Origins of Hip-Hop

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.

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A&E Network will premiere an all-new, eight-episode docuseries called Origins of Hip Hop, which will tell the stories of some of hip-hop’s biggest greats: Busta Rhymes, Eve, Fat Joe, Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Ja Rule, Lil Jon and Uncle Luke. 

The series premieres May 30 at 1o p.m. ET/PT. It will begin airing Tuesday nights on June 6.

Produced by Mass Appeal, each hourlong episode will explore the artists’ origin stories and experiences that have shaped them into the hitmakers they are today. Packed with narration from Mass Appeal Records co-owner Nas and commentary from the artists’ families, friends and collaborators, viewers can also expect intimate interviews, rare archival footage of the stars of course — fan-favorite music. 

“Origins of Hip Hop expands our boundary-pushing, non-fiction programming slate and celebrates the artists and sounds that have helped define a genre and culture,” Elaine Frontain Bryant, evp and head of programming at A&E, said in a statement. “Alongside our partners at Mass Appeal, we are excited to elevate the voices and stories of this incredible group of artists who helped create and continue to shape the genre today.”

ORIGINS OF HIP HOP

EPISODE 1 - Fat Joe

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Joey Crack was immersed in the culture of the South Bronx from a young age, but Joe's passion and drive for music pushed him to win the Apollo's Amateur night three times, thus propelling him to success and a chance at life away from hustling in the streets. 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, while also forming a reputable crew of rappers and producers, famously known as The Terror Squad. After loss and hardship, Joe still would spend the next two decades proving to the world that he was just getting started.