Parents' Guide to

Buzzin'

By Kari Croop, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Rap lifestyle show overindulges in commercialism.

TV MTV Reality TV 2008
Buzzin' Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.

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What's the Story?

Named after a catchy song that's making the rounds on MTV, BUZZIN' follows Shwayze and his namesake Malibu rap act as they promote their first album with the help of their record label, the Geffen-affiliated Suretone Records. Shwayze, "the only black kid in Malibu," provides most of the rapping; his producer, Cisco Adler (the son of famed record producer Lou Adler), provides most of the singing; and the group's mixmaster, DJ Skeet Skeet, provides all the necessary beats. Throughout the promotion process, the guys are surrounded by people from their label, including Suretone exec Jordan and his assistant, road manager Warren, and label rep Cat.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1 ):

In terms of entertainment value, Buzzin' is pretty innocuous, and the plot can be distilled down to this: Shwayze is an inexperienced artist who wants to succeed, Cisco is somewhat more seasoned and likes to party, and Warren tries to keep them both out of trouble. But the fact that Buzzin' is basically on television to advance the group's career -- and, let's face it, sell some records -- is more than a little off-putting. Are these guys really entertaining enough to deserve their own reality show? The ratings will be the judge of that.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the true intentions of a reality show like this one. Was it designed to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of West Coast rappers on the rise? Or was it designed to sell a product (i.e. the group and its songs)? Why do you think this particular group got their own show? Did you know anything about them before you started watching? After you started, did you become a fan? Why or why not?

TV Details

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