Ep 6. The World is Yours

In this episode of Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music, titled "The World is Yours," viewers are taken on a journey through the rise of hip-hop and its global impact. The episode explores how the genre started as a local phenomenon in the Bronx and quickly spread to become a worldwide cultural phenomenon.

Featuring interviews with some of hip-hop's biggest names, including Nas, Questlove, and Rakim, "The World is Yours" tells the story of how hip-hop went from being an underground movement to a mainstream genre that has had a significant impact on music and culture. The episode delves into the ways that hip-hop has been used to address issues of social justice and inequality, as well as its influence on fashion, dance, and art.

Viewers will see how early hip-hop pioneers, such as Grandmaster Flash and Afrika Bambaataa, used turntables and samples to create new sounds that had never been heard before. They will also learn about the emergence of hip-hop as a political force, with early rappers using their lyrics to talk about issues such as poverty, police brutality, and racism.

"The World is Yours" also explores the role that New York City played in the development of hip-hop. Viewers will see how artists from all over the world came to the city to hone their skills and be a part of the scene. They will learn about the legendary clubs that were home to some of hip-hop's most iconic performances, such as the Disco Fever and the Latin Quarter.

The episode goes on to discuss the ways in which hip-hop has evolved over the years. Viewers will see how artists such as Run DMC and Public Enemy paved the way for a new generation of rappers who embraced a more mainstream sound. They will also learn about the emergence of gangsta rap, which caused controversy with its often violent and misogynistic lyrics.

Despite these controversies, hip-hop continued to gain popularity around the world. Viewers will see how artists such as Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. became global icons, and how their music continues to inspire new generations of rappers.

"The World is Yours" ends with a look at the future of hip-hop. Viewers will see how the genre continues to evolve and how new artists are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in music. They will also learn about the impact that hip-hop has had on other genres, such as pop and rock.

Overall, "The World is Yours" is a fascinating look at one of the most important genres of music in modern times. Through interviews with some of hip-hop's biggest stars and a wealth of archival footage, the episode tells the story of how hip-hop went from being a local phenomenon to a global cultural force. It's a must-watch for anyone interested in music, culture, and history.