SkimIt
Network: VH1
Genre: Reality TV
TV Rating: TV-14
Other Choices: The Game, Run's House, Reed Between the Lines
Available On: Online
Common Sense Says: More negative representations of hip-hop culture.
Common Sense Rates It:
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta is a reality spin-off that follows women connected to the Atlanta hip-hop music scene through their work or their relationships. The hip-hop culture is presented as sexist, and themes pertaining to infidelity and womanizing are central to the show. Expect lots of strong language and drinking; frequent arguments between cast members sometimes lead to brawls.
- Families can talk about the men and women featured on this show. What kind of messages does their behavior send about hip-hop culture? What about the hip-hop lyrics featured here?
- Do you think shows like this one perpetuate stereotypes about the hip-hop culture and the people who are part of it?
- Where can you look for more positive representations of hip-hop culture and communities of color? What steps can media creators and consumers take to improve representations of people of color in the media?
What's the story?
LOVE & HIP HOP: ATLANTA, an installment in the Love & Hip Hop franchise, is a reality soap opera that features women connected to the Atlanta music scene. It stars Mimi Faust, who's in a long-term relationship with Grammy-award winning producer Stevie J; Rasheeda, a rapper who's married to her manager, Kirk Frost; R. Kelly protégé K. Michelle; and Erica Dixon, who's involved with rapper Lil Scrappy. Rounding out the gang are R&B singer Karlie Redd and up-and-coming Reggaetón singer Joseline Hernández. From trying to build their music careers to holding on to their partners, these women struggle to get what they want in the hip-hop music world.
Is it any good?
This voyeuristic reality spin-off shows a darker side of the male-dominated hip-hop music industry by pitting women against each other as they attempt to build their careers and secure their relationships. Despite choosing to be part of this world, many of the women featured in Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta don't appear to be happy with their choice to be a part of this culture.While some of the women are defining themselves by the men they're with, others seem to have found their own voice and are attempting to empower themselves within this community. But the amount of arguing, swearing, and other inappropriate behavior featured here makes it hard to hear them.
The Good Stuff
Messages: The series shows some of the struggles that women connected to the hip-hop/rap music scene face. It also reveals the sexism that pervades this culture.
Role Models: Many of the women put their partners' interests and/or careers above their own; others are attempting to establish their own careers and identities while trying to maintain and/or rectify their troubled relationships.
What to watch out for
Violence Lots of arguments, many of which escalate into pushing matches and strong threats. Drinks and other items sometimes get thrown during arguments. Domestic violence is discussed.
Sex: Lots of sexual discussions, including frequent references to sex, infidelity, and womanizing. Women are shown in tight-fitting, skin-revealing clothes; men are sometimes seen shirtless and being fondled by women. One of the cast members is a former stripper.
Language: Words like "damn," "bitch," and "ass" are frequently audible; curses like "s--t" and "f--k" are bleeped.
Consumerism: Jive Records and other music labels are discussed. The series is a promotional vehicle for some of the cast members as they attempt to start (or restart) their careers.
Drinking, drugs & smoking: Lots of drinking (wine, champagne, hard liquor, cocktails), which often leads to inappropriate behavior. Cigarette smoking. One person claims that she is "off her meds."
