Watch The Breaks

The Breaks is a television drama series premiered on VH1 in 2017. The show is based on the book "The Big Payback: The History of the Business of Hip Hop" by Dan Charnas. The show follows the journey of three young adults, Nikki Jones (Afton Williamson), Ahm (Antoine Harris), and David Aaron (Tristan Mack Wilds), as they try to make it big in the hip hop industry during the 1990s.

Nikki Jones, a recent graduate and aspiring producer, is trying to break into the male-dominated music industry. Ahm is a rapper and DJ trying to make a name for himself and redeem his troubled past. David Aaron is a recent Harvard graduate and intern at a major record label. Together, they are navigating the ups and downs of the music business, trying to find their place in an industry that is constantly evolving.

The Breaks is set against the backdrop of the 1990s, a decade that saw significant cultural and political changes in America. Hip hop music was emerging as a dominant force in popular music, and rappers were becoming household names. The show captures the spirit of the time, with period costumes, music, and cultural references woven throughout the series.

One of the significant themes of the show is the struggle for representation in the music industry. Nikki is one of the few women in a production studio; she often finds herself fighting against sexist attitudes and discrimination. Ahm is trying to prove himself in a field that has largely been closed to people like him, while David must navigate office politics and class dynamics as a black intern in a predominantly white industry.

The Breaks explores other essential issues, such as the impact of drugs and violence on the hip hop community, the relationship between artists and their managers, and the power dynamics between artists and record labels. The show presents a nuanced view of the industry, showing both the cutthroat nature of the business and the passion and creativity that drives it.

The characters on the show are well-drawn and multi-dimensional, allowing viewers to connect with them on a personal level. Nikki is a strong and ambitious woman, but she is also vulnerable, struggling to balance her personal and professional life. Ahm's rough exterior hides a wounded soul, and David's intelligence and social awareness are sometimes at odds with his desire to fit in.

Overall, The Breaks is a well-constructed drama that captures the excitement and challenges of the hip hop music industry in the 1990s. The show's attention to detail and nuanced portrayal of characters and issues make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of hip hop or the music industry as a whole. Although the show only ran for one season, it left a lasting impact on viewers, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase.

The Breaks is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between February 20, 2017 and on VH1