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Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America

Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America Poster

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.

Documentary

4.0 / 5

13th October 2019 - 17th November 2019
Top Cast
Queen LatifahKendrick LamarYe
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BBC iPlayer
BBC iPlayer
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Jesus Walks: 2004 Still
Jesus Walks: 2004
13th October 2019

Episode 1

“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 Still
Alright: 2015
20th October 2019

Episode 2

“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar: making protest music in the era of Black Lives Matter, “Alright” becomes the unsaid anthem for hope.

Rock Box: 1984 Still
Rock Box: 1984
27th October 2019

Episode 3

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 Still
Elevators: 1996
3rd November 2019

Episode 4

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 Still
The Bridge: 1986
10th November 2019

Episode 5

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 Still
Ladies First: 1989
17th November 2019

Episode 6

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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