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Celebrity Rap Superstar

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Sebastian Bach, Jamal Anderson, Da Brat, Where to watch: MTV, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Stars bring the noise in MTV reality competition.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–16

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series features music and lyrics that represent a specific culture -- that of rap/hip-hop -- that has its own defined norms and values. Many songs treat women in a sexist manner. Contestants are both male and female, and are a diverse bunch (Caucasian, African-American, Latino). Most of the featured rappers are African-American.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Not an issue.

  • Sex:

    Many of the featured songs' lyrics include references to sex and sexual activity. Background dancers (and some contestants) dance suggestively.

  • Language:

    Words like "damn" and "ass" are audible in songs and in some on-stage banter. Stronger words are fully bleeped out.

  • Consumerism:

    The competition features celebrities from sports, television, film, and music; most are delighted to be able to promote themselves. Famous rappers are featured, as are some of their songs, including "Right Thurr" and "Tambourine."

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some songs contain references (albeit subtle) to drugs and alcohol.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Celebrity Rap Superstar

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. Some of the dancing is also 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.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • 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 musical 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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