Power Book III: Rasing Kanan is the third of show in the Power Universe. This one is about a young Kanan Stark (50 Cents character from the original) and how he joins his family's growing and dangerous drig business. It takes place in Queens, New York during the 1990's. It quickly builds its world and expands the Power Universe but definitely stands on its own. The do a great job bringing you into their world, especially with all the attention to detail of how the 90's were. Even if you weren't a fan of the Kanan character in the original, you'll still enjoy this. You don't even have to watch the original to like this but if you are already a fan of the Power Universe I promise you won't be disappointed here.
71 Reviews
Stands on it's own!
Supermanfan-1322 October 2022
Following the huge success of Power they decided to start their own universe (kind of like the MCU or DCEU). There are now 3 spin-offs of Power...Book II: Ghost, Book III: Raising Kanon and Book IV: Force. This is Book III: Raising Kanon about 50 Cents character Kanon and shows how he grew up in the early 90's and became the man he is in Power. I was worried about the Power Universe when they first announced it thinking it might be too much but I was wrong. Every spin-off is good in its own right and can stand on its own even if you didn't see the original Power. Much like Book II: Ghost with Tariq, you don't have to be a fan of Kanon to enjoy the show. These spin-offs are doing just as well as the original so I don't see them going anywhere anytime soon so I'm looking forward to more seasons in the future of each of them. If you're a fan of the original Power or a fan of gangster shows then give this a try.
Power Book 3
quisha-0119518 August 2022
The Raq Show!
richkyle1 February 2022
Patina Miller is the number one reason to watch. She embodied the character of Raq. The supporting characters are great as well like Joey BadA$$. There is a very heartbreaking episode that had me tearing up. Great gritty atmosphere. I can't say good enough things about it. The best Power Book entry so far!
Wait for it
dmacaiodh6 September 2021
I'm glad I waited until episode 7 to review because I would have agreed with the current rating of 7. I knew it had potential to be more and it finally delivered with this past episode. We see the consequences of this business and Kanan's ambition, both in the community and personally. I was on the edge of my seat even though I knew what was about to happen. I'm left with a pit in my stomach and 50's speech at the end was perfect for the situation... and in reality. Solid 8 now and hope it goes up.
The Black "Godfather"
Sejimon10122 October 2022
This series is phenomenal, not merely because of the cast & writing, but because it's apart of a cohort of tv series birthed from the masterpiece that is "Power." Kanan was undoubtedly one of Power's most dynamic characters. To see his story play out is to watch him become the man who would later successfully infiltrate his mentees' (Ghost & Tommy) drug organization & who would plant the seed of disdain in Ghost's son that would one day lead to Tariq committing patricide.
Makhi (young Kanan) embodies the character, even down to 50's slurred speech. Patina Miller is perfect as Raq. Hailey Kilgore's acting performance is as bold & remarkable as her singing voice. She truly honors her reprisal of Jukebox, the character originally played by Broadway titan, Anika Noni Rose. London Brown's comedic timing is perfect & he proves himself quite the dramatic actor in scenes alongside Kilgore & Miller. Malcolm Mays as "Lou" is incredible. His character has a similar temperament to that of Ghost, a calculated & capably ruthless killer but not without cause.
On balance, this show is a masterpiece & has the potential to surpass the original Power series. 10/10.
Makhi (young Kanan) embodies the character, even down to 50's slurred speech. Patina Miller is perfect as Raq. Hailey Kilgore's acting performance is as bold & remarkable as her singing voice. She truly honors her reprisal of Jukebox, the character originally played by Broadway titan, Anika Noni Rose. London Brown's comedic timing is perfect & he proves himself quite the dramatic actor in scenes alongside Kilgore & Miller. Malcolm Mays as "Lou" is incredible. His character has a similar temperament to that of Ghost, a calculated & capably ruthless killer but not without cause.
On balance, this show is a masterpiece & has the potential to surpass the original Power series. 10/10.
