Son of a Gun
Mild series follows up-and-coming rapper's business moves.
Kids say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
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 suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this docuseries, which follows an up-and-coming hip-hop artist as he navigates the competitive music industry, is pretty mild, but it does have some bleeped curse words and arguments between industry insiders who are motivated by profit. Liquor bottles are visible at parties and social functions.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
SON OF A GUN follows rap performer Cory Gunz as he attempts to jumpstart his career. After two failed records, the young artist has a final shot at recording and launching a successful album with the help of mentors like actor/rapper Nick Cannon, and Gunz's own father, former hip-hop star Peter Gunz. Cory struggles with some tough choices, which range from choosing a record label to determining whether mixing business and friendship is a good idea, especially when it comes to relying on people like attorney/family friend Ed Wood. Throughout it all, he has to prove to everyone around him that he's got what it takes to become a star.
Is It Any Good?
The series, which is produced by Cannon, offers a voyeuristic look at the challenges that up-and-coming artists can face when starting out their careers, like staying focused on their craft when perks like parties and money suddenly become accessible. It also shows how difficult it can be to figure out whether the people surrounding you are thinking more about their desire to profit from their success rather than being truly concerned about your professional and creative development.
It's honest, but the frequent scenes revolving around business-oriented conversations between Cory and his competing circle of advisors make the show a little tedious. Still, that very monotony underscores the fact that being in the recording industry isn't always as glamorous as it's made out to be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what it takes to become a successful recording artist. Why isn't enough for artists to just concentrate on their music? What are some of the perks and pitfalls that come with territory? How does this reality show fit into Gunz's career aspirations?
What are some of the stereotypes that exist about hip-hop and rap artists? Do you think these stereotypes are being reflected in this series? Or does it offer another representation of the culture and the people who are a part of it?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 26, 2011
- Cast: Cory Gunz, Nick Cannon, Peter Gunz
- Network: MTV
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-PG
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Braxton Family Values
Reality docu hits high notes, plus marital, alcohol issues.
-
Run's House
Rapper runs a positive house for tweens and up.
-
Gene Simmons Family Jewels
KISS wild man shows his milder side. Teens OK.
For kids who love reality and hip hop
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