Fight the Power: How Hip Hop Changed the World

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.

The series finale examines the role Hip Hop artists played electing Barack Obama to President of the United States. Also examines Young Jeezy's song, My President is Black as an homage to this historical moment. Featuring artists P Diddy and Jay-Z in archival interviews as well as new sit-downs with Chuck D, Killer Mike, Ice-T, Fat Joe, MC Lyte and academic Dr. Kaye Whitehead.

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.

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.

Experience the 1990s during the Clinton years and the unstoppable rise in popularity of Hip Hop, which becomes a force that is attacked by all sides of the political establishment.

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.

Queen Latifah's feminist Hip Hop statement 'Ladies First' is released, making her an inspiration to women, especially Black women, and cements herself as a pioneer in Hip Hop. Featuring archival footage of Queen Latifah and Moni Love. Also includes new interviews with Monica Lynch of Tommy Boy Records, journalist Sway Calloway, and academic Dr. Kaye Whitehead.

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.

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 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.

Spike Lee looks to Public Enemy for a song to feature on his new film, 'Do the Right Thing.' 'Fight the Power' becomes a rallying cry in the face of oppression. Featuring Public Enemy's Chuck D, Spike Lee's cinematographer Ernest Dickerson, and academic Dr. Kaye Whitehead.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five's hit 'The Message' spoke to how people were truly living and feeling. Melle Mel gives background to the lyrics he rapped in the song.