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Unleashed (by Bow Wow, Hip-hop)

common sense media says

Fun, well-produced with lots of help from friends.

parents & educators say
See 2 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this music, filled with arrogant posturing that somehow comes off as cute, doesn't dig deep -- but that's okay. It's fun to listen to and careful not to offend. Teenagers are obsessed with self-image and the mysterious world of dating and relationships. Why should Bow Wow, at 16, be any different?

Positive messages: "The Movement" (the only thoughtful song on the CD) delivers a positive message about overcoming adversity. There's also a sweet song about his mom.
Violence: No violent imagery.
Sex: Nothing explicit--one reference to "pimping", lots of adolescent fantasy that comes off as cute.
Language: Unleashed walks a carefully constructed line, calculated not to offend.
Consumerism: Playful mentions of Maserati, Porsche, Burberry, Prada, and Gucci.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Bow Wow is high enough on himself.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Unleashed

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about obsession with self-image and how to soften its negative effects.

What's the story?

What's the story?
With UNLEASHED, Bow Wow successfully sheds the "Lil" image and begins establishing himself as a likable and relatively inoffensive rap artist. Most of the songs are about -- well, about Bow Wow. No longer produced by Jermaine Dupri, he's brought in some of hip-hop's heavy hitters: Swizz Beatz, Jazze Pha, The Neptunes, and Lil' John. Baby guest stars on the Jazze Pha produced lead single "Get Down" -- a song about Bow Wow as ladies' man. "Eighteen" is both wistful and cocky, a fantasy about what life will be life upon reaching that magic birthday -- a popular theme with teenagers. "The Movement" provides the only moment of social consciousness, and "To My Mama" is a sweet tribute to Bow Wow's mom.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
The songs on the CD are playful, arrogant swaggering, well-produced, and well-performed. Bow Wow is not breaking any new ground here, but he is growing up, and it will be interesting to see where he takes us next.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: September 9, 2003
Label: Sony Music
Genre: Hip-hop
This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

jam004l
kid, 5 years old
16
 
older kids
I feel that kids will look at mone and sex like a game I feel that it is not. I also feel that little boys do not need to look at little girls like a car or a toy.
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helped me decide (5) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (4)
crazy552
 
(I think his music is very disrespectful in many ways.)
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helped me decide (2) | had useful details (2) | read my mind (1)
littlefroggy121
teen, 17 years old
 
very good
I thaught that this cd depends on how respnonsible you are the cd is around 50 50 for social behavior talks about boyfreind hitting girl and says pimp
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
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