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Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this is yet another reality show in which celebrities compete in an area outside their current expertise -- in this case, rapping. Some of the featured songs include strong language (most of which is bleeped out) and sexual references and treat women in a sexist manner, and some of the dancing is suggestive. On the plus side, the veteran rap and hip hop artists who serve as the contestants' mentors demonstrate the skill and artistry that are part of this genre of music.

Families can talk about rap and hip hop. What's the difference between the two? What do you think drives the popularity of both genres? Families can also discuss the culture that surrounds certain music genres. Why does a lot of rap music contain strong lyrics? Are references to sex and violence ever OK in music? Why or why not? Does the fact that music is a form of artistic expression affect your answer? Why?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

Touted by MTV as the rap battle of the century, CELEBRITY RAP SUPERSTAR pits mid-level celebs against each other as they try to perform their way into hip-hop stardom.

The superstar hopefuls include former football player Jamal Anderson, Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson, Skid Row singer Sebastian Bach, troubled The Hills cast member Jason Wahler, celeb gossip blogger Perez Hilton, and actors Countess Vaughn, Shar Jackson, and Efren Ramirez. Well-known rap musicians like Bubba Sparks, MC Lyte, and Tone-Loc mentor the contestants as they master the skill of rapping -- and help them look and sound a bit more like hip-hop artists in the process.

Each contestant must spit rhymes live on stage in hopes of impressing superstar judges DMC (Run-DMC), Da Brat, and radio host Big Boy. After the judges deliver their critical (and sometimes scathing) reviews, the audience can vote for their favorite contestants. The rapper with the least votes after each round is eliminated; the last one standing gets the title of Celebrity Rap Superstar.

The series isn't that much of a departure from other reality performance competitions like American Idol. But while Idol and its counterparts offer their winners major prize money and lucrative contracts, Superstar simply gives its victor the opportunity to earn bragging rights and respect from the hip-hop world -- as well as the chance to get on stage and have some fun.

While the show has its share of suggestive lyrics and dance moves -- both in-line with the hip-hop culture -- it does give audiences a chance to appreciate rapping as an art form that takes years to perfect. Granted, the process is a little painful when some of the less musically gifted contestants butcher the lyrics or fail to carry a tune. But some of them do provide surprisingly enjoyable moments of entertainment as they begin to learn and value the talent and skill that goes into becoming a true rap superstar

Fans might also like American Idol, Rap City, and Ty Murray's Celebrity Bull Riding Challenge (same concept, very different activity!). For younger kids, try Ice-T's Rap School.

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