Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America
From executive producers Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, Shawn Gee and Alex Gibney, each episode of this series focuses on a groundbreaking song pivotal to the evolution of American music and culture. From the early hip-hop battles to verses that sparked hope and inspired change, watch artists deconstruct their composition, revisit the impact the song had on them personally, and dissect the socio-economic and cultural conditions that inspired the landmark work and gave voice to a generation.
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Cast
Seasons
1.Jesus Walks: 2004
13-10-20191h“Jesus Walks” by Kanye West: in an era of excess, a Christian rap song challenges the church and changes its own ideals about religion and rap music.
- Ep 2
2.Alright: 2015
20-10-20191h“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar: making protest music in the era of Black Lives Matter, “Alright” becomes the unsaid anthem for hope.
- Ep 3
3.Rock Box: 1984
27-10-20191hROCK BOX by Run-DMC: How one song tore down the barriers between rock & hip hop, race and class on American radio and television.
- Ep 4
4.Elevators: 1996
03-11-20191hELEVATORS by OutKast: Hip hop's southern voice breaks through with an unsuspecting song that redefines rap's cultural and geographic boundaries.
- Ep 5
5.The Bridge: 1986
10-11-20191hTHE BRIDGE by Marley Marl and MC Shan: A song designed to foster community pride, ignites hip hop's most epic rap battle.
- Ep 6
6.Ladies First: 1989
17-11-20191hLADIES FIRST by Queen Latifah: At the height of hip hop's misogynistic themes, the culture bows down to their queens of rap.
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