Apple Music has kicked off her celebration of 50 years of hip-hop with the 20 episode audio series Hip-Hop DNA, hosted by Ebro ‘Old Man Ebro’ Darden, Apple Music’s global editorial head of hip-hop and R&B, and explores this chain of influence through four distinct lenses. The series flips through the crates of the genre’s rich catalogue a, tracing the artistic evolution back of today’s biggest stars to the art form’s beginnings. The platform will spotlight Hip-Hop’s influence over the decades through a series of audio specials, DJ mixes, classic records and must-hear playlists. Launched Monday, May 8, Apple Music kicks off ‘Origins’ with 9 episodes released throughout the month of May.
Dedicated to unearthing the storylines that define hip-hop’s most prominent regions (East Coast, West Coast, Midwest, and South). The audio series has kicked off with five episodes subtitled “Origins.”
The first episode, “The Intro” focuses on how rap stars learn from the greats before them. “Bronx Tale” tells the story of the legendary borough and major acts that came from it, such as Cardi B, French Montana, and KRS-One.
Then there’s “Just Wanna Rock,” titled after Lil Uzi Vert’s smash hit. That episode focuses on the relationship between rap and rock dating back to the ’80s with Run-DMC and the Beastie Boys. “NY State Of Mind” covers those who were born where the culture was birthed, namely Rakim and A$AP Rocky.
Finally, “It’s A Queens Thing, Baby” episode spotlights on the artists from the NYC borough, namely Roxane Shante, Nas, A Tribe Called Quest, and Nicki Minaj. After ‘Origins,’ Episodes 10-20 will feature explorations of the crafts of MCing, production, and DJing.
Hip-Hop DNA is designed to educate and inform listeners of every era, exposing them to connections within music that many fans never take the time to consider.
‘Hip Hop DNA,’ is just one of the numerous events that make up Apple music’s 50 year anniversary celebration of hip hop. Check out the ‘Hip Hop DNA’ series below.
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