Amanda Seales’ interview on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay has been causing a lot of discussion. Seales has always been an outspoken personality and isnt afraid of levying criticism. She has recently called out an article that criticized her for calling out Black Hollywood. Seales has expressed that she does not always feel welcome in Black Hollywood spaces. She had commented on how it felt to not be invited to the NAACP Image Awards despite being a part of the industry. Now, Seales has opened up about being allegedly mistreated by Issa Rae.
Seales was one of the stars of Issa Rae’s HBO comedy Insecure which the show ran for five seasons. On Club Shay Shay she commented on the rumors of there being tension between herself and Rae. She went on to tell her side of the story, expressing how she was mistreated during the filming of the acclaimed show. The actor and comedian said she felt alienated by Rae and the rest of the cast. Her comments have sparked a discussion about Seales and Rae’s relationship.
Seales said in the Shannon Sharpe interview that Rae never felt she was “needed” on Insecure. She also mentioned Rae never promoted her show Get Your Life, even though Rae produced it through her production company. Seales also said of Rae, “She didn’t feel like I deserved to be protected. I’m only giving a portion of the situation. But that was my experience.” She continued, “And nonetheless, I have still always protected her because I felt like it was my responsibility to do so. But it is not.” Seales says she was never empowered by Rae like she supposedly empowers other Black women.
She clarified she knows how important Issa Rae’s role is in Hollywood, saying, “I’m not interested in getting a $100 million production deal. That’s not a life that I want for myself. But I know that her role is very important.” The Amanda Seales appearance on Club Shay Shay is another viral interview for Shannon Sharpe. Sharpe has received less than glowing reviews about his performance in the interview.
Earlier this month season two of Issa Rae’s rap-themed show “Rap Sh!t” wrapped up on HBO. The season came alongside a mixtape soundtrack which featured contributions from some names like Sexyy Red, Rico Nasty, Kaliii, Guapdad 4000, and more. But after season two of the show wrapped up, fans got some bad news about its future. A few weeks ago HBO confirmed that the show wouldn’t be returning for a third season.
During a recent interview, Issa Rae discussed the show being canceled. In particular, she discussed how it represents an alarming trend of black TV shows being canceled. “You’re seeing so many Black shows get cancelled, you’re seeing so many executives – especially on the DEI side get canned. You’re seeing very clearly now that our stories are less of a priority,” she began the discussion. “I am pessimistic, because there’s no one holding anybody accountable – and I can, sure, but also at what cost? I can’t force you to make my stuff. It’s made me take more steps to try to be independent down the line if I have to,” she continued. Check out the full quote from her interview below.
Issa Rae interview are often primed for hilarious viral content. Last year during an interview she explained that she’s happy she didn’t become famous until her 30s. Looking at what some younger celebrities do she’s happy she got to learn plenty of lessons before ever facing the scrutiny of the public eye.
Despite the cancelation of “Rap Sh!t” Rae was still part of one of the biggest financial successes of the entire 2020s so far. She was in the cast of Barbiewhich broke box office records on its way to being one of the biggest pop culture moments of 2023. What do you think of Issa Rae’s take on “Rap Sh!t” being canceled after just two seasons? Let us know in the comment section below.
HBO Max may have rebranded as Max, but one thing has definitely remained the same: A steady stream of cancellations. Rap Sh!t, a hip-hop comedy series from Insecure creator Issa Rae, is the latest victim of the ongoing bloodbath at the streamer.
While fans were hoping that Rap Sh!t would return for Season 3, Max has confirmed that the series is no more in a statement announcing its fate.
“We are extremely grateful to Issa Rae for creating Rap Sh!t, a one-of-a-kind comedy with compelling social commentary that reached viewers in a way only Issa’s talents can accomplish,” a Max spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter. “A huge thank you to Issa, showrunner Syreeta Singleton and the teams at Hoorae and 3 Arts Entertainment for introducing us to Shawna and Mia, a duo whose journey fans have been invested in and who they have continued to root for through everything. We’ll never get ‘Seduce and Scheme’ out of our heads and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”
Rap Sh!t joins a growing list of recent cancelations at Max, which now includes Warrior, Julia, and Our Flag Means Death. However, HBO chief Casey Bloys has confirmed that the creators of the Taika Waititi pirate series are free to shop the show to another platform. As of this writing, no such plans have been announced for Rap Sh!t. Yet.
