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: 2. From Hammersmith to Armageddon

2. From Hammersmith to Armageddon

BBC Radio 1Xtra - How the UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever, 2. From Hammersmith to Armageddon

Ashley Walters reveals how a UK show made it onto one of hip hop’s greatest albums.

Why did a London show end up featuring on one of hip hop’s greatest albums of all time?

How would you feel if you got a call from Public Enemy personally inviting you down to their show?

In the early days of hip-hop the UK scene was small but exciting. It was hard to discover the music and those who did formed a strong community of breakers, rappers and dancers. When Public Enemy came to the UK for their first show they were determined to reach out and make sure the scene was invited. Everybody showed up for their legendary Def Jam show at the Hammersmith Odeon, even if they couldn’t get tickets.

That show was inspirational for hip hop across the world. But what nobody who was there that night could have known is that the show would be written into history.

In this episode we hear from Chuck D, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson (Rap Radar), rapper Cookie Pryce and Nick Raphael.

Archive in this episode:
Chuck D & Dave Pearce: BBC 6 Music

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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