Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World

History Series / 1 Season

Chuck D of Public Enemy explores Hip Hop’s political awakening over the last 50 years. With a host of rap stars and cultural commentators he tracks Hip Hop’s socially conscious roots. From The Message to Fight The Power 2020, he examines how Hip Hop has become "the Black CNN."

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After Hurricane Katrina Hit, Hip Hop Stars Stepped Up

2m 40s

Hip Hop community stands up for Hurricane Katrina victims, many of whom feel abandoned by their government following a lackluster response to the crisis. Lil Wayne recounts personal experience of losing his family in the storm (in archive). Chuck D and Killer Mike also describe watching the catastrophe unfold. Also featuring Dr. Kaye Whitehead and Hip Hop journalist journalist Rodney Carmichael.

Episode 4 Preview

30s

Follow the evolution of Hip Hop as its artists turn into multimillionaires and successful entrepreneurs. As a cultural phenomenon, Hip Hop continues to change history and is adopted as the voice of protest around the world.

90's Hip Hop Reflected Realities on the Street

2m 10s

Hip Hop continues to establish itself in the 1990s, reflecting the social reality faced by many African Americans in disadvantaged communities ravaged by drugs, gangs, and crime. Featuring artists Warren G, journalist Soren Baker, historian Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, and Leah Wright Rigeur.

‘Tough on Crime’ Bill Translates into Mass Incarceration

4m 58s

As a result of a new crime bill during the Clinton administration, 1 in 3 Black males get caught up in the criminal justice system. Featuring interviews with Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, author Nelson George, journalist Dr. Rosa Alicia Clemente, and Leah Wright Rigeur.

How Jesse Jackson’s ‘84 Run Empowered the Black Community

2m 29s

The 1980s was a time of urban decay, but also saw an expansion of the Black middle class. Featuring Reverend Al Sharpton, Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, and Public Enemy's Chuck D.

Episode 2 Preview

30s

Explore the 1980s and the birth of Hip Hop as social commentary in the Reagan Era with the emergence of artists like Public Enemy, KRS-One, Ice-T, and NWA. Premieres Feb. 7 on pbs.org and the PBS App. Check local listings for TV schedules.

The Police and Gangs Of Southern California

2m 18s

Rapper Ice-T, academic Dr. Hasan Kwame Jeffries, and journalist Soren Baker explore the antagonistic relationship that evolved between the Black community and police in Southern California and the music that came out of it.

Series Preview

30s

Chuck D of Public Enemy explores Hip Hop's political awakening over the last 50 years. With a host of rap stars and cultural commentators he tracks Hip Hop's socially conscious roots. From The Message to Fight The Power 2020, he examines how Hip Hop has become "the Black CNN."

Where the Spirit of Hip Hop Originated

2m 52s

Chuck D takes us back to the start of the 60s, where the spirit of Hip Hop originated. The deaths of John F. Kennedy, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Vietnam War begin to shape the nation, and have a profound impact on Chuck D and his community.

The Birth Of Hip Hop

1m 34s

Four cultures - Rap, Breaking, Graffiti Art, and DJing - are brought together by DJ Kool Herc to create Hip Hop. Featuring interviews with Chuck D of Public Enemy, Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC, and KRS-One.

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