Origins of Hip Hop

Watch Origins of Hip Hop

  • TV-14
  • 2022
  • 1 Season
  • 7.5  (51)

Origins of Hip Hop is a new docuseries from A&E that takes viewers on a journey through the history and evolution of one of the most influential cultural movements of modern times. Hosted by rap legend Nas, renowned radio personality Peter Rosenberg, and celebrated journalist Kim Osorio, this series delves deep into the origins of hip hop and explores the social and cultural context in which it emerged. Over the course of four episodes, Origins of Hip Hop takes viewers on a tour of hip hop's early roots in the Bronx and its expansion throughout New York City in the 1980s. Along the way, we hear from some of the genre's most iconic figures, including Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and KRS-One, as well as up-and-coming artists who are carrying the torch for the next generation of fans. Each episode of the series explores a different aspect of hip hop's origins and evolution, from the early days of block parties and DJ battles to the rise of rap as a mainstream cultural force. We hear firsthand accounts of the battles between rival crews, the development of breakdancing and graffiti as art forms, and the emergence of hip hop as a political and social movement. One standout episode of the series explores the role of women in hip hop, from the pioneering efforts of artists like Roxanne Shanté and Queen Latifah to the controversial figure of Lil' Kim and the rise of modern-day female rappers like Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. Another episode takes a close look at hip hop's relationship with fashion, tracing the evolution of the genre's signature style from the early days of Adidas jumpsuits and Kangol hats to the fashion statements of contemporary artists like Kanye West and Travis Scott. Throughout the series, Nas, Rosenberg, and Osorio provide insightful commentary and personal anecdotes that help to contextualize hip hop's place in American culture. Whether they're discussing the gritty realities of life in the inner city or exploring the ways that hip hop has influenced fashion, film, and television, they bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to each and every episode. What really stands out about Origins of Hip Hop, however, is its unflinching portrayal of the genre's social and political context. From the beginning, hip hop has been deeply rooted in the struggles of African American communities, and the series doesn't shy away from exploring the racism, poverty, and violence that have shaped the genre and its artists. This is particularly evident in episodes that focus on the hip hop's response to the crack epidemic of the 1980s and the Black Lives Matter movement of today, demonstrating how the genre has always been a powerful tool for addressing social injustice. Overall, Origins of Hip Hop is an engaging, insightful, and visually stunning series that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of hip hop while also offering a sobering reminder of the struggles that continue to shape the lives of its artists and fans. Whether you're a diehard hip hop fan or a casual viewer looking to learn more about this vibrant artistic movement, this series is a must-see.

Origins of Hip Hop
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Seasons
Uncle Luke
8. Uncle Luke
July 19, 2022
Narrated by renowned rapper Nas, Origins of Hip-Hop explores many of Hip-Hop's most celebrated and groundbreaking stars as they share the experiences that molded them into the legendary artists they became.
Grandmaster Flash
7. Grandmaster Flash
July 12, 2022
Emerging from the South Bronx in the 1970s, Grandmaster Flash and his innovation helped create the most widespread movement in popular culture: Hip-Hop.
Lil Jon
6. Lil Jon
July 5, 2022
“Origins of Hip Hop” explores many of Hip Hop’s most celebrated and groundbreaking stars as they share the experiences that molded them in the legendary artists they became. In this clip, Lil Jon discusses his early success and how he worked to stand out.
Ice-T
5. Ice-T
June 28, 2022
Hip Hop was birthed from the Bronx but to New York's surprise, a harsh reality also lived on the West Coast. Enter: the Original Gangster, Ice-T. Ice-T took a page from Iceberg Slim's books and applied it to his multifaceted career. He pimped the system to stand the test of time as an artist whose career has spanned over four decades. From "Cop Killer" to playing America's favorite cop on television, Ice-T's career and accomplishments have paved the way for artists to emulate his path.
Eve
4. Eve
June 21, 2022
Eve's rise to fame and success as one of rap's most successful female artists is one worth a celebration, but the path to get there was less than ideal. After struggling to be noticed, she finally catches the break of a lifetime and gets signed by Dr. Dre, only to be released from the label months later. With fears of never getting another opportunity, Eve receives a call to battle for a spot in the Ruff Ryders camp. After battling quite literally every person in the building, Eve transformed into the "Pitbull in the Skirt" and the first Lady of Ruff Ryders was born. Her success skyrocketed quickly but the high was temporary as Eve struggled with depression and anxiety causing her to leave her first major tour. After dealing with her anxiety she came back stronger than ever, rising from the ashes becoming a household name, and her contributions are forever etched in the fabric of Hip Hop.
Ja Rule
3. Ja Rule
June 14, 2022
Ja Rule ruled the airwaves in the late 90s and early 2000s, deeming him the king of Hip Hop anthems. With some of the biggest collaborations the industry has seen, Ja was reigning the charts until it all crumbled. Murder Inc Records came tumbling down, his publicized beef with 50 Cent divided the industry, and his arrest in 2007 knocked him down. After being released, Ja Rule was on the straight and narrow path until he made headlines again, this time for having a hand in the world's biggest festival gone wrong, Fyre Fest. But with every obstacle, Ja Rule has prevailed over some of the biggest obstacles that have tried to stop him and his career. Ja is a timeless superstar.
Busta Rhymes
2. Busta Rhymes
June 7, 2022
From his eccentric style, booming voice, and explosive career, Busta Rhymes changed the landscape of Hip Hop forever. After the heart wrenching breakup of his group, Leaders of The New School, Busta Rhymes had to forge his own path as a solo artist to keep himself and his dream alive.
Fat Joe
1. Fat Joe
May 30, 2022
Fat Joe's authenticity helped him gain respect from all angles as he pushed to break boundaries as one Hip Hop's only Latino rappers.
Description