Probably the best Power entry yet
opusv521 September 2021
This back-story of one of "Power's" central characters may be the series's strongest entry yet, if only because it emphasizes character development and conflict, as well as realistic plotting and dialogue, rather than quick pace and violence (though there is violence). The characters are believable and well played, their dialogue authentic to the milieu (Joey Bada$$ being particularly effective as such). I hope the follow-up series keeps up the good work.
Best So Far
DawnOfTheRob6 September 2021
Getting better and better
MattHankinson12 July 2023
Wasn't sure at first but I think it may have took over from book two as being better.
Great theme tune and soundtrack with some great original songs. It's really interesting to see the characters that we know (juke and kanan) and it's going to be a little sad to see how they're personalities get poisoned/hardened and make them who they are!
I don't love roc but Marvin and Lou are great sidekicks. Joey bada$$ is a great addition to the cast. Very good aestheticically which stays on theme with the rest of power.
The second series ended explosively and I can't wait to see how they pick it up in series 3.
Great theme tune and soundtrack with some great original songs. It's really interesting to see the characters that we know (juke and kanan) and it's going to be a little sad to see how they're personalities get poisoned/hardened and make them who they are!
I don't love roc but Marvin and Lou are great sidekicks. Joey bada$$ is a great addition to the cast. Very good aestheticically which stays on theme with the rest of power.
The second series ended explosively and I can't wait to see how they pick it up in series 3.
Conflicted
Stealthy-2296012 August 2021
They truly captured the essence of early 90s from the clothes, to hair styles, to the music, to the cars, to the slang and vernacular, etc. Well done, truly. The problem with period pieces though is that the story has to be incredibly good or with a solid character or important person that the audience truly cares about, otherwise no one wants to keep seeing some back in time era just for the sake of it. As such, I'm not sure if we really need to see the details of Kanan and Jukebox upbringing since we know how they turned out and how neither of them had any redeeming qualities on the original Power. Simply, they weren't empathic characters on the original Power, so I don't care about their prequel. Kanan is responsible for the development of the worst character in TV history - Tariq - and responsible for the most loved character on Power - Ghost. Sure Tariq was going to feel some type of way about Ghost leaving the home for Angie, but what Kanan did to that boy psychologically was the direct cause of that knucklehead boy getting his sister killed and murdering his dad. So no, I don't want to see a show about Kanan!
Back to this time travel... This time travel should have been an episode or two within the original Power to give background of Kanan and Jukebox. But they didn't and instead relied on some good dialogue in the original that filled in the blanks for us. So this series about Kanan early story isn't really needed.
As others have said, this feels like Get Rich Die Trying the TV series and not Power. Although, I'm not bothered by 50 narrating as some of the other reviewers, it just doesnt have the Power essence. Nothing powerful, sexy, intoxicating, riveting, or any other adjective about Power Book III or II for that matter. Feels like an entirely different show, and not in a good way or the ways the audience has come to love.
The acting is sold for most of the main characters. Actually better than Power Book II actors (no shade to Mary J Blige but love... acting classes please).
Back to this time travel... This time travel should have been an episode or two within the original Power to give background of Kanan and Jukebox. But they didn't and instead relied on some good dialogue in the original that filled in the blanks for us. So this series about Kanan early story isn't really needed.
As others have said, this feels like Get Rich Die Trying the TV series and not Power. Although, I'm not bothered by 50 narrating as some of the other reviewers, it just doesnt have the Power essence. Nothing powerful, sexy, intoxicating, riveting, or any other adjective about Power Book III or II for that matter. Feels like an entirely different show, and not in a good way or the ways the audience has come to love.
The acting is sold for most of the main characters. Actually better than Power Book II actors (no shade to Mary J Blige but love... acting classes please).
Great Standalone Series
jimsweezey26 September 2021
This series is FAR superior to Power Book 2: Ghost. The main reason being the young lead actor is much better than the kid who plays Tariq St. Patrick. I just find him incredibly unlikeable and I always know I'm watching an actor put on his character. Now the gentlemen who plays Kanaan is clearly doing his best 50 Cent impression but the surround cast is really, really good.
