Ep 5. The Bridge: 1986

In Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America season 1 episode 5, titled "The Bridge: 1986," viewers will be taken back to a pivotal moment in hip hop history. In the mid-1980s, hip hop was still a relatively new genre, and it was primarily associated with the South Bronx in New York City. The episode examines the moment when a group of Queensbridge MCs came to the forefront of the genre and helped to put their neighborhood on the map.

The episode explores the roots of the Queensbridge hip hop scene, delving into the cultural and socio-economic factors that shaped it. Queensbridge was one of the largest public housing projects in the United States, and it was known for its poverty, violence, and drug problems. The episode shows how hip hop became a way for young people in Queensbridge to express themselves and share their experiences with the world.

The episode also takes a deep dive into the making of "The Bridge," a track that is widely regarded as a hip hop classic. The song was a collaboration between MCs Marley Marl, MC Shan, and DJ Magic, and it was released in 1986. It was a response to a track called "South Bronx" by Boogie Down Productions, which had criticized the Queensbridge hip hop scene. "The Bridge" defended Queensbridge and established the neighborhood as a force to be reckoned with in hip hop.

The episode features interviews with MCs and DJs who were involved in the making of "The Bridge," as well as hip hop historians and cultural critics. Viewers will hear firsthand accounts of the creative process behind the track, as well as its impact on the hip hop world. The episode also features archival footage of the Queensbridge hip hop scene in the 1980s, giving viewers a glimpse into the world that produced "The Bridge."

Overall, "The Bridge: 1986" is a fascinating exploration of a pivotal moment in hip hop history. The episode shows how a group of young people from a marginalized community were able to use hip hop as a way to express themselves and challenge the status quo. It also demonstrates how a single track can have a profound impact on the culture at large. Whether you're a fan of hip hop or a student of American culture, this episode will give you a new appreciation for the art form and the people who shaped it.