say.
The characters’ lives reveal their ultimate challenges as: 1) preserving their rightful culture and 2) escaping the brutal realities of their socioeconomic statuses. Political schemes and powerful slum lords collide, shaking their individual worlds and futures in music
They unite with historic activists and artisans such as the Zulu Nation, Young Lords and Black Panthers-- and are depicted as inspirational figures to the Hip Hop community in its infancy. Infamous activists and organizations that fought for the same injustices still here today [37 YEARS LATER].
Waiting for next season only leaves time for me to further investigate the story of Shaolin Fantastic and the Fantastic 5. I have many questions and theories as to who is who and what is to come, with that being said:
*** POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD: I ADVISE ALL GET DOWN FANATICS TO VACATE***
I am not trying to my lose readers!
You may continue to read if you’d like to follow me in the investigation, or just laugh at my ridiculous speculations.
In the end, questions like these are what keep me up at night:
1. When will Cadillac come out?
2. Is Annie actually Ursula in gangster form OR the actual inspiration to Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal?
3. Who will play Grandmaster Caz?
4. Will we get to see Dee Dee from The Ramones turn into Dee Dee Kings, one-time rapper?
5. How far into the history and concept of Blaxploitation will the show explore?
6. Will there be any mention of The Last Poets?
I got way more of these queries haunting my every thought, but for now I’ll keep the ghouls at bay. You know where to find me when the next season drops, until then, thanks for reading!
D.