This is a solid standalone series on its own made even more intriguing for Power fans who were enthralled in the original series as it pulls some things together. I hope they show us when Kanaan met Ghost and Tommy and how all that got started.
If you were turned off the "Power Universe" like I was after the 2nd series about Ghost's son give this one a shot. If you're a fan of the original you'll like this one fore sure.
-SweeZ-
This is a solid standalone series on its own made even more intriguing for Power fans who were enthralled in the original series as it pulls some things together. I hope they show us when Kanaan met Ghost and Tommy and how all that got started.
If you were turned off the "Power Universe" like I was after the 2nd series about Ghost's son give this one a shot. If you're a fan of the original you'll like this one fore sure.
-SweeZ-
Interesting so far
sundevil679 August 2021
A good throwback into the 90's, discovering the story of Kenan.
fciocca16 August 2022
Creators did a good job setting up the vibes of the early 90's: it is nice to hear some old school hip hop, see some classic cars and the clothes are on point. I liked the retro style camera work. Out of the whole Power Universe, I think that this show has the best photography and color grading. The cast is composed by talented actors: Kenan Stark is way more compelling than Tariq and Mekai Curtis gave a lot of personality to this character. I really like his development: you can see him changing throughout the series, while dealing with some tough decisions. Patina Miller is perfect for the role of Raquel. We get to know every single aspect of her life. She is definitely the most important element as she actively contributes to shaping Kenan and his friends. She is the real protagonist of this show. Supporting actors such as London Brown and Malcolm Mays are absolutely necessary for the success of this second spin-off.
I have noticed several improvements also in the script: there are less useless narrative arcs and the cringey soap opera drama was turned down a bit. There are still the classic Power writing issues, such as annoying underdeveloped characters or the excessive amount of sex scenes that serve the only purpose to add a few extra minutes in order to reach the one hour mark per episode. At times the show is too slow and you wonder when finally something is going to happen. There are some dialogues that stall the plot a bit and a lot of things just are unbelievable. However, overall I liked how the relationships between characters are built and I can see way more potential in this story compared to "Ghost". I think that more efforts should be made in "Raising Kenan" and probably just toss Book II, because in my opinion there is not much value there. I really hope that screenwriters will improve this series even more in future seasons, but at the moment my vote is 6.5 out of 10.
I have noticed several improvements also in the script: there are less useless narrative arcs and the cringey soap opera drama was turned down a bit. There are still the classic Power writing issues, such as annoying underdeveloped characters or the excessive amount of sex scenes that serve the only purpose to add a few extra minutes in order to reach the one hour mark per episode. At times the show is too slow and you wonder when finally something is going to happen. There are some dialogues that stall the plot a bit and a lot of things just are unbelievable. However, overall I liked how the relationships between characters are built and I can see way more potential in this story compared to "Ghost". I think that more efforts should be made in "Raising Kenan" and probably just toss Book II, because in my opinion there is not much value there. I really hope that screenwriters will improve this series even more in future seasons, but at the moment my vote is 6.5 out of 10.
Watchable story...terrible acting
jface-826752 October 2021
Really good start.
Ashitaka13720 July 2021
The actors did a really good job in this pilot episode; and i'm liking the way 50 is narrating important moments; and i think it's great that Kanan didn't start out as a psycho like Dadinho /Zé Pequeno(Lil Ze) and that instead we get to see how and what turned him into a cold blooded killer. And the atmosphere of the greatest era in American Hip Hop is definitely a major +.
Do you love Patina Miller as much as I do?
Advocate114 August 2022
The universe that keeps on giving!
hnlminds18 July 2021
The Power Universe as the STARZ show runners are calling their series of shows. These are all enjoyable shows, displaying street life with a glitz and glamor like no other. 50 Cent needs his props for this production. Raising Kanen is a great show if you enjoy urban crime shows or just someone looking for a new something to watch. The acting is pretty good but the wardrobe and cinematography really make this show great just like the previous Books of Power.
