Considering that rap music takes root in the marginalized sectors of society, where Latinos (Puerto Ricans in particular) were a part of the kinetic energy that helped pioneer the Hip-Hop culture, imagine the disappointment when Netflix’s musical series The Get Down was announced with four male leads, none of which were of Hispanic descent. Cue raised eyebrows and a mean scowl.
On second thought, when pure-bred Australian director Baz Luhrmann is at the helm, what can we expect? Has the man even visited the Bronx? Is he aware that much of the same deteriorating economic and living conditions from the ’70s linger throughout the borough today? Sure we loved The Great Gatsby, but Luhrmann ain’t got the juice and that’s what’s at the heart of much of our skepticism.
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But, like all things viral, give it some time and the story might change. That said, we’re pleased to announce that The Get Down has added a female lead, Herizen Guardiola. The 18-year-old Miami native, who is of Cuban and Jamaican descent, is slated to play the role of Mylene Cruz – an aspiring singer and preacher’s daughter. Hopefully, Mylene has some real cojones and isn’t just a piece of gleaming eye-candy for red-blooded boys.
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The Get Down is scheduled to debut on Netflix in 2016.