FX premiered the drama-comedy, Atlanta, featuring the three-in-one package artist, Donald Glover—known to Hip-hop fans as Childish Gambino.
Prior to this, Glover’s already provided fans and media viewers a glimpse of his writing skills working for 30 Rock’s Tina Fey, as well as producing his own stand-up comedy skits, and appearing in films, such as the recent Matt Damon flick, The Martian.
With the show’s debut last Tuesday, audiences encountered Glover, not only appearing as the series main, but as creator and writer behind Atlanta as well. And guess what topic dominates a large part in the show’s story? Hip-hop, of course.
The main plot revolves around Earnest Marks (Glover), a Princeton dropout and young father struggling to get his act together. Desperately trying to make ends meet, Marks meets with his cousin Alfred aka Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry), and offers his services as manager. And I think you get the idea where the plot potentially may lead up to—and I strongly suggest you watch the Pilot episode.
According to Glover, the show aspires to cover several significant issues, such as gun violence, authoritarian abuse, and sexual identity. Moreover, he also alludes to the main conflict the protagonists represent: Marks represents the two worlds many artists struggle with—one portion pertaining to the world of a young, ambitious rapper, the other narrating of a man struggling to uphold duties towards his family.
The debut also, surprisingly, features a steady blend of action, drama, and humor—in fact, Glover confesses his reliance on the third to send his message.
The show clearly has a message to tell, and the pilot episode sets it up in a way that hooks viewers right in (I know I was). Glover continues to impress fans and viewers alike; Although audiences have witnessed similar plotlines, Glover’s story is filled with brilliantly-detailed characters staged upon a backdrop that still presents very relevant issues. And I don’t know about you, but a decent plot, meaningful setting, and promising potential for character growth are all signs for the next best show. GO CHECK IT OUT.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPStation.com
