How the UK changed Hip-Hop Forever

How the UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever

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Music: Hip Hop, RnB & Dancehall: Hip Hop

How The UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever

Ashley Walters explores the UK's influence on hip-hop.

British actor and rapper Ashley Walters explores the UK's influence on hip-hop.

To mark hip-hop's 50th anniversary this year, this series explores the UK's influence on hip-hop. From foundational British artists to the unexpected encounters that influenced a generation, each episode will tell the story of a surprising but significant link between the UK and a key moment in hip-hop history.

Each episode starts with a key moment. We'll then reveal the UK involvement through key interviews and archive moments, and ask why it matters now.

How the UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever: 1. When Jay-Z Went to Harrow Road

1. When Jay-Z Went to Harrow Road

BBC Radio 1Xtra - How the UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever, 1. When Jay-Z Went to Harrow Road

What happened on Jay-Z’s first trip to London and why is he still rapping about it?

What happened on Jay-Z’s first trip to London and why is he rapping about it over 30 years later?

The Grammy Awards in 2023 were a who’s who of hip-hop, with some of the greatest rappers of all time coming together celebrating 50 years of one of the world’s most influential genres. Onstage is Jay-Z one of the greatest of the greats and born and raised in New York City - the birthplace of hip-hop. During his verse he shouts out a street in west London… Harrow Road. Why?

Ashley Walters explores why Jay-Z’s trip to London in the 80s had such a profound effect on him that he is still rapping about it over 30 years later.

Over the years Jay-Z has returned to the UK again and again, making history as the first rapper to headline Glastonbury. Why was the show so controversial and how has it changed hip-hop?

In this episode we hear from Jay-Z, hip-hop journalist Elliott Wilson (Rap Radar), Nick Raphael and Mimi The Music Blogger.

Archive in this episode:
Lethal B on BBC Radio 1Xtra
Jay-Z at Glastonbury: BBC

Soundtrack
DJ Khaled - "God Did" (featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Jay-Z, John Legend, and Fridayy)
Jaz-O - “Hawaiian Sophie” (feat. Jay Z)
Jay-Z - “Can't Knock The Hustle” (feat. Mary J Blige)
Jay-Z - Dead Presidents II
Estelle - “American Boy” (feat. Kanye West)
Oasis - Wonderwall (Taken from Jay Z’s Glastonbury Performance)
Stormzy - Vossi Bop (Taken from Stormzy’s Glastonbury Performance)
Public Enemy - Countdown to Armageddon

Presenter: Ashley Walters
Producer: Emily Dicks
Written by Emily Dicks
Technical production: Ant Danbury
Additional production: Dari Samuels, Tommy Dixon and Zayna Shaikh
Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell
Commissioning producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan
Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin
A BBC Audio production

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1. When Jay-Z Went to Harrow Road

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