On Wednesday, January 10, the anticipation for the 30th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® will reach new heights as dynamic duo Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani take the virtual stage to announce this year’s nominees. The nominations will be exclusively revealed via Instagram Live on the @sagawards and @netflix accounts, starting at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT.
Issa Rae
The SAG Awards Nominations event will commence at 9:50 a.m. ET / 6:50 a.m. PT on @sagawards’ Instagram Stories. SAG-AFTRA President Fran Drescher will set the stage with an introduction, followed by the announcements for Outstanding Action Performances by Film and Television ensembles. SAG Awards Committee members Jason George and Woody Schultz will do the honors of unveiling the nominees.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that SAG Awards nominations will be exclusively presented via Instagram Live. By leveraging the reach and engagement of social media platforms, the SAG Awards team aims to create an immersive and authentic connection with both nominees and fans. The virtual experience is designed to seamlessly blend innovation with the shared excitement of the nominations unveiling.
Kumail Nanjiani
The Screen Actors Guild Awards, celebrating its 30th edition, continues to embrace the digital landscape, ensuring that the prestigious event remains an accessible and engaging experience for the global audience. Tune in to witness the unveiling of the outstanding talents recognized for their exceptional contributions to the world of film and television.
Issa Rae’s City Girls-inspired musical dramedy, Rap Sh!t, has returned for a second season of Miami-based indie rap shenanigans on Max. With its return comes another season soundtrack packed with the underground hip-hop and R&B talent that makes the show’s tale of a burgeoning buddy rap duo sing.
As with Rae’s prior hit show, Insecure, the soundtrack not only lends the narrative its authenticity but also propels the story forward as songs written for its stars Mia and Shawna (portrayed by Kamillion and Aida Osman, respectively) reflect their struggles and triumphs, while songs inspired by show’s events set the tone for their quest through Miami’s nightlife in search of their big break.
While the last season’s soundtrack highlighted songs from rising rap stars like Dreezy, Jean Deaux, Tokyo Jetz, and more, this season brings even more emerging voices to the foreground, like Cam & China, Connie Diiamond, and Guapdad 4000 (and many, many more, including breakout sensation Sexyy Red). They, along with Raedio VP Sarah Bromberg and the label’s General Manager Xtina Prince, gave Uproxx some insight into how the show highlights the future of music — and how the music makes the show another Issa Rae hit in its own right.
What is the core theme of this season narratively and how does the soundtrack/song tie into that theme?
Sarah Bromberg – Raedio VP, Music Supervision & Library: The season taps into the artist’s struggle to succeed and all of the outside factors that can influence a breaking artist when they are on that journey to become established. In creating music for the show, especially for the soundtrack, we brought in both artists that have reached that established place and those that are still on the journey there. In that way, some of the pairings on the soundtrack are almost a reflection of the story told this season.
Xtina Prince – Raedio General Manager: This season is full of drama. Drama with family, Drama with ego, Drama with competition, Drama in relationships. This season was hard. It has light and funny moments that create a balance but it is definitely serious. Records like “He Can’t Reach,” that talk about moving on from a relationship with your pride and self-respect and the airy and sinister production on tracks like “On Site” and “Want No Beef” were the perfect backdrops to the moments of intensity and struggle reflected in this season.
What are the challenges and advantages of writing/producing a song intended for television/narrative rather than radio/playlist/stage?
Connie Diiamond: When it comes to television there’s usually a narrative/topic they need you to stick to. When I’m creating dolo, I can do and say what I want. Overall it’s still a great experience and it pushes me to be greater than what I already am.
Cam & China: One of the challenges we come across is writing lyrics outside of ourselves as artists and seeing things in perspectives within the task we have at hand without sounding cheesy. Since we own being authentic artists ourselves, we take pride in spilling that into everything we do no matter the circumstances.
With that being said, one of the great advantages of writing for anything/anyone outside of ourselves is creating our own imaginary character and putting our all into assuring it feels real and loving what we’ve accomplished and sometimes wanting it for ourselves lol. We appreciate these tasks because not only do they challenge us, but they also better us as artists.