Origins of Hip Hop is a new docuseries from A&E that takes viewers on a journey through the history and evolution of one of the most influential cultural movements of modern times. Hosted by rap legend Nas, renowned radio personality Peter Rosenberg, and celebrated journalist Kim Osorio, this series delves deep into the origins of hip hop and explores the social and cultural context in which it emerged.

Over the course of four episodes, Origins of Hip Hop takes viewers on a tour of hip hop's early roots in the Bronx and its expansion throughout New York City in the 1980s. Along the way, we hear from some of the genre's most iconic figures, including Grandmaster Flash, Afrika Bambaataa, and KRS-One, as well as up-and-coming artists who are carrying the torch for the next generation of fans.

Each episode of the series explores a different aspect of hip hop's origins and evolution, from the early days of block parties and DJ battles to the rise of rap as a mainstream cultural force. We hear firsthand accounts of the battles between rival crews, the development of breakdancing and graffiti as art forms, and the emergence of hip hop as a political and social movement.

One standout episode of the series explores the role of women in hip hop, from the pioneering efforts of artists like Roxanne Shanté and Queen Latifah to the controversial figure of Lil' Kim and the rise of modern-day female rappers like Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. Another episode takes a close look at hip hop's relationship with fashion, tracing the evolution of the genre's signature style from the early days of Adidas jumpsuits and Kangol hats to the fashion statements of contemporary artists like Kanye West and Travis Scott.

Throughout the series, Nas, Rosenberg, and Osorio provide insightful commentary and personal anecdotes that help to contextualize hip hop's place in American culture. Whether they're discussing the gritty realities of life in the inner city or exploring the ways that hip hop has influenced fashion, film, and television, they bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to each and every episode.

What really stands out about Origins of Hip Hop, however, is its unflinching portrayal of the genre's social and political context. From the beginning, hip hop has been deeply rooted in the struggles of African American communities, and the series doesn't shy away from exploring the racism, poverty, and violence that have shaped the genre and its artists. This is particularly evident in episodes that focus on the hip hop's response to the crack epidemic of the 1980s and the Black Lives Matter movement of today, demonstrating how the genre has always been a powerful tool for addressing social injustice.

Overall, Origins of Hip Hop is an engaging, insightful, and visually stunning series that celebrates the rich cultural heritage of hip hop while also offering a sobering reminder of the struggles that continue to shape the lives of its artists and fans. Whether you're a diehard hip hop fan or a casual viewer looking to learn more about this vibrant artistic movement, this series is a must-see.

Origins of Hip Hop is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (8 episodes). The series first aired on May 30, 2022.

Where to Watch Origins of Hip Hop

Origins of Hip Hop is available for streaming on the A&E website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Origins of Hip Hop on demand at Apple TV and A&E.

  • Premiere Date
    May 30, 2022
  • IMDB Rating
    7.5  (51)