Sway Calloway’s ‘One Shot’ is the hip-hop reality competition to watch

Aug 23, 2016

In a world where we have to debate whether top rappers write their own rhymes, rap music may just be ready for a new sound.

That’s the idea behind BET’s latest reality show competition, “One Shot,” executive produced and co-hosted by Sway Calloway, along with hip-hop heavy hitters Kxng Crooked and King Tech and singer-songwriter Mike Smith.

The series documents the crew traveling to Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami and Chicago to find rap’s next megastar, offering a $100,000 cash prize and recording contract.

–Mariah Carey: ‘American Idol’ was ‘the worst experience of my life’

Unlike “American Idol“ or “The Voice,” “One Shot“ focuses on contestants’ lyrical skill, making them write original rhymes to perform in front of live audiences and a crew of special guest judges, such as T.I., E-40, RZA and DJ Khaled.

Calloway says the inspiration for the show came from his own experiences with rejection early in the entertainment business.

“As artists we had a ton of doors shut in our face,” Calloway said at a special BET screening in New York City. “People told me I had a horrible voice for radio and 25 years later, I’m still here.”

That struggle to break into the business is captured powerfully in the show’s first episode. Thousands show up to audition in Atlanta, driving everywhere from Tennessee to Boston to try their luck, including one young woman named Doja, who is from Louisiana.

Doja survived Hurricane Katrina in 2005, piling on a mattress and floating in the water to make it through. Her fierce rhymes are her motivation to survive, along with her young daughter, who she’s raising alone.

–Kendrick Lamar hits back at Geraldo Rivera: Hip-hop isn’t the problem, reality is

“The stories were necessary and real,” said Calloway. “We want people to fall in love with everyday people who are artists.”

Perhaps that’s just what hip-hop today needs: everyday people unspoiled by the riches of commercial success, with real stories to tell.

Despite the all-male panel of judges, the show features artists of different backgrounds and genders, including one transgender artist trying to break the mold, and a rapper who prefers button-up collar shirts instead of white tees. When given the opportunity, the diverse talent rises to top.

–‘Love & Hip Hop’ rapper reportedly shunned by cast because he’s gay

The first episode of “One Shot” proves to be entertaining and inspirational, with many hilarious moments, including rapper T.I.’s all the way “100” feedback on whack performances and unfiltered praise for contestants who get it right.

“We’re not packaging culture for the sake of metrics,” says Calloway. “Whatever your vessel, it’s all about what’s in your spirit. We want no rules.”

“One Shot” premieres tonight, Tuesday, August 23rd at 10/9 c on BET.