HIP HOP: THE SONGS THAT SHOOK AMERICA (2019)

Breaking barriers. Empowering a culture. Inspiring a movement. Six legendary songs from artists using their music to make change, from Run-DMC, Kanye West, Queen Latifah and more.

Documentary series that focuses, in each episode, on a groundbreaking hip-hop 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 each landmark work and gave voice to a generation. 

1. Jesus Walks by Kanye West
The first episode features Kanye West's Christian rap song Jesus Walks, which challenged the Church and changed ideals about religion and rap music.

2. Alright by Kendrick Lamar
Making protest music in the era of Black Lives Matter, Alright becomes the unsaid anthem for hope.

3. Rock Box by Run-DMC
How one song tore down the barriers between rock and hip-hop, race and class on American radio and television.

4. Elevators by Outkast
Hip-hop's southern voice breaks through with an unsuspecting song that redefines rap's cultural and geographic boundaries.

5. The Bridge by Marley Marl and MC Shan
A song designed to foster community pride ignites hip-hop's most epic rap battle.

6. Ladies First by Queen Latifah
At the height of hip-hop's misogynistic themes, the culture bows down to their queens of rap.