Ep 3. Money Bag Shawty

In "Money Bag Shawty," the third episode of Atlanta's second season, viewers follow Paper Boi as he tries to navigate the treacherous waters of the rap industry. As the episode title suggests, the central focus of this episode is money, and the lengths people will go to get it.

One of the most interesting aspects of "Money Bag Shawty" is the way it looks at the intersection between music and commerce. We see Paper Boi and his friend Darius sitting in a meeting with a rap manager, who tries to convince them to sign with his company. The manager pulls out all the stops, including showing them a promotional video with expensive cars, beautiful women, and a luxurious mansion. At one point, he even comes right out and tells them that he's going to make them rich.

However, Paper Boi quickly realizes that the deal on offer isn't as great as it seems. The manager is offering him and Darius a measly 5% of the profits from their music, while keeping the other 95% for himself. When Paper Boi balks at these terms, the manager tries to sweeten the deal by offering them a signing bonus of $5,000. While this may sound like a lot of money to someone like Paper Boi, it's small potatoes in the big picture of the rap industry.

As the episode progresses, we see how other characters are also trying to get a piece of the financial pie. For example, Tracy - Paper Boi's irresponsible cousin - has found a duffel bag full of cash and is gleefully spending it on expensive clothes and jewelry. Meanwhile, a couple of teenage boys are seen trying to hustle some quick cash by selling fake weed to their peers.

Despite all of the emphasis on money, however, this episode is not without its social commentary. For example, we see how class issues play out in the world of rap. When Paper Boi and Darius are first approached by the rap manager, they're told that they're not "marketable" enough because they don't have expensive jewelry and cars. This highlights the fact that in the music industry, image often matters more than talent.

Later in the episode, we see another example of class dynamics during a scene at a strip club. Paper Boi and his friend Earn go to the club to celebrate Tracy's newfound cash, but soon realize that they don't fit in with the clientele. They're out of place among the wealthy patrons who are tossing around hundred-dollar bills like it's nothing.

One of the most striking visuals in this episode occurs towards the end, when Paper Boi and Darius are on their way to make a drug deal. They're driving through an upscale neighborhood in a beat-up old car, and suddenly they're surrounded by sleek, shiny sports cars. The scene is a vivid visual representation of the contrast between "new money" and "old money," and suggests that old-fashioned grit and hard work may not be enough to succeed in the rap game.

Throughout all of this, "Money Bag Shawty" maintains Atlanta's trademark blend of humor and pathos. We see Tracy gleefully buying designer clothes and expensive drinks, only to be abruptly kicked out of a club for not meeting the dress code. We see Paper Boi and Darius dealing with all kinds of absurd situations as they try to get their music heard. And we see Earn, always the voice of reason, trying to keep his friends in check as they succumb to the lure of big money.

Overall, "Money Bag Shawty" is a fascinating exploration of the rap industry, class dynamics, and the ways in which money can both enable and corrupt people. It's a standout episode in an already-strong season of Atlanta, and further cements the show's reputation as one of the most thought-provoking and genre-defying on television.