Netflix’ Hip-Hop flavoured new series, “The Get Down” has just landed. The project was ten years in the making, and boasts an all-star line-up of creative talent. It was directed by Baz Luhrmann, executively Produced by Nas and Grandmaster Flash, and stars Jaden Smith amongst an array of other recognisable faces.
In short, it’s kind of a big deal.
The series transports viewers to a 1970s neighbourhood in the Bronx, and focuses on a high-school teen, Zeek, who has lyrical flair but isn’t quite sure what to do with it. Amidst New York’s rickety subways, violent criminality and deceitful corruption, Zeek and his teenage crew discover a fresh and fantastic cultural phenomenon – Hip-Hop. The project charts their extraordinary journey through the evolution of the movement.
From the get-go, “The Get Down” is both visually stunning and completely gripping. Here are six reasons that you need to check it out.
The Story
First and foremost, the twists and turns of the plot will keep you hooked. From Zeek running from crooks, to relentlessly pursuing his dream girl, to spitting his first lyrics, viewers are propelled from scene to scene at lightning speed. Get your snacks ready and empty your bladder before pressing play, because once you’re in, you won’t want to stop.
Hip-Hop to the Core
The series is full to the brim with references of the elements that made early hip hop – the graffiti, the crews, the disco samples, the clothes. It immerses you in the look and feel of the time, as you are introduced to key players from the beginning of rap like Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaata. This series was thoroughly thought through, and is unique in its distinctive style.
The Nas Effect
Nas is probably the best MC of all time, if we are talking lyricism. He is also a student of Hip-Hop – having him on board has ensured the show’s purity. As well as that, Nas’ custom-written vocals open the first episode, and are used as a hip-hop narration to the series. The results are as brilliant as you’d expect.
The Cinematic Sequences
There is a fantastical element to “The Get Down” and one of its most distinctive features is the cinematic action sequences throughout the episdoes. From the slow-motion jumps from mad heights, to the intricate fighting scenes, “The Get Down” feels like a literal movie, bringing all of the goodness of the big screen to your small one.
The Teen Thrills
One of the things I really wasn’t expecting from “The Get Down” was how light-hearted and fun it felt. It delves into teenage mood swings and romance with the playfulness of a rom-com, while still keeping it Hip-Hop trill. Those funny moments mean the episodes feel varied and dynamic.
The One-Liners
Lastly, if you like a cheeky one-liner, you’re gonna love this. “You look like a bitch crying about a bitch.” Jeez! “If you F up my pants Ima kill you twice.” Damn. The disses and punchlines peppered throughout the series bring a smile in the most unexpected moments.
One of my reservations when approaching a Hip-Hop TV or film – aka series that feature the themes or faces of rap – is that the production value (script, performances, direction) often leave a lot to be desired. “The Get Down” has flipped the script on this for good, with a meticulous attention to detail, and standard-setting style that is truly exceptional.
The series was released in its entirety on Netflix today, click here to watch. Don’t miss it.