Big SMO

Big SMO, an American reality television series that premiered on A&E network in 2014, captures the highs and lows of the life of John Lee Smith, a.k.a. Big SMO, an up-and-coming country rapper. Originating from Tennessee’s countryside, Big SMO is a big man with a bigger personality and electrifying talent. Not only does the show allow viewers to witness the wild and energetic performances of this rapper, but it also provides them a deeper insight into his private life backstage, his triumphs, and the challenges he faces on his climb to stardom.

The earthiness of the man, his raw talent, and his immense passion for country rap music, mixed with his relatable struggles of balancing family, touring, and reinventing his sound, churn out a riveting, heartwarming, and at times, hilarious reality series. The show offers a dichotomy between Big SMO, the artist, full of swagger and raw energy on-stage, and John Lee Smith, the family man, with struggles and dreams that are too real for the viewers to ignore.

The Big SMO series consists of two seasons revolving around Smo's expanding music career, the close-knit relationship with his team (who are also his best friends), his bond with his family, and specifically his journey of successfully merging country music and hip-hop into an appealing subgenre of music charmingly called "hick-hop". The series prominently places the man's music at the semblance of the narrative, revealing the ripples it causes in the industry.

The show benefits from the charismatic presence of its titular star Big SMO, his infectious charm, and his unique ability to seamlessly blend two distinctly different genres of music. The narrative arc, predominantly focusing on SMO's music, also encompasses the other characters that inhabit Big SMO's world. Viewers get to know his band, fondly referred to as the Kinfoke, which comprises his best friends, who help him produce his music, and his unique manager who also happens to be his mother.

Further, the intricacies of Big SMO's personal life provide another layer of charm to this show. Viewers witness him navigating through his relationships with his daughters and unintentionally becoming a figure of parental wisdom. The raw glimpses of a thoughtful SMO, ensuring his career decisions don't harm his loved ones, showcase an emotional depth beneath his larger-than-life persona.

His typical American family, too, is extraordinary in its own right. From his feisty ex-wife who co-parents their girls and manages his merchandise sales, to his free-spirited mother who acts as his business manager – each character adds a unique flavor to the series. And then, there's his ever-supportive girlfriend, who provides a strong backing during his tough times.

While taking the audience through the roller coaster journey of Big SMO's life and career, the show also makes it apparent that this is a man who won't stop until his dreams are realized. He battles through health issues and confronts multiple challenges that could curtail his career.

Culturally, Big SMO also delves into an emerging musical genre. The show provides the audience with a glimpse into the subculture of “hick-hop,” a mashup of country aesthetics and hip-hop beats. Big SMO, as its representative, provides a platform for this unique fusion. Sometimes gritty, sometimes soulful, his songs weave narratives of his country lifestyle, and the struggles people face in rural America. For someone unfamiliar with the genre, this makes for quite an absorbing watch.

In summary, Big SMO is a reality TV series that combines music, family, friendship, and the unyielding spirit of a man ambitiously aiming for the stars. It offers a blend of Big SMO's captivating performances, his powerhouse presence, the delightful dynamic he shares with his band & family, and a whole lot of heart. Amid all the lights, fame, and music, the show's biggest appeal lies in its authentic depiction of a man answering his life's calling while balancing his roles as a father, a friend, and a dreamer.