Netflix’s The Get Down: The Bronx Brings Black Power

The Get Down is a 70s story or recital
about the origins of hip-hop, an apt title –
starring the Fantastic Four plus one
amidst the broken Bronx and guns.

It’s 1977, at the release of Star Wars
not long after racist Jim Crow laws. In this
concrete jungle, deep in The Big Apple with
Jamaicans and Ricans in their own chapel.

Funk, dance offs, Afros, turntables and 70s culture.
I binged this series from start to finish like a vulture.
Great and stellar performances from all the actors
including great writing, directing and cinematic factors.

Ezekiel (Justice Smith), Shaolin Fantastic (Shameik Moore) (The Get Down, Netflix)

Ezekiel (Justice Smith), Shaolin Fantastic (Shameik Moore) and company.
(The Get Down, Netflix)

But this is a story about black society and black history.
Blacks owned the Bronx, geeze that’s no mystery.
Though, the 70s was a white man’s wonderland and
minorities suffered with the hell of drugs and contraband.

Music was a language; it was poetry, an art form
integrated in pop culture, society and cultural norms.
Graffiti isn’t a horrible, grotesque or an absurd abomination,
but a way to express yourself via colourful connotations.

Filled with stories about the mob, violence and drugs
in contrast to the musical ideologies of peace and hugs.
Fat Annie controls Shaolin Fantastic like her prey
but all he wants to do is spin decks and DJ.

Local mobster and kingpin Fat Annie (Lillias White) (The Get Down, Netflix)

Local mobster and kingpin Fat Annie (Lillias White)
(The Get Down, Netflix)

Ezekiel: a budding writer, poet and excellent wordsmith.
Though to perform in front of others, for him is a myth.
He’s shy, timid, and quiet with a dark and horrific past.
Parents killed by the Bronx, frequent for someone of his caste.

But his love, Mylene Cruz, daughter of a religious fanatic, and
all she wants to do is sing, her dad renders her vocals static
Her life must be that of a pilgrim – a Christian – a preacher’s daughter.
She’s a sacrifice, a lamb going to a butchery or slaughter.

Then there’s Dizzee, our artistic philosopher played by Jaden Smith,
breaking down words and syllables; using morphology like a blacksmith.
Sending messages throughout the city via the subways and his brilliance,
fleeing from police and their guns with such heroism and resilience.

Yolanda Kipling ( Stefanée Martin), Mylene Cruz (Herizen Guardiola) & Regina Diaz (Shyrley Rodriguez) (The Get Down, Netflix)

Yolanda Kipling ( Stefanée Martin), Mylene Cruz (Herizen Guardiola) & Regina Diaz (Shyrley Rodriguez)
(The Get Down, Netflix)

This is based on the true story of Grandmaster Flash
with cool vibes, wicked tunes and many a musical splash.
The musician, DJ, collected and philosophical character
who created a movement, becoming rhythmic barrister.

This show brims with awesomeness and necessary quality:
a soundtrack with lyrics that shows black oppression and inequality.
Created by Baz Luhrmann, shown by Netflix and produced by Nas
overflowing with unknown names and many of TV’s great talent and stars.

It’s a stimulating study about music and reason,
yet showing half a season is televisual treason.
The show touched my heart and I shed a tear
and for more episodes, I must wait until next year.

A story about music, race, politics, crime and the streets;

dropping hard truths, great lyrics and vibrant beats.

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