Celebrity Rap Superstar Review

Tanay ElyseStaff WriterMany of you have most likely already seen MTV’s new show, Celebrity Rap Superstar. Well for those who have not I’m here to tell you that this is one of the dumbest shows yet. It may be funny, but in my eyes, it is a total gimmick.Eight rap pioneers try to mold eight celebrities into rappers within eight weeks. The celebrities have to learn the lyrics to a classic hip-hop song with the help of their mentor and perform it in front of a live audience. After the expert panel of judges evaluate their performances, the viewers vote and determine who is eliminated. The celebrity participants include Countess Vaughn and Shar Jackson of Moesha fame, former NFL player Jamal Anderson (eliminated), blog writer Perez Hilton, actor Eefren Ramirez (eliminated) Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson, rock star Sebastian Bach and Jason Wahler from MTV’s other hit series Laguna Beach and The Hills. The mentors include Bubba Sparxxx, Tone Loc, Kurupt, MC Lyte, Warren G; Redman (eliminated) Bizarre (eliminated) and Too Short.In my opinion, this show discredits hip-hop. Thcelebrities come out dressed up in shades, bandanas, and fitted caps and make fools of themselves trying to rap. What makes it even worse is that two of hip-hop’s finest, and my personal favorites, are involved in it. DMC, of one of the first rap groups Run-DMC and MC Lyte, one of the best female rappers of the 80s. What I cannot understand is why they are helping to belittle the hip-hop culture and make it look so bad. It is already being downplayed by outsiders who do not understand it; so why contribute? I understand that it is all in fun but at the same time, the show is offensive to hip hop lovers who know what it is about and where it came from.You cannot just put on urban clothing, pick up a microphone and think you are a rapper. You have to have the creativity and talent to do it. Shar Jackson has experience as a singer, but that is it. Sebastian Bach is a rock star, but that’s it. They all just look like clowns doing something that they do not know much about.I thought I had seen the most absurd reality shows that television had to offer, but MTV proved me wrong. This show makes fun of hip-hop music and the culture itself. If I were you , I would find something else to watch.