Watch The Tanning of America

The Tanning of America is a four-part documentary series from VH1 that explores the rise of hip-hop and its impact on the mainstream culture in America. The show is hosted by Steve Stoute, a former music executive who has worked with some of the biggest names in hip-hop, and features interviews with influential artists, producers, and cultural commentators.

The series starts with an examination of the early days of hip-hop, focusing on how young people from the inner city used music as a way to express themselves and create a new form of art. We hear from some of the pioneers of the genre, including Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, and Afrika Bambaataa, who talk about how they created the sound of hip-hop by merging different musical styles and cultures. The show also looks at how the early hip-hop scene was influenced by the social and political climate of the time, with artists using their music to address issues like poverty, racism, and police brutality.

As hip-hop became more popular in the 1980s, The Tanning of America explores how the genre began to permeate into every aspect of American culture, from fashion to advertising to politics. We see how breakdancing and graffiti became part of mainstream culture, and how hip-hop slang and style influenced the way people dressed and spoke. The show also examines the way that corporations began to embrace hip-hop, using it as a way to market products to young people, and how this led to a blurring of the lines between commercialism and art.

One of the most intriguing aspects of The Tanning of America is its exploration of how hip-hop changed the way America perceives race. The show argues that hip-hop created a new cultural category in America, one that transcends traditional racial divides. By embracing hip-hop music and style, people of all races began to adopt a new kind of identity, one that was based on cultural affinity rather than skin color. The show features interviews with Mariah Carey, Dr. Dre, and Sean 'Diddy' Combs, among others, who talk about how hip-hop allowed them to break down barriers and achieve success in industries dominated by white people.

Throughout the series, The Tanning of America raises important questions about the impact of hip-hop on American culture. While the genre has undoubtedly had a positive influence on many people's lives, the show doesn't shy away from exploring its darker side. We see how the glorification of violence and materialism in some hip-hop lyrics has had a negative impact on certain communities, and how the hypersexualized images of women in hip-hop videos have contributed to a culture of misogyny.

Overall, The Tanning of America is a thought-provoking and entertaining series that provides a fascinating insight into the cultural phenomenon that is hip-hop. Its diverse range of interviewees, from music legends to cultural critics, ensures that the show presents a well-rounded and nuanced picture of this complex and important genre. Whether you're a die-hard hip-hop fan or simply interested in the way that popular culture shapes our society, The Tanning of America is definitely worth a watch.