Two days ago, I started a new journey. I began yet another Netflix Original series. I was unsure about this one because unlike half of all Black people and Netflix users in the world, I had never heard of it before. I was also weary of watching the show, which is framed in the 70s and based on the rise of Hip Hop, because I am a hardcore Hip Hop head, and I am sensitive about my (insert turntable scratch here).
I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by what I saw in the show. I can't say that I was too shocked though, with Hip Hop legend and pioneer Nas listed as one of the executive producers in the beginning credits.
The show, staged where Hip Hop began in the South Bronx New York, pretty accurately depicts the rise of Hip Hop just as the Disco era was coming to a close. They cover all four "pillars" of Hip Hop, which include graffiti, break dancing, MC-ing and DJ-ing.
One of the main reasons why I loved the show personally, is because of the nostalgic feel that watching it gave me. Although it was based off of an era that occurred years before I was born, it almost felt like looking through an old family photo album or trying on my mother's throwback gear. My father, being a lifelong DJ, has always had an excellent taste in music so I also knew many of the songs word for word from hearing them throughout my childhood.
As if the soundtrack and storyline wasn't enough to rave about, the production of the show itself was impeccable. From the cinematic techniques that were used all the way to the cast that just seemed to mesh together, creators Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Aldy Guirgis left nothing to be desired in my opinion.
I also especially enjoyed the inclusion of Kung Fu and references to it which were popular in inner city Black communities during that time period in part because of the the introduction of popular "blaxsploitation" films and star power of the late, great Bruce Lee in the early 70s and beyond.
"The Get Down" was an excellent compilation of all of the things that make me wish I was born in another era, and some of the very bad things too. The show does not see things through rose-colored glasses as most parents of millennials do today. It is very real and seems to be true to the things that actually went on "back in the day".
After finishing all six episodes of part 1 of the series, I literally don't even want to hear any new school music, as if I wasn't already opposed to listening to it before.
"The Get Down" is a great show for of-age Black people to watch, especially those who have a deep love for Hip Hop and I honestly can't wait until the show comes back to bless me and my laptop screen for a second season.