Many people wanted to compare this show to "Get Rich or Die Trying" with 50 cent adding real experience from his life but I think this will be very different. Also Raq, Kanen's mother is a great actress and beautiful as well, her coats are pretty dope.
Really enjoying this show!
Many people wanted to compare this show to "Get Rich or Die Trying" with 50 cent adding real experience from his life but I think this will be very different. Also Raq, Kanen's mother is a great actress and beautiful as well, her coats are pretty dope.
Really enjoying this show!
Incredible Series!
byersk-0655912 September 2021
I love how this is set in the early 90s. Good times. But anyways, the writing is unreal. Absolute great story telling, cast is on point and it is very unpredictable. I love drama in movies and this is the perfect storm. Every episode gets better and better every week. I am so hooked to this show. Keep them coming! I am also glad to see that it got renewed for season 2 already. Yeay!
Better Than Book II
MarkAntney22 October 2021
The vibe, style, acting/ors all fit their parts. The story flows and makes sense. Of course it's not better than the original and in noway did I expect it to be.
I'd prefer 50 not narrating as much but it's not a "Deal Breaker" as it is for others. But I do agree (with a reviewer that noted) the young Kanan doesn't match the older Kanan (personality, intellect,..) and they didn't quite make the conversion.
That and the Power Series got the order wrong:
1. Original Power.
2. Ghost/Tommy/Angie/Kanan,..coming up as youngsters.
3. Kanan III (correct).
4. Tommy.
5. Book II, having the first 2 episodes going into more detail as to WHY Tariq killed Ghost and the others involved and then pickup Tariq from there.
Maybe Tariq's motives woulda made some sense by then but I doubt it.
I'd prefer 50 not narrating as much but it's not a "Deal Breaker" as it is for others. But I do agree (with a reviewer that noted) the young Kanan doesn't match the older Kanan (personality, intellect,..) and they didn't quite make the conversion.
That and the Power Series got the order wrong:
1. Original Power.
2. Ghost/Tommy/Angie/Kanan,..coming up as youngsters.
3. Kanan III (correct).
4. Tommy.
5. Book II, having the first 2 episodes going into more detail as to WHY Tariq killed Ghost and the others involved and then pickup Tariq from there.
Maybe Tariq's motives woulda made some sense by then but I doubt it.
Slow Start, Ending Well
supremekingtorri25 September 2021
It started off slowly, however as the season goes on the pace picks up. I know Kanan being an intelligent nice kid is throwing folks off, but I like how it is progressing. You slowly but surely see the transformation into who he will eventually become. Hang in there, it only gets better.
So far, much better than Power Book 2
bangotti23 January 2022
The only star I know in this is the great Omar Epps. But unlike book 2 it doesn't matter. It is a more serious, realistic story, and the depiction of the 90's NYC(which I would spend weekends in in me early teens) was on point.
Better yet the actors seem to be less caricatures and more grounded. They are quite good for a Power show.
Unlike Tariq who magically always knew what to do despite never really living the life, and talked like a monotone mumble rapper, the actor playing Kanan is much more believable. He's young, impressionable and actually has the acting chops to show a full range of emotions.
The plot hasn't picked up yet, but so far most of it is good. Minus some of the dialog being crappy, and the plot moving away from reality at times (lesbians anyone?).
Overall 3 episodes in it is a more mature, better written show than Book 2.
Better yet the actors seem to be less caricatures and more grounded. They are quite good for a Power show.
Unlike Tariq who magically always knew what to do despite never really living the life, and talked like a monotone mumble rapper, the actor playing Kanan is much more believable. He's young, impressionable and actually has the acting chops to show a full range of emotions.
The plot hasn't picked up yet, but so far most of it is good. Minus some of the dialog being crappy, and the plot moving away from reality at times (lesbians anyone?).
Overall 3 episodes in it is a more mature, better written show than Book 2.
