Issa Rae – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Issa Rae

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

YouTube2016

38%

WISE Score

Subscribers

An inactive 2016 archive of Issa Rae's early YouTube work—interesting for fans of her journey, but not for kids.

Issa Rae

YouTube

2016

38%

WISE Score

Subscribers

An inactive 2016 archive of Issa Rae's early YouTube work—interesting for fans of her journey, but not for kids.

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Screenwise Verdict

This is basically a digital time capsule—6 videos from 2016 on what appears to be Issa Rae's personal channel before she became a household name. With barely over 1,000 subscribers, this isn't a destination channel.

For parents: this is absolutely not for kids. Issa Rae's content brand—from Awkward Black Girl to Insecure to her film work—is consistently adult-oriented with explicit language, sexual themes, and mature relationship dynamics. Even if you're a fan of her work, steer kids toward age-appropriate content instead.

The bigger question is why you'd watch this at all. Six old videos on an inactive channel? Unless you're doing a deep dive on Issa Rae's creative evolution or studying early YouTube creator culture, there's not much here. Her current work on HBO and in film is where the real action is—but again, all for adults.

Age Fit

This is adult content, period. Issa Rae's work consistently features mature themes, explicit language, and sexual content aimed at adults. This dormant channel from her early career likely follows the same pattern. Not appropriate for anyone under 18.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

This appears to be Issa Rae's early personal YouTube channel from 2016, likely featuring content related to her pre-fame work. With only 6 videos and 273K total views, this is a small archive channel. Issa Rae's brand generally leans toward relatable, authentic storytelling about Black millennial experiences, though her professional work often includes adult themes and language. Without specific content details, assuming this mirrors her 'Awkward Black Girl' era—honest, sometimes awkward humor about relationships and identity.

Imaginative

Issa Rae built her career on creative, original storytelling that challenged mainstream narratives. Her early YouTube work was groundbreaking for independent Black creators. However, with only 6 videos and minimal activity, this channel doesn't offer ongoing creative inspiration or varied content to explore. It's more of a historical artifact than an active creative space.

Safe

Major concerns here. With only 1,230 subscribers and comments enabled on what appears to be an inactive channel, there's no active moderation. Issa Rae's content typically includes mature themes, adult language, sexual references, and relationship dynamics aimed at adults. Without knowing the specific video content and given her brand's adult orientation, this is not appropriate for kids. The low activity also means less oversight.

Enriching

For adults interested in independent digital media history or Issa Rae's creative journey, this has archival value. Her work does offer authentic perspectives on identity and creative entrepreneurship. However, with only 6 videos and unclear content, the educational or growth value is limited. Not designed for youth enrichment.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

Historical peek at Issa Rae's independent creator roots before Insecure fame
Authentic, unfiltered perspective on Black millennial experiences
Example of successful independent digital content creation

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What to Watch For

Adult themes, language, and relationship content typical of Issa Rae's brand
Only 6 videos from 2016—this isn't an active channel with fresh content
Comments are enabled on a low-traffic channel with minimal moderation
Designed for adult audiences, not kids or teens

Conversation Starters

"What does it mean to build your own platform when traditional media won't give you a chance?"
"How has independent content creation changed since 2016?"
"What makes storytelling feel authentic versus manufactured?"