Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America
Overview
Executive producers Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, Shawn Gee, and Alex Gibney present a compelling exploration of songs that transformed American music and culture. Each episode dives into a pivotal track, tracing its influence from early hip-hop battles to powerful verses that ignited hope and prompted social change. Artists share personal reflections on their creations, while examining the socio-economic and cultural contexts that inspired these iconic works, ultimately revealing how they resonated with and empowered an entire generation.
Episodes
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1
Jesus Walks: 2004
Kanye West's "Jesus Walks" emerges during a time of extravagance, presenting a bold Christian rap anthem that confronts traditional church views. The...
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2
Alright: 2015
Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” emerges as a powerful piece of protest music during the Black Lives Matter movement, capturing the spirit of resilien...
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3
Rock Box: 1984
"ROCK BOX" by Run-DMC serves as a pivotal anthem that bridges the gap between rock and hip-hop, as well as addressing themes of race and class in Ame...
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4
Elevators: 1996
In "ELEVATORS" by OutKast, the duo showcases the distinctive sound of southern hip hop, delivering a surprising track that reshapes the cultural and ...
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5
The Bridge: 1986
"The Bridge," created by Marley Marl and MC Shan, is a track aimed at celebrating community pride. However, its release sets off one of the most lege...
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6
Ladies First: 1989
In "Ladies First," Queen Latifah highlights a pivotal moment in hip hop history. Amidst the rampant misogyny in the genre, the narrative celebrates t...
