MUSIC CULTURE

The Get Down!

This series is a Netflix Original about the beginning stages of Hip-Hop! It follows a group of teens from the south side of the Bronx in the late 1970s (77 to be exact), and what the hood truly looks like. They give a raw and honest portrayal of how relations really were for blacks and Latinos. Growing up in the ghetto with dreams is no easy deal, especially when you consider all the political and drug wars tearing the borough apart. Music was the common denominator for them, but one side was disco and the other was the underground sound of Hip-Hop. This was a time when they didn't accept or believe that this type of music would last. Disco was all the rage, and no one wanted to hear what these boys from the hood (I know what I did here lol!) had to say. TRAILER BELOW!

Main characters to know:

• Ezekiel 'Books' Figuero
• Mylene Cruz
• Shaolin Fantastic
• Ra-Ra
• Boo-Boo
• Dizzee
• Yolanda
• Regina
• All of their family members play a HUGE roll in how certain things play out as well! (fasten your seatbelts)

Ezekiel (Zeke) sees himself as an orphan due to both of his parents being dead, which was simply a consequence of their circumstances. He finds solace in music, yet he is brilliant! He is both streetwise and a genius in the classroom. He is being told/pushed to go the "right" way, but that means leaving his passions behind. Zeke and his crew of friends just want to enjoy being themselves without the pressures of what they're "supposed" to do. They get sucked into this mystery guy called Shaolin Fantastic, he is an enigma to them, a superhero. Shaolin had the coveted "in" with Grandmaster Flash, a founder of the Hip-Hop movement.

Mylene Cruz has a blessed voice and she sings in her father's church, but that isn't really the type of girl she is. Her father is very strict in his interpretation of their religion, so if it isn't gospel, it is a disgusting sin. However, she loved disco, but has to sneak around to listen to it and sing it. Her friends had more freedom in their home life (Regina has WAY too much), so together they explore the nightlife of disco. Ezekiel has always loved Mylene, but she wasn't thinking about giving him any play! Even so, Zeke still believed in her as he always helped her out with her dreams. Their lives change though when they each get life altering opportunities to be more than the stereotypical teens from the hood. It is known, some of the greatest talents are bred there!

I could write all day about little bits of juicy drama this show holds, but it is best to watch it! The 2nd season just recently dropped with 5 episodes (last season had 6), with each being at least 50mins or so a piece. The finale episode is always longer though, about an hour or over. You get an unfiltered view of gangs, family secrets, political set ups, the grimy music industry, etc. This is an important show to bring us all back to the true history and culture of Hip-Hop! All the music referenced and elite contributors are factual, so we can stand to learn more! A good follow up would be watching the Hip-Hop Evolution (also on Netflix), as it chronicles the very start to the present, and you will be AMAZED at the greatness!!!

Much Love,

Khariah