Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America
A documentary series that examines one landmark song per episode as well as the evolution of American music and culture. Artists, their collaborators and other influential musical and cultural figures deconstruct the compositions, revisit the impact the song had on them personally, and dissect the socio-economic and cultural conditions that inspired the work.
Jesus Walks: 2004
S1 E1
In an era of excess, a Christian rap song challenges the church and changes its own ideals about religion and rap music.
Alright: 2015
S1 E2
"Featuring Kendrick Lamar's hit song, ""Alright""."
Elevators: 1996
S1 E4
Hip hop's southern voice breaks through with an unsuspecting song that redefines rap's cultural and geographic boundaries.
The Bridge: 1986
S1 E5
A song designed to foster community pride, ignites hip hop's most epic rap battle.
Ladies First: 1989
S1 E6
"Highlighting Queen Latifah's ""Ladies First""; and the queens of rap that rose at the height of hiphop's misogynistic themes."