Bridging the Gap

Review

Common Sense Media says

Music collaborations mixed with hip-hop lifestyle.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some of the music samples and video clips featured in this hip-hop-focused reality/documentary series include lyrics that briefly discuss or depict sex and violence (typical for the genre). Some conversations between the featured artists -- whose goal is to help connect the older and younger generations of artists and preserve their community -- also touch on topics like domestic and gang violence.

  • Positive messages3
    The series highlights the importance of keeping multiple generations of the hip-hop community connected by sharing their experiences and collaborating on a project. It emphasizes the importance of respecting older generations and teaching younger ones. Features primarily African-American artists, although some producers are Latino.
  • Violence0
    Discussions of domestic violence. Some artists talk about their former relationships with gangs -- including getting shot.
  • Sex3
    Some of the lyrics featured in music video clips include very brief sexual innuendo. Some sexualized dancing in the same clips, but also brief.
  • Language3
    Audible language includes "bitch" and "ho" stronger words, like "f--k," are bleeped out. Lots of words and phrases associated with the hip-hop scene are also used, like "dope."
  • Consumerism0
    Features/promotes popular hip-hop musicians like Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg, The Game, and Eve.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking3
    Alcohol (wine, beer) occasionally visible.
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What's the story?

BRIDGING THE GAP is a reality series that pairs a groundbreaking hip-hop pioneer with an up-and-comer to collaborate on a brand-new song -- and maybe get a little better understanding of each other in the process. Artist duos like Queen Latifah and Eve or Snoop Dogg and The Game get one evening to write and rhyme their lyrics. Despite differences in age and experience, each pair is able to combine their creative talents to produce a song that narrows the generation gap between them. The artists also get the chance to share their thoughts about what it's like to create music that breaks boundaries and sets new trends. Music video clips showcase some of each performer's work and highlight some of the groundbreaking moments that have molded hip hop over the years. And younger artists talk about how those who paved the way influence them both personally and professionally.

Is it any good?

 

Without question, Bridging the Gap imparts a sense of pride in the body of work that continues to be created by multiple generations of hip-hop musicians. But even if you're not a fan of the genre, the show offers larger universal lessons about honoring and respecting an older generation. It also reminds viewers of the importance of taking the time to teach younger generations about the value of their community.

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What families can talk about

Families can talk about how hip hop music has evolved over time. Which musicians have made groundbreaking contributions to the genre? Can you hear or see influences from early hip-hop musicians in more recent music? Families can also talk about how music in general changes as time passes. Do you think hip-hop will still be around in 20 years? Why or why not?

This review was written by Melissa Camacho
TV rating:TV-PG
Network:VH1
Cast:Eve, Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg
Genre:Reality TV
This review was written by Melissa Camacho
 

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.
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