Chuck D Guides You Through a Fresh Hip-Hop History Documentary Podcast: Tune In

Delve into the captivating narrative of hip-hop’s inception with a brand-new audio docu-drama series, expertly narrated by none other than Chuck D. The podcast, titled “Can You Dig It? A Hip-Hop Origin Story,” offers an immersive journey across five 30-minute episodes that intricately trace the genre’s meteoric rise through a fusion of “immersive reenactments, oral history, and expert discussion.” Coinciding with the genre’s 50th anniversary, this series pays homage to the vibrant culture of hip-hop.

Renowned US rapper and Public Enemy frontman, Chuck D, takes the helm to recount the remarkable genesis of hip-hop in the Bronx, New York, during the late ’60s and early ’70s. The series encapsulates the profound narrative of how an American art form emerged from the unlikeliest of places, the Bronx borough, which was grappling with urban neglect and crises.

As the summary notes, “Urban renewal had left the borough neglected and in crisis. Gangs policed the streets, and winding up in the wrong territory could have serious consequences. But things were about to change.”

The series weaves an intricate tapestry, offering an “in-depth history of how positive community influences helped inspire the troubled youth to end the cycle of gang violence,” as shared by those who lived through those transformative times.

The inspiring true story unfolds through the lens of local gang the Ghetto Brothers, who defied calls for conflict in the wake of the tragic murder of Black Benjie, a member seeking common ground. The narrative also delves into how gang leaders Yellow Benjy and Karate Charlie took on the role of peace brokers with their rivals. The outcome was a haven where urban artistry could flourish, eventually evolving into a global culture that has stood strong for five decades – hip-hop.

Reflecting on his involvement in the project, Chuck D expressed, “But when I started unpeeling it, I was like, ‘Wow, this is the story behind the story.’ It was the germination of the seed, the beginnings of hip-hop.”

He further elaborated, “We always could talk loosely about ‘hip-hop started when the gangs stopped, then all of a sudden they used hip-hop.’ But those are broad strokes and laced with mythology. This [series] got to the detail of what was what. You could almost smell the fresh paint of the Cross Bronx Expressway over the rubble.”

“Can You Dig It? A Hip-Hop Origin Story” invites you to immerse yourself in a gripping narrative that brings to life the roots of a genre that has reshaped music and culture. Chuck D’s narration adds a layer of authenticity to this captivating journey, giving you a front-row seat to the birth of hip-hop.