LL Cool J, rapper and co-creator of 5-part docuseries "Hip Hop Was Born Here", is all about where the musical and cultural phenomenon came from, where it went and where it still wants to go. It begins in the Bronx, of course.
"Hip Hop Was Born Here" premieres exclusively on Paramount Plus in the U.S. and internationally — viewers can watch it from anywhere with a VPN.
"Hip Hop was Born Here" premieres in the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday, July 22 on Paramount Plus with Showtime and internationally the following day, Wednesday, July 23.
• U.S. — Paramount Plus
• Global — Paramount Plus
• Watch anywhere — try NordVPN 100% risk-free
The five pillars of Hip Hop are often said to be DJing, MCing (or rapping), breakdancing, graffiti art, and knowledge so, as co-creator and former NFL legend Peyton Manning has put it, "The story of hip hop, especially in New York City, is an important one to tell, and there’s no one better than Todd (LL Cool J) to tell it."
LL Cool J pays homage to the park in the Bronx where DJ Kool Herc threw his first parties and pays tribute to the other neighborhoods and OG's who gave birth to the genre. Method Man, Big Daddy Kane, Cheryl 'Salt' James, Doug E. Fresh, Roxanne Shanté and Grandmaster Caz (and many more) all rally to the cause.
Here's our guide to how to watch "Hip Hop Was Born Here" online and from anywhere in the world.
Watch 'Hip Hop Was Born Here' in the U.S.
In the U.S., "Hip Hop Was Born Here" premieres on Paramount Plus with Showtime at 12 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 22.
Paramount Plus (7-day FREE trial) plans start from $7.99/month (or $59.99 per year).
If you are traveling outside the U.S. right now and can't access Paramount Plus, try NordVPN to unlock your usual service as if you were at home.
How to watch 'Hip Hop Was Born Here' from anywhere
Away from home at the moment and blocked from accessing your subscription?
You can still watch "Hip Hop Was Born Here" thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear to be back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. Ideal when you're away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market – find out why in our NordVPN review.
Using a VPN is incredibly simple, just follow these steps.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view an American service, you'd select U.S. from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Paramount Plus and stream new episodes of "Hip Hop Was Born Here" online.
How to watch 'Hip Hop Was Born Here' in Canada
In Canada, "Hip Hop Was Born Here" premieres on Paramount Plus with Showtime at 12 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 22.
To access this plan you will have to fork out CA$11.99/month.
Not in Canada at the moment? Signing up to NordVPN will help you access your usual streaming service when you're overseas.
How to watch 'Hip Hop Was Born Here' in Australia
In Australia, "Hip Hop Was Born Here" premieres on Paramount Plus on Wednesday, July 23.
Plans start at AU$6.99/month.
Not in Australia at the moment? Use one of the best VPN services to access your usual streaming service. We recommend NordVPN thanks to its speed, reliability and trusted security features.
How to watch 'Hip Hop Was Born Here' online in the U.K.
As with Australia, "Hip Hop Was Born Here" premieres on Paramount Plus on Wednesday, July 23 in the U.K..
Plans start at £4.99/month.
Abroad? Don't panic. You can use one of the best streaming VPN services to access your usual domestic streaming service with a VPN. We recommend NordVPN thanks to its speed, reliability and trusted security features.
'Hip Hop Was Born Here' - Contributors
- LL Cool J - Host
- Method Man
- Remy Ma
- Big Daddy Kane
- Cheryl 'Salt' James
- Doug E. Fresh
- Jadakiss
- Roxanne Shanté
- Grandmaster Caz
- Lady London
- Sheek Louch
- Bimmy
- Marley Mar
- Crystal Caines
- Rev. Run
'Hip Hop Was Born Here' - Episode list
Season 01 Episode 01: "Spread the Word" - LL Cool J explores Hip Hop's early means of distribution.
S01 E02: "Beyond the Mic" - LL Cool J and his peers discuss how Hip Hop influences culture beyond music.
S01 E03: "Hip Hop & the Streets" - LL Cool J examines how the streets of NYC have influenced Hip Hop.
S01 E04: "Queens of the Mic" - LL Cool J reflects on women's rise to the top of the genre.
S01 E05: "Behind the Curtain" - LL Cool J celebrates the importance of Hip Hop Producers.
"Hip Hop Was Born Here" Official Trailer
We know why LL Cool J is involved with "Hip Hop Was Born Here" but what about former NFL player Peyton Manning?
"Music is far from my area of expertise,” Manning has said. "[But] sports and music have a lot of similarities. Both require hard work and commitment, and at their best, both bring people together." He's also a close friend of LL Cool J.
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