Ep 2. It's Just Begun

It's Just Begun is the second episode of the first season of The Breaks, a drama series set in the hip-hop world of New York City in the early 1990s. The show explores the lives and struggles of young artists trying to make it in the music industry, as well as the record executives, managers, and promoters who profit from the genre's growing popularity.

In this episode, we follow the main characters as they deal with the aftermath of their recent successes and failures. Nikki (Afton Williamson) is still reeling from the backlash of her controversial single, which has drawn accusations of cultural appropriation and betrayal from the black community. Despite her attempts to defend herself, she faces backlash from fans, critics, and even her own family, who fear she's selling out her roots for fame and fortune.

Meanwhile, DeeVee (Tristan Mack Wilds) is struggling to balance his ambitions and his loyalty to his friends and family. After getting a taste of success with his new group, he's tempted to sign with a major label and leave his old crew behind. But when his grandmother falls ill and his mother threatens to disown him, he realizes that his dreams come with a cost.

Elsewhere, Ahm (Antoine Harris) is trying to make a name for himself as a rapper while also dealing with his abusive ex-girlfriend and her criminal ties. When he's confronted by her new boyfriend, a ruthless drug dealer named D-Rome (Cliff Smith), Ahm finds himself drawn deeper into a dangerous world that threatens to destroy his career and his life.

As the episode progresses, we see the characters navigating these and other conflicts, trying to find their way in a world that's both exciting and unforgiving. We also get a glimpse of the larger social and political issues that are shaping their experiences, from the crack epidemic to police brutality to the rising tensions between black and white artists in the music industry.

Overall, It's Just Begun is a dynamic and thought-provoking episode that captures the spirit of the era and the culture that defined it. With strong performances, sharp writing, and a killer soundtrack featuring classic hip-hop tracks from the likes of Public Enemy, EPMD, and A Tribe Called Quest, the show delivers a compelling and authentic look at a pivotal moment in American history.