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Ice-T's Rap School (VH1)

common sense media says

Quirky, endearing reality show has a tween beat.

parents & educators say
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say violence is an issue
See all 3 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that in this reality series, rapper Ice-T teaches a group of seventh- and eighth-grade prep-schoolers how to sing, act, and dress like hip-hop stars. He encourages them to broaden their concept of rap culture, helping them see beyond their assumptions. Some scenes play up the kids' privileged background (for example, during a tour of the South Bronx, one student gets spray paint on his $300 jacket and makes a fuss about it being ruined), but there's really not much objectionable content here.

Positive messages: Shows that it's always a good thing to step out of your comfort zone and learn something real about another culture or race -- as well as about yourself. Ice-T makes these privileged kids examine their assumptions about rap/hip-hop culture. The show also encourages creativity and self-expression.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: One instance of "s--t" is bleeped out in the intro.
Consumerism: The kids come from affluent backgrounds and exhibit some materialism.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Ice-T's Rap School

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about stereotypes. Why is it important not to make snap judgments about people of other races, ethnicities, religions, sexuality, and so on? Where do these stereotypes and assumptions come from, anyway? How do media and pop culture enforce stereotypes? How do they help break them down? How can those who may not have had much interaction with people from other backgrounds learn about them?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In ICE-T'S RAP SCHOOL, the rapper and Law & Order: SVU star gives a group of seventh- and eighth-graders from York Prep -- an exclusive private school on Manhattan's wealthy Upper West Side -- a six-week crash course in rapping 101. In each episode, Ice-T teaches the kids the ins and outs of rhyming, dressing the part, walking with attitude, record scratching, and break dancing. Once their lessons are complete, the kids submit to nerve-wracking auditions and recording sessions -- all in an attempt to win a spot opening for Public Enemy. For the rapper, the lessons seem to be a way to teach a group of sheltered kids what hip-hop is all about. For the kids, learning to rap not only lets them express their feelings about issues like divorce, but also helps them overcome shyness and fears of public speaking.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Many of the show's funniest scenes revolve around the rapper finding out just how clueless these kids are -- in one episode, he asks if anybody knows anything about rap and is met with silence. Other bits help drive home the series' real lessons, as when one student tells Ice-T that she's happy to wear "ghetto" earrings, and he asks her to really think about what she's saying when she uses the word "ghetto." All in all, although Ice-T's Rap School might seem like fluffy fare at first glance, it's really an intelligent reality show that tweens and their parents can watch together.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: NR
Network: VH1
Cast: Ice-T
Genre: Reality TV
Where to watch: VH1
This review was written by Lucy Maher
 
 

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What parents & educators say

16
Based on 3 parent & educator reviews:
  • 33% say sexual content is an issue
  • 33% say violence is an issue
  • 33% say there are positive role models
  • 33% say there are positive messages
  • 33% say language is an issue
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

happy77801
adult
 
h
I'm not a huge rap fan, but I love this show. Ice-T teaches the kids more than just how to rap. Definitely watch it.
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helped me decide (4) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
SOLDERUINT
parent of 17 year old
16
 
SOLDERUINT
HATE
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helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)
HawtMomma57
adult
 
Hawt Momma says this is cool!
Hawt T's wrapping skool taught me a lot on how to wrap presents. I learned how to fold the ends and make it nice and smooth. This will be great to know since I have 10 kids. Hawt T is really hawt too. Maybe someday we will live together and have more kids. Someday I would like to go to this wrap school and learn how to make wrap chickens. Yes I do! I love this!!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (3) | had useful details (3) | read my mind (3)

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