All of it is portrayed with wit, exuberance and real intelligence. Sometimes deep, sometimes silly, the series is a canny depiction of the specific contours of female friendship. And in its quieter moments, it taps into that inner voice that keeps us awake at night, full of anxiety about why we’re going nowhere in life.

In the end, Rap Sh!t is a heartwarming show with sex, intrigue, and the perfect amount of Black-specific humor. If you're ready to laugh, shake your ass with the musical duo, and wince a bit at how much a character reminds you of your ex, do yourself a favor and tune in.

The vibrant half-hour comedy layers flashy pop-culture trimmings atop meaningful personal journeys as it follows estranged high school friends Shawna (Aida Osman) and Mia (KaMillion) when they reconnect in their 20s and form an unlikely rap duo.

It isn’t until the season progresses and Shawna and Mia grow closer, sharing deep thoughts and shedding their online facades, that the series follows suit. Its use of Instagram filters quickly minimises, and the scope of the show broadens, making it less about rap and more about identity.

Her [Issa Rae's] stamp as a creator is growing. “Rap Sh!t” will resonate with the audience who kept asking “What’s Next?” after “Insecure” wrapped last year.

Ambitious as its subjects, the show dances at the edge of cacophony at times. It’s a perfect next challenge for this rising TV auteur [Issa Rae], though, and she steps up to it quite assured.

The new HBO Max comedy Rap Sh!t does not run away from its characters’ screen dependence, but rather makes that a core part of both its substance and its style. It doesn’t always work, but it’s an interesting Insecure follow-up for creator Issa Rae and showrunner Syreeta Singleton.