BBC: The Cultural Frontline Beats, rhymes and life: Hip-hop at 50
Podcast Episode | Documentary, News, Talk-Show

BBC: The Cultural Frontline

Beats, rhymes and life: Hip-hop at 50

Podcast Episode | Documentary, News, Talk-Show

DJ and writer Lynnée Denise marks hip-hop's 50th year by speaking to leading names about the music, the art and the creativity of this global cultural movement. Legendary hip-hop producer Pete Rock reminisces over the last five decades, ...See moreDJ and writer Lynnée Denise marks hip-hop's 50th year by speaking to leading names about the music, the art and the creativity of this global cultural movement. Legendary hip-hop producer Pete Rock reminisces over the last five decades, celebrating the artform, exploring its social impact and ask what lies ahead in hip-hop's story. Artist and rapper Chali 2na from Jurassic 5 tells us how the social realism of Grand Master Flash and the Furious 5 inspired him to write rhymes. The slam poet and acclaimed lyricist Saul Williams talks hip-hop innovation and shares his experiences of hip-hop's enduring global appeal. One of hip-hop's most influential writers and cultural voices, the film-maker Dream Hampton reflects on her personal archives, the experiences of women in hip-hop, and the loss of her friend, Biggie Smalls. Grammy award-winning producer and executive Dante Ross traces hip-hop's path from youth movement to commercial juggernaut and talks about the role of race in the music industry. Plus, South African star Moonchild Sanelly discusses the continuing evolution of hip-hop's sound and tells us why she uses her microphone to speak up for gender-based violence and sex workers. Written by BBC See less

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Cast	+ Add Cast
7 cast members

Name	Known for
Lynnee Denise Self / Self - Presenter Self / Self - Presenter See fewer	Big Mama Thornton: I Can't Be Anyone But Me (2025)
Chali 2na Self Self See fewer	Hollywood Homicide (2003)
Dream Hampton Self Self See fewer	Treasure: From Tragedy to Trans Justice Mapping a Detroit Story (2015)
Pete Rock Self / Self - Producer Self / Self - Producer See fewer	The Wackness (2008)
Dante Ross Self Self See fewer	Garden State (2004)
Moonchild Sanelly Self Self See fewer	Afro Kung Fu
Saul Williams Self Self See fewer	Neptune Frost (2021)