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.
6 episodes total
Status
Ended
First Aired
2019
Rating
8.0/10
1 votes • HD
Episodes
Episode 1 • Oct 13, 2019
“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.
Episode 2 • Oct 20, 2019
“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar: making protest music in the era of Black Lives Matter, “Alright” becomes the unsaid anthem for hope.
Episode 3 • Oct 27, 2019
ROCK BOX by Run-DMC: How one song tore down the barriers between rock & hip hop, race and class on American radio and television.
Episode 4 • Nov 03, 2019
ELEVATORS by OutKast: Hip hop's southern voice breaks through with an unsuspecting song that redefines rap's cultural and geographic boundaries.
Episode 5 • Nov 10, 2019
THE BRIDGE by Marley Marl and MC Shan: A song designed to foster community pride, ignites hip hop's most epic rap battle.
Episode 6 • Nov 17, 2019
LADIES FIRST by Queen Latifah: At the height of hip hop's misogynistic themes, the culture bows down to their queens of rap.
Recommendations
2019 • TV Show
2022 • TV Show
2021 • TV Show
2023 • TV Show
2014 • TV Show
2023 • TV Show
2023 • TV Show
2025 • TV Show
2021 • TV Show
2024 • TV Show
1999 • TV Show
2019 • TV Show