Surprised & Thrilled
elhamfirmino27 September 2021
I just finished the season 1 and read on Instagram Sascha Penn's post about big magazines & Media publications in general. It hurts that they ignore this series for reasons I can't understand. This show deserves more appreciation and fair ratings.
I started the series just to see how Kanan's character develops. I came with low expectations and left the series with satisfaction. The acting was brilliant. Good cast and nice story telling. Not to forget, whenever 50 CENT narrates it's just in time with the right words.
Even my mother says that Mekai Curtis fits perfect as a young teenage version of Kanan (50 CENT).
There are some good actors with a hopefully great career to come. For me, Joey Badass as Unique overshadows everything. He flashed me so hard I was like 'wow' ! I never ever expected him to play a role in such an authentic way. You do believe him the role as a drug dealer king. He's also my favorite character from the series.
I don't want to spoil anything here. If you watched Power Book II, then you'll definitely watch Book III as well. It's different and sets in the early 90's. Beside clothing, music & things I didn't felt that 90's vibe over all. The plot is never boring, just a little stretched for the Big Bang. The subplots were auxiliary and acceptable to watch. I mean if the audience never seen Power I and get in touch with the character Jukebox they'd probably find it boring and unnecessary. That wasn't the case. On the one side I can't see how Jukebox develops into her character later on, but on the other side it leaves much more space for her to grow on in season 2. So it's all fine.
To all magazines and publications give this show a chance and rate it fair. They all did a fantastic job and worked hard for it. Big applause to the creators, actors & directors.
I started the series just to see how Kanan's character develops. I came with low expectations and left the series with satisfaction. The acting was brilliant. Good cast and nice story telling. Not to forget, whenever 50 CENT narrates it's just in time with the right words.
Even my mother says that Mekai Curtis fits perfect as a young teenage version of Kanan (50 CENT).
There are some good actors with a hopefully great career to come. For me, Joey Badass as Unique overshadows everything. He flashed me so hard I was like 'wow' ! I never ever expected him to play a role in such an authentic way. You do believe him the role as a drug dealer king. He's also my favorite character from the series.
I don't want to spoil anything here. If you watched Power Book II, then you'll definitely watch Book III as well. It's different and sets in the early 90's. Beside clothing, music & things I didn't felt that 90's vibe over all. The plot is never boring, just a little stretched for the Big Bang. The subplots were auxiliary and acceptable to watch. I mean if the audience never seen Power I and get in touch with the character Jukebox they'd probably find it boring and unnecessary. That wasn't the case. On the one side I can't see how Jukebox develops into her character later on, but on the other side it leaves much more space for her to grow on in season 2. So it's all fine.
To all magazines and publications give this show a chance and rate it fair. They all did a fantastic job and worked hard for it. Big applause to the creators, actors & directors.
Very Good Series!!
dgtzdltd26 October 2021
Great oldschool NY vibes and energy in there!!Cool characters, acting is on point. As a fan on Power series I was very happy with this one because it is very interesting to understand how Kenan became a stone cold killer. Worth my time 7/10✌
I just dont care.
adam-721-7716578 August 2021
I loved the original series of Power. Book II was far better than expected and I thoroughly enjoyed that too. But this, this i just dont care about.
I dont care about the characters. The story is predictable.
Its simple enough to watch. Its not a bad show but in comparison to the other 2 series its just meh.
Ive only watched 3 episodes so maybe it gets better. Ill watch it because as I say, its not bad, but its no where near as good as the previous iterations.
I dont care about the characters. The story is predictable.
Its simple enough to watch. Its not a bad show but in comparison to the other 2 series its just meh.
Ive only watched 3 episodes so maybe it gets better. Ill watch it because as I say, its not bad, but its no where near as good as the previous iterations.
Great show
lkgreen-5348229 August 2021
Great show. I love seeing how these characters came about. Kanan was the second best character on power next to Tommy and Jukebox one of the most ruthless so something has to be coming that will deeply hit her for her to go from where we're seeing her at now to who she was as an adult. Cool to see how they started. These shows are so well done with the foreshadowing character development from the original Power.
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