Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America

Season 1

Each episode of this new documentary series focuses on a groundbreaking song pivotal to the evolution of American music and culture. 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.

Where to Watch Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America • Season 1

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6 Episodes

Jesus Walks: 2004
E1
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
E2
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
E3
Rock Box: 1984ROCK 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
E4
Elevators: 1996ELEVATORS by OutKast: Hip hop's southern voice breaks through with an unsuspecting song that redefines rap's cultural and geographic boundaries.
The Bridge: 1986
E5
The Bridge: 1986THE 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
E6
Ladies First: 1989LADIES FIRST by Queen Latifah: At the height of hip hop's misogynistic themes, the culture bows down to their queens of rap.