Issa Rae and Phoebe Robinson are both established creators who have produced new series about experiences of Black women. Everything’s Trash puts Robinson in the middle of her show, while Rae lets others do the talking in Rap Sh!t.

Everything’s Trash Phoebe Robinson is best known as half of 2 Dope Queens, the comedy standup series on HBO. She goes solo as the creator and star of this show (based on her book), where she plays a Brooklyn podcaster with a free-and-easy attitude. She interacts with her friends, her aspiring politician brother and potential dates with sassy repartee and an attitude to match. Robinson is deftly funny and makes the most of her comic charisma here. The supporting cast is full of energetic characters and it’s snappy pace keeps it fun while bordering on outrageous. (Review based on 4 of nine 20-minute eps with additional ones dropping weekly) (3.5 / 5)
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Rap Sh!t Issa Rae is undoubtedly one of the most accomplished and prolific writers working and this new series takes her to Miami, where 2 women (Aida Osman and KaMillion) form a rap group. Much of this is presented as if it were on social media apps with a tight pace and colorful situations. Since it’s based in the hip-hop culture, there’s generous use many common expletives and the N word. The performances are assured and fierce, like the women they’re portraying. The series certainly presents a vibrant, colorful look at rap culture from a predominately female perspective. (Review based on 3 of eight 30-minute eps with additional ones dropping weekly) (3 / 5)
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