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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."