Guapdad 4000: They often don’t use the whole song; it’s very specific so each section needs to completely articulate the energy or mood of the scene. This, of course, contrasts with making something for radio, or the playlist, or stage, because there are a lot less controlled elements. Both are challenging and fun to me either way.
Which Rap Sh!t character do you relate to the most and how are you alike/different from them?
Cam & China: We relate to Shawna the most. We know how it feels for your family to resent you for rapping and having a lot to lose. We also know how it feels to get turned down or humiliated for standing up for yourself and calling out people’s bluffs, especially the ones in higher power that people try to overlook because of it. We also relate to how driven she is for her career and how she likes to play the back.
Guapdad 4000: Some days I am Shawna standing on my feelings, some days I am Mia trying to stand on business, so I switch off as they make mistakes and develop. Fortunately, I am pretty much never Reina Reign.
Connie Diiamond: Definitely KaMillion, that’s my girl on and off camera. I resonate more with her because I know her struggle in real life. It’s very similar to the script. Just a creative tryna make it. I love her, I love the show, and I love Issa Rae for shining the light on the girlies.
The show is oddly true to life in how it depicts the music industry. Which of your own experiences would make a good episode?
Guapdad 4000: Oh nothing much in my life to write an episode about. I’ve only dealt with small things such as poverty, traumatic brushes with death and jail, tragic losses of houses and loved ones, severe combination type ADHD — that might actually be autism — manic episodes followed by my famous season-long mental breakdowns, and not to mention my career working backwards and the constant battle that is being an independent artist. So you know… I clearly don’t have much to talk about.
Connie Diiamond: My experience would be the entire signing process for me. From creating a freestyle, going viral, & then having the CEO of a major label having an interest in signing me. I think that’s every artist’s dream. To genuinely make a statement and then being rewarded with the recognition of a major label.
Cam & China: Being told what to look like, what sells, and what to wear to be successful, or how we should dumb it down and rap sexier, all while taking away from our authentic self and ignoring what we can do with music. People hear music differently once they see what you look like but if you have an ear for talent, or just a dope ass artist all around and relatable? Nothing else matters.
Rap Sh!t season 2 is now streaming on Max. Rap Sh!t: The Mixtape (From The Max Original Series, S2) is out now via Raedio, LLC and Def Jam Recordings.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
As the highly anticipated second season of Rap Sh!t, created by Issa Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton, approaches, the duo sat down with SOHH to discuss the evolving landscape of female rap. Issa and Syreeta express their excitement for the diversity and abundance of female rap artists, such as Sexyy Red and Ice Spice, highlighting […]
Could the Hotties, Bardi Gang, and the Barbz be putting an end to their years-long online feud? Barbie supporting player Issa Rae has her fingers crossed that they are. Rae’s latest venture, Rap Sh!t, allows her to, among other things, express her love for music. Although Season 2 of the series has already wrapped, Rae has ideas for future episodes.
On Monday, November 6, during an interview with ET‘s Denny Directo, Rae revealed that there are a few guest cameos on the season three wishlist. “There’s a list. I mean, we want Meg[an The Stallion],” she said. “We want Cardi [B]. Nicki [Minaj] would be a nice little tie-around.”
As the idea began to marinate, she added, “If we could unite them… Maybe in season three, we can unite the fan bases.”
In the past, Rae has thrown a tremendous amount of support behind Megan and Nicki. The idea of rap’s leading ladies squashing their rumored feud with an epic appearance on the scripted show would certainly shake up the culture in the best way.
Season 2 of Rap Sh!t will premiere on Max on November 9. Find more information here.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Since the first season aired last year, fans of the comedy TV show Rap Sh!t have clamored for a second season. Thankfully, the show, produced by Issa Rae, is not going anywhere. Over the years, Issa has gained renown for producing acclaimed Black programming, and Rap Sh!t has now seamlessly joined the ranks. Following a successful first season, which featured some amazing music, the show will return soon with an all-new season.
Season 2 was initially intended for an August premiere on Max. However, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike prevented that from happening. As a result of the strikes, the release was delayed by several months. With an updated premiere date, here’s what we know about the second season of the acclaimed show.
