by Chantal Ashford, Contributing Writer
Rap Sh!t came back with a vengeance in Season Two. We pick up where we left off with the Miami duo, Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion), announcing their tour as the opening act to the opening act of white female rapper, Reina Reign (Kat Cunning). Also, Shawna is arrested by the cops for the credit card fraud she committed with her co-worker and now lover, Maurice (Daniel Augustin).
The duo and their promoter and manager, Chastity (Jonica Booth), deal with the downs of touring: nasty hotel rooms, no mentions of being on tour, and hand-me-down outfits. Also, Chastity has to care for herself and the girls, while worrying about being pushed out by Francois (Jaboukie Young-White), Shawna’s high school friend and producer, who wants to manage the girls along with a group of sex workers. While Chastity handles the logistics, Shawna deals with dodging jail time, and Mia tries to juggle three men: rappers Ca$h (Derrius Logan) and Courtney Taylor (Kyle Bary,) and producer Lamont (RJ Cyler), who happens to be the father of Mia’s child, Melissa (Frankie Love Knight).
With only eight episodes, running about 30 minutes each, you’re always expecting more from creator Issa Rae; but she gives us enough with each episode, pulling us back each week with the laughs and “seducin’ and schemin’.” But the twists and turns that you wouldn’t ever expect from a comedy series will have you gripping your seat.
The standout this season for me is Chastity. She’s a stylish, take-no-shit, and brash promoter who shows that she can manage Shawna and Mia. There are moments where Chastity has to do the unthinkable, and without hesitation, she does what is necessary to provide for Shawna, Mia, and herself. The promoter isn’t seen seriously for her work, and she continues showing that she is the person you want in your corner.
There are moments where you question Chastity and her motives, but she does what she does best: hustle. In the Season Two finale, “Under Construction,” we see another side of Chastity, as Shawna and Mia have two lifetime opportunities and make choices to make or break them. Booth shows vulnerability, anger, and hurt within the last few minutes. This person sacrificed everything, just like the rest, and we watch her fight with her emotions about her choices. Booth’s performance in this season, particularly in this episode alone, should be discussed more.
I mentioned there are twists and turns this season, and it comes to a head in the middle of Episode Five, “Dead End.” The last five minutes threw me for a loop. I rewound at least twice to ensure I saw what I saw. There were no words for the surprise, and you can feel it once we get into the sixth episode, “U-Turn,” which has more turns, dealing with Chastity and her sex workers — when things turn bloody. But Episode Six feels out of place, since we were left on somewhat of a cliffhanger, and the matters between Chastity and her competitor aren’t discussed again.
In “Under Construction,” Shawna and Mia are given a chance at finally making a name for themselves, but who do they go with: Chastity, who’s been holding them down since day one, or Francois? After a chance with a beat from a famous rapper, and creating a song that could make a name for them, the only way for Shawna and Mia is up, right?
Many things happen this season that I don’t want to say too much about, because you have to see it for yourself. But I have questions that need answering: Will Shawna see jail time, or is she scot-free? Will the girls make it out of Miami, and will we see them enjoying the fruits of their labor in L.A.?
There have yet to be any announcements on a third season, but I hope there is one soon, because Rap Sh!t is just building up steam.
Rating: Loved It
Rap Sh!t is currently streaming on Max
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