Brothers to Brutha - TV-PG
Aspiring R&B star siblings balance family and fame.
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details
- TV Rating: TV-PG
- Network: BET
- Cast:
- Genre: Reality TV
- >Available On: Download
Parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality series -- which chronicles the lives of a family of brothers whose R&B act is close to getting its big break -- spends a lot of time on family relationships, including the rocky association between the Harrell "boys" and their absentee father. Although the family is very close, they sometimes have heated arguments (using lots of bleeped curses) and sometimes physically fight each other. The “N” word is also part of the family’s vernacular. Expect to see some drinking and sexual innuendo/talk, including discussions about one brother’s virginity.
Families can talk about why the Harrells (and other similar families) would want to be featured on a reality show. Do you think this series is simply a way of promoting the band, or does it offer something more? Do you think being featured on a reality show helps an actor or musician’s career? Families can also discuss the work that goes into becoming a successful musical group. Is having a great singing voice enough to make someone a star? What other things does a singer or band have to have to make it big?
Families can talk about why the Harrells (and other similar families) would want to be featured on a reality show. Do you think this series is simply a way of promoting the band, or does it offer something more? Do you think being featured on a reality show helps an actor or musician’s career? Families can also discuss the work that goes into becoming a successful musical group. Is having a great singing voice enough to make someone a star? What other things does a singer or band have to have to make it big?
Message
Social Behavior:
The show focuses on the Harrell brothers’ singing career and their family’s dynamics, including their challenges in communicating effectively with one another. The brothers are very close to each other. Uncle Drano is both manager and father figure to the brothers and attempts to teach them responsibility and other important values. The whole group struggles with their relationship with the boys’ biological father. Grady and Tony have children from previous relationships.
Consumerism:
The series is a promotional vehicle for the group. Frequent references to R&B artists like Keyshia Cole when working with industry professionals.
Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:
Uncle Drano’s rules for the group include no drinking, but the guys are occasionally shown drinking champagne and wine. Tony’s consistent drinking becomes a source of tension.
Violence
Old wounds and disagreements between family members sometimes lead to yelling, screaming, pushing, shoving, scratching, and punching; but the combatants are usually separated by other family members before anyone really gets hurt.
Sex
Some mild sexual innuendo, including brief mentions of “fornicating." One brother’s virginity becomes a topic of humorous discussion among his siblings.
Language
Audible language includes words like “damn." Stronger words, like “f--k” and “s--t," are bleeped out. The "N" word is used frequently as part of the guys' vernacular (not as an insult).
Common Sense says
What's the story?
Reviewed by Melissa Camacho
BROTHERS TO BRUTHA follows the lives of the Harrell brothers, who -- as R&B group Brutha -- have signed with Island Def Jam records. Under the direction of their tough-but-loving uncle/manager Drano, Grady, Tony, Jared, Poppa, and Jacob, have to learn how to be a professional act and prove that they belong on the hit music scene. But as they work on their rhythms, they must also find a way to balance their careers with their personal lives. Adding to the pressure are both the daily challenges that come with being part of a close extended family and the brothers' tenuous relationship with their father, a musician who was missing during most of their lives. It isn’t always easy, but the brothers try to keep it real while focusing on their commitment to their success and to each other.
Is it any good?
While the show is clearly a promotional vehicle for the up-and-coming group, Brothers to Brutha is also very much about family. The young men openly discuss their feelings about their troubled childhood, their absentee father, and -- for Grady and Tony -- their roles as parents. They also openly note the love and respect they have for their uncle, who, despite having two children of his own, has made it his mission to provide them with the opportunity to succeed both as R&B singers and as men.
Unfortunately, sibling rivalry and other unresolved issues sometimes lead to some unhealthy family feuds that include heated verbal exchanges and fistfights. But the emotions leading up to these moments seem genuine, and while the brothers' on-camera “make-up moments” seem a little contrived, you get the sense that even if they don’t always get along, they really do love each other. It's got some iffy content, but overall this show succeeds in pointing out that family, no matter how imperfect, can serve as a foundation to build success on.
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Posted on 12/10/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14
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Posted on 12/10/08 by Anonymous Kid contributor, age 14
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