The Get Down: Netflix drops new trailer for original Baz Luhrmann hip hop drama

Michael Kiwanuka and Nas have collaborated to soundtrack the 13-part series

Netflix has dropped an electric new trailer for upcoming Baz Luhrmann hip hop drama The Get Down.

Described as a “mythic saga of the transformation of 1970s New York City told through the lives and music of a ragtag crew of South Bronx teens”, the series follows the group as they struggle to make it in a tough industry.

The rise of hip hop, punk and disco is at the heart of the story, with Justice Smith, Jaden Smith and Herizen F Guardiola playing aspiring rapper Ezekiel, graffiti artist Marcus ‘Dizzee’ Kipling and wannabe singer Mylene Cruz respectively. US actor and rapper Daveed Diggs narrates the 13-part series, the first six episodes of which premiere on the streaming service on 12 August.

Michael Kiwanuka and Nas have collaborated to soundtrack The Get Down after director Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge!, The Great Gatsby) brought the two artists together. “Michael's music came into my life at the same time we were evolving the story of The Get Down,” he said. “While we’ve worked with many of the great classic artists from hip-hop, soul, and dance, Michael’s music was perfect to illuminate our main character of Books, who like Michael himself, is stepping out into the world asking questions: who is he, where is he going, what is life about?”

The above trailer features snippets of Nas rapping over chart-topper Kiwanuka’s new album track “Rule the World”, while the former has also worked on a new version of “Black Man in a White World” for the series.