Drop the Mic
By Jenny Nixon,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Celebs face off in a stale, scripted battle rap competition.
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Drop the Mic
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Based on 2 parent reviews
Sucks
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Just Trash
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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: TV-14
- Last updated: October 13, 2022
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