ego trip's Miss Rap Supreme - TV-14

Reality show offers strong rhymes, rough behavior.

TV Rating: TV-14 Network: VH1 Genre: Reality TV
Available on: Download

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this reality series -- in which women compete for a chance to break into the rap/hip-hop music scene -- stresses how hard it is for women to break into the industry and gives viewers a chance to learn more about the culture of the business. Expect some strong lyrics, threats of violence, and lots of cursing ("bitch," "damn," "hell," and "dumb ass" are audible; stronger words are bleeped). Some of the contestants' personal stories include discussions of addiction and molestation. There are also racial tensions between the contestants. Drinking is visible, as are women clad only in underwear (nudity is blurred).

Families can talk about the rap/hip-hop culture. How are rap/hip-hop performers typically portrayed in the media? Do you think the media perpetuates stereotypes about the rap/hip-hop culture? Families can also discuss the culture that surrounds particular genres of music. Is there a difference between rap and hip-hop? Why does this music generally seem to incorporate strong lyrics and socially unacceptable behavior? Are references to sex and violence ever OK in music? If so, when?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Melissa Camacho

In EGO TRIP'S MISS RAP SUPREME, 10 women from all over the world compete for the chance to break into the rap/hip-hop music scene. The contestants must participate in challenges designed to test both their rhyming abilities and whether they're strong and sexy enough to take the stage as a successful "femcee" (female rapper). Failing a challenge means potential elimination, while winning means one getting one step closer to the title of "Miss Rap Supreme," $100,000, and the respect of rappers everywhere.

The series, which is hosted and judged by rap artist MC Search and hit femcee Yo Yo, stresses the fact that it's extremely difficult for women to break into and survive the male-dominated rap music industry. It also offers the contestants a chance to be creative and explore their own life stories by writing and performing rhymes that move away from the violent, swear-filled lyrics that rap and hip-hop music tend to be known for. Female rap icons like Missy Elliott offer criticism and mentorship to build the women as musicians and help them understand the industry's payouts and pitfalls.

Ironically, while the women are learning to survive the business, the competition brings out some pretty rough behavior. Threats of violence are frequent (though actual hitting is prohibited by the show's producers), and the women consistently use strong language (ranging from "bitch" and "dumb ass" to stronger curse words that are bleeped out) while talking and rhyming. Some of their personal stories deal with tough issues like child molestation, abortion, and drug addiction, and there are racial tensions among the contestants. It's an iffy viewing choice for tweens, but it does offer mature teens a chance to learn more about the rap and hip-hop culture, as well as what it takes for women in particular to make it in the industry.

Fans may also enjoy Bridging the Gap and Celebrity Rap Superstar. Tween hip-hop fans may enjoy Ice-T's Rap School.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Some of the rhymes discuss sexual activity, while others refer to abortion and other topics. Some same-sex kissing is visible. Women are seen in their underwear and lifting their skirts to show off thongs; full nudity is hidden. One contestant talks about being molested as a child.
Violence Some rhymes include violent lyrics. The contestants argue constantly; there's also frequent pushing, shoving, and threats of violence (though hitting is prohibited). Some women talk about having criminal records and going through anger management training. One contestant is a boxer.
Language Audible language includes "dumb ass," "damn," and "bitch" words like "f--k," "s--t," and others are bleeped. The racial epithet "cracker" is used in one episode.
Message
	Social Behavior The series focuses on building women up in the rap/hip-hop music industry and highlights the cultural aspects of the community. There's also a focus on mentorship. That said, some of the women demonstrate catty, competitive behavior. The majority of the cast is African-American; one contestant is from Germany. There are racial tensions between the African-American and Caucasian women on the show. One contestant is obese; another is gay.
	Commercialism Features some famous rap artists like Missy Elliott and Soulja Boy. Female artists who have engaged in some negative behavior, like Lil' Kim, are sometimes referenced.
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Visible consumption of beer and hard liquor; sometimes the women get drunk (and sick as a result). One contestant is a recovering heroin addict. Some of the rhymes incorporate lyrics that address these issues.