The Rap Game

The engagingly honest and compelling reality show offers viewers a chance to see the kind and level of preparation and training it takes to be a successful hip-hop artist who can sell albums. There’s some competitive behavior, but what makes it worth watching are the larger lessons being taught here, which range from being willing to start at the bottom and developing a strong work ethic to learning how to listen, take direction, and cope with criticism. It also underscores the fact that being an Internet celeb doesn't automatically translate into success in the commercial rap industry.

The kids want to succeed, but some of them, regardless of their talent, appear to lack the maturity necessary to understand the opportunities being given to them, much less navigate or cope with the cutthroat and unforgiving industry if they manage to break into it. The pressure placed on them by their families, combined with their misguided advice, doesn’t help, either. The show’s bottom line? To successfully win the real rap game, you have to rely on hard work, mentorship, and perfecting your craft instead of swagger, bravado, and bling.