About
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.
Cast
Queen Latifah
as Self
Kendrick Lamar
as Self
Ye
as Self
Questlove
as Self
MC Lyte
as Self
Roxanne Shanté
as Self
Tariq Trotter
as Self
Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels
as Self
Joseph Simmons
as Self
Fab 5 Freddy
as Self
André 3000
as Self
Big Boi
as Self
Monie Love
as Self
Marley Marl
as Self
Bill Adler
as Self
The 45 King
as Self
M.C. Shan
as Self
Seasons
Episodes
Season 1
Jesus Walks: 2004
“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.
Alright: 2015
“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar: making protest music in the era of Black Lives Matter, “Alright” becomes the unsaid anthem for hope.
Rock Box: 1984
ROCK BOX by Run-DMC: How one song tore down the barriers between rock & hip hop, race and class on American radio and television.
Elevators: 1996
ELEVATORS by OutKast: Hip hop's southern voice breaks through with an unsuspecting song that redefines rap's cultural and geographic boundaries.
The Bridge: 1986
THE BRIDGE by Marley Marl and MC Shan: A song designed to foster community pride, ignites hip hop's most epic rap battle.
Ladies First: 1989
LADIES 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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