Louis Theroux's Forbidden America S01E02 - Rap's New Frontline
Summary:
Louis Theroux immerses himself in Florida's multimillion-dollar rap scene – as notable for the controversy surrounding its emerging stars as its creativity.
Rappers have long mined their lives for inspiration to create and promote their music, but in the Sunshine State, some of the biggest artists stand accused of participating in the lawlessness their music describes. Raising the stakes is the 24-hour connectivity of social media, a world where the importance of record sales has been surpassed by streams and likes.
Louis spends time with a number of artists achieving success through self-promotion on social media – from those playing out fierce rivalries online to those live streaming their often violent and chaotic lifestyles. Whilst drawing in an ever-growing fanbase attracted to its unvarnished portrayal of real-life struggles and hardship, this content has also drawn the attention of the authorities, who see it as evidence of criminals engaging in 'illegal gang activity'.
Louis meets those at different stages of their quest to become the latest rap superstar, from those who have risen fast to those who have fallen hard.
