Reviewing The Get Down

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Esther Belizaire

Knight Crier staff writer Esther Belizaire reviews Netflix show “The Get Down.”

Netflix is a popular source for entertainment, and it is becoming more sought-after than cable TV. It is full of popular shows from not only the 80s and 90s, but also the present day. Most of Netflix’s original series are drawing more viewers and higher ratings. Netflix originals like “The Get Down” are the most popular shows talked about on social media. It has a great variety of characters and a has a thrilling storytelling plot.

At first glance, “The Get Down” seems like a predictable series about a young boy striving for success. The storyline is set in Bronx, New York in the late 70s in a worn down, torn, and full of graffiti setting. The cast is full of three-dimensional characters that were inspired from real people like the Funky Four Plus One, Grandmaster Flash, Ed Koch, and Stephen Yang, a famous graffiti artist from New York. The series represents a true story of New York during the 70s. Each episode is a flashback of famous clubs, gangs, and graffiti art that 70s music used as an inspiration. “The Get Down” shows rise of Hip Hop represents a meaning of change through time and history.

This music driven series represents New York on the verge of bankruptcy, which gave birth to a new style of music. The main protagonist Ezekiel Figuero, AKA Books, is an intelligent, straight-A student that has tapped into his hidden gift of music. He could rap with astonishing lyrics that have expression and meaning. Not only does Books have this hidden gift of music, but also his entire friend group.

Ezekiel and his ragtag team encounters Shaolin Fantastic, a DJ who is studying under the wing of Grandmaster Flash. A legendary hip-hop DJ, Grandmaster Flash is retiring from his music and sharing his secret to people who are worthy. While music is changing and disco is dying, Grandmaster Flash keeps his way through time to make music that gives birth to a new era. His music is complex and intricate, but this style of music can change New York with a new and inspiring type of mood, especially for people struggling in the ghetto. The series represents a true story of New York. Ezekiel and his team are known as The fantastic Four Plus One, who are rising up and using their music to take the city by storm.

Nas, an old school hip-hop artist, is the narrator and executive producer of “The Get Down.” He is known to be a very influential rap artist. His experience with music makes him a good producer for the show. Season two of “The Get Down” is returning on April 1st with animations and more inspiring material.