Watch Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America

Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America is a TV show that aired on AMC in 2019. The show dives into the creation and cultural impact of some of the most iconic songs in hip hop history. Each episode focuses on a different song, providing a behind-the-scenes look into the creation of the track and how it influenced and reflected the world around it.

Narrated by rapper and actor Common, the show features interviews with the artists responsible for the songs, as well as other hip hop experts and cultural figures. The first season includes six episodes, each with a different focus.

The show kicks off with an episode on "Jesus Walks" by Kanye West, which explores how the rapper's message of faith and social justice resonated with audiences in a post-9/11 world. Next up is "Alright" by Kendrick Lamar, which became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement and a rallying cry for justice in the face of police brutality.

Other episodes cover "Elevators (Me & You)" by Outkast, a song that captured the Atlanta rap duo's unique style and helped define the sound of Southern rap; "Rock Box" by Run-DMC, a groundbreaking track that merged rock and rap and helped bring hip hop into the mainstream; "The Bridge" by MC Shan and Marley Marl, a song that helped spark the East Coast-West Coast hip hop rivalry; and "Ladies First" by Queen Latifah and Monie Love, a feminist anthem that challenged the male-dominated world of hip hop.

Throughout the series, Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America explores the cultural and historical context that led to each song's creation and success, as well as the ways in which they continue to resonate with audiences today. The show also highlights the impact that hip hop has had on American society as a whole, from social justice movements to pop culture.

One of the standout features of Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America is the extensive use of archival footage and behind-the-scenes interviews. Viewers get an up-close look at the creative process behind each song, as well as the societal and political context that shaped them. The show offers a balanced and nuanced perspective on the role that hip hop has played in American society, both as a reflection of and a catalyst for change.

Overall, Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history and cultural impact of hip hop music. The show offers a unique and insightful perspective on the ways in which music can shape and reflect the world around us, and how hip hop has become a powerful force for social change. With Common's easygoing narration and a wealth of fascinating interviews and historical footage, this show is both entertaining and enlightening.

Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America is a series that ran for 1 seasons (6 episodes) between October 13, 2019 and on AMC