Common Sense Media Review
By Jenny Nixon
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Celebs face off in a stale, scripted battle rap competition.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Drop the Mic
What's the Story?
DROP THE MIC is the newest show based off a popular segment from James Corden's Late Late Show (the first being the viral sensation Carpool Karaoke: The Series). Hosted by rapper/actor Method Man and actress Hailey Baldwin, the show pits two celebrities against one another as they taunt each other through boastful and cutting rap lyrics, with some help from the in-house band and beatboxer. The winner is chosen via the crowd's reaction -- though in-house "rap expert" Method Man makes the final call as to who goes home with the golden microphone trophy and bragging rights, because (as he rightfully puts it), "The crowd wasn't part of the Wu-Tang Clan. I was." Each episode features two sets of celebrity competitors, which include actors, musicians, and athletes.
Is It Any Good?
The premise works OK as a "bit" within a longer talk show, but stretch it into a series, and the whole thing falls kind of flat. Historically, battle raps were meant to show off fresh, inventive rapping techniques, and although some were committed to record, many of the best raps in this genre were (and are) performed freestyle and live. While nobody expects, say, James Van Der Beek or NFL player Ron Gronkowski to be able to flex that level of artistry -- and let's face it, part of the fun is seeing how awkward or skilled certain celebs are at it -- it's just not that compelling watching celebs strut around stage reciting lyrics pre-written by comedy writers. Co-host Hailey Baldwin told the press that the contestants are "in the mindset where they know already that there are going to be some digs in there, and it's never surprising to them." This lack of spontaneity comes across in the unflappable non-reactions of the "battling" celebs. At best, Drop the Mic is mildly amusing. At worst, it's boring.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the history of hip-hop culture, and how battle raps became a "thing." Do you think the performers on Drop the Mic really mean the things they say when they're rapping? Does the boastful content ever go too far?
What topics would you rap about if you had to? Would you want to prepare ahead of time, or make up your lyrics on the spot?
TV Details
- Premiere date : October 24, 2017
- Cast : Method Man , Hailey Baldwin
- Network : TBS
- Genre : Game Shows
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 2, 2022
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate