The BBC has announced a new three part documentary series which will shed light on women’s overlooked role in Hip Hop, including the untold story of British women’s influence on the culture defining music genre over the past 50 years.
First Ladies of Hip Hop, narrated by Neneh Cherry and produced by Emporium Productions for BBC Music and BBC Two, will reveal the untold stories of women who played a pivotal role in the birth, evolution, and success of Hip Hop, with a unique look at the widely unknown contributions of British women.
First Ladies of Hip Hop will feature first-hand accounts from the artists, producers, DJs, and industry insiders who “broke through barriers, shattered stereotypes, found their voice and paved the way for future generations.”
Featuring the stories of Eve, Rah Digga, Sha Rock, Debbie D, Deidra Roper (aka DJ Spinderella of Salt-n-Pepa) Yo-Yo (who is well known for her work with N.W.A’s Ice Cube) , Millie Jackson, Cheryl the Pearl (The Sequence), JJ Fad, Sheri Sher (The Mercedes Ladies) and many more – the series explores the experiences, challenges, and the pivotal moments that shaped these women’s careers and the impact they had on the movement around them.
First Ladies of Hip Hop also includes the first-hand account of pioneering Hip Hop artist Roxanne Shanté, who tells viewers about how she was, unfairly in her view, denied the accolade of the greatest rapper on earth because she was a woman.
First Ladies of Hip Hop has been produced by Emporium Productions for BBC Music and BBC Two, and the Commissioning Editor is Rachel Davies. Executive Producers were Dollan Cannell, Ashley Kennedy, Emma Read and Series Producer was Karen Gabay.
Jon Creamer
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