To celebrate 50 years of Hip-Hop, Apple Music has released an audio series titled Hip-Hop DNA. The 20-episode series will focus primarily on New York City’s influence over Hip-Hop music and also culture. Apple Music’s Global Editorial Head of Hip-Hop and R&B, Ebro Darden, currently hosts the series.
50 years of shifting culture. 50 years of spine-chilling bars. 50 years of hip-hop!
We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip-hop with #HipHopDNA, a new audio series that’s diving into the people and places that’ve defined the genre. Check it out: https://t.co/mFIRmzjXP2 pic.twitter.com/UC10FhNnNA
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) May 8, 2023
The first release of the series has debuted five episodes. Each is New York City-focused, with some episodes dedicated to specific boroughs. The first episode, titled “The Intro,” discusses how rap artists across time pull influence from different generations. It aims to show that newer artists specifically seem to pull from past generations of rap superstars.
Additionally, Cardi B, French Montana, and KRS-One come together for episode two, “Bronx Tale.” Each of these artists hails from the Bronx, and they are sharing their stories about how their upbringing in the area made them into the rapper they are today. The next episode, “Just Wanna Rock,” highlights the importance of rap-rock artists. This episode spans different periods. It moves from the 1980s, bringing in Beastie Boys and Run-DMC, to present-time artists like Lil Uzi Vert. In fact, the title of this episode comes from Lil Uzi Vert’s hit song with the same title.
Next, the fourth episode follows the pattern of being named after a song. “NY State of Mind” discusses A$AP Rocky and Rakim, both native New Yorkers. Lastly, “It’s a Queens thing, Baby” finishes the first release by talking about rap artists from Queens. Featured artists include Nas, Nicki Minaj, A Tribe Called Quest, and Roxane Shante.
Host Ebro Darden Image Credit: Apple Music
The Hip-Hop DNA Series Continues
In continuation, Apple Music will highlight some of Hip-Hop’s most prominent regions. These include the East Coast, West Coast, parts of the Midwest, and the South. Additionally, the remaining episodes explore different aspects of Hip-Hop culture, such as emceeing, production, and deejaying.
To find the first five episodes, just look on Apple Music! The first collection is available under the title Hip-Hop DNA: Origins. The remaining episodes will supposedly have different names for the collections. Stream now on Apple Music.
Written by Leanna Florez
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