Go back

Jesus Walks: 2004

Episode number: 1

Overview: “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

Episode number: 2

Overview: “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar: making protest music in the era of Black Lives Matter, “Alright” becomes the unsaid anthem for hope.

Rock Box: 1984

Episode number: 3

Overview: ROCK 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

Episode number: 4

Overview: ELEVATORS by OutKast: Hip hop's southern voice breaks through with an unsuspecting song that redefines rap's cultural and geographic boundaries.

The Bridge: 1986

Episode number: 5

Overview: THE 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

Episode number: 6

Overview: LADIES FIRST by Queen Latifah: At the height of hip hop's misogynistic themes, the culture bows down to their queens of rap.