In September 2022, Rap Sh!t was renewed for a second season. Issa Rae took to X (formerly Twitter) to share the news. She later said in a statement to Variety, “We’re so happy to play in the world of Rap Sh!t for another season with this incredibly talented team.” Showrunner Syreeta Singleton shared the same sentiments. She stated, “This show and cast are one of a kind, and I’m thrilled to get to do this again with them. We’re going bigger and harder!”
Picking Up Where They Left Off
The series was partially influenced by Jermaine Dupri’s criticism of female rappers. Rap Sh!t is primarily centered around Shawna and Mia, played by Aida Osman and KaMillion, respectively. In season one, the two reunited years after graduating high school in Miami and decided to form a rap group. After eight episodes, the season ends with the pair finally starting to see the results of their hustle. However, their journey to fame and superstardom has only just begun.
In the upcoming season, the hustle continues as Shawna and Mia are set to head out on a nationwide tour. The season promises new misadventures for the pair and a deeper exploration of their characters. Viewers will see how they deal with the pressures of being on tour and their struggles to reach the top. Certainly, it must be tough being the opening act for the controversial rapper Reina Reign (Kat Cunning). Who knows how that will play out…
The Cast of Rap Sh!t Season 2
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JULY 13: (L-R) Suzanna Makkos, Aida Osman, Jonica Booth, KaMillion, Issa Rae, Syreeta Singleton and RJ Cyler attends the HBO Max original comedy series “RAP SH!T” premiere at Hammer Museum on July 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto Rodriguez/Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images)
Alongside the two leading ladies, many familiar faces from season one will return. Jonica Booth as Chastity, RJ Cyler as Lamont, Daniel Augustin as Maurice, and Devon Terrell as Cliff Lewis are all confirmed to star in the show’s new season. In addition, Jaboukie Young-White, Kat Cunning, and Amandla Jahava, among others, will be starring in supporting roles as well. New recurring cast members can be expected to debut in the new season.
Release Date
The new date for the season premiere of Rap Shit season two is set for November 9, 2023. The first two episodes of the season will be released as a pair on the same day. Subsequently, an episode will drop every Thursday for the following six weeks. This season is slated to run for eight episodes until December 21. In the meantime, you can catch up on season one on Max!
This week, the hip-hop ladies have been coming in hot with new drops and brand deals. Angel Reese becomes Reebok’s first major NIL signing, Flo Milli drops “BGC,” the City Girls’ new RAW album has fans buzzing, and more. Angel Reese Making Plays & Deals Reebok recently announced its commitment to supporting and empowering college […]
Is Sexyy Red pregnant? The rap star went to her hometown of St. Louis to perform alongside SZA. Sharing pictures from backstage, Sexyy Red dropped two pictures with a question: Team boy or Team girl? Sexyy Red would also showcase a baby bump.
Before the announcement, Raedio dropped the video for Sexyy Red’s “No Panties” single that will be featured in the season two soundtrack of Rap Sh!t. In the video, Sexyy Red turns up a car wash and recruits people of the neighborhood for a fundraiser. Joining Sexyy Red are TikTok creators @terryreloaded and @kervo.dolo.
The highly anticipated soundtrack for Season 2 of Rap Sh!t has been officially announced by Raedio. This soundtrack, set to release on Nov. 3, will precede the premiere of Season 2, created by Issa Rae, scheduled for Nov. 9.
The mixtape, curated by Raedio and released via Raedio/Def Jam, features original music from the series performed by lead characters Shawna & Mia (Aida Osman & KaMillion), as well as contributions from artists like Rico Nasty, Kaliii, Maiya The Don, and more. The project also boasts writing contributions from Guapdad 4000, NCognita, Suni MF, and production by renowned producers like Danja, Bankroll Got It, and HitKidd.
The mixtape celebrates the women in rap who are changing the music world through their authenticity and features cover artwork inspired by A Tribe Called Quest’s “Midnight Marauders” album, acknowledging the writers and producers who craft the music behind the scenes.
The first single, “No Panties,” is already available and showcases the talents of Sexyy Red in a bold and unapologetic southern rap anthem, produced by YA & Snacks of The Breed. It encourages listeners to hit the dancefloor and embrace their most unapologetic selves.
“I’m happy that I got to work on ‘No Panties’ for Rap Sh!t,” said Sexyy Red. “It’s just me having fun on the beat and talking my sh*t. It’s just like the show: the rap girls running this sh*t.”
