Johnny JonezToday, hip-hop music and its artists have become more accessible than ever. On the top 40 charts in the U.S., artists like Drake, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Nas have all redefined what it means to be a hip-hop artist, dipping their toes into different genres. Some artists, like Childish Gambino, Snoop Dogg, and LL Cool J, have even ventured into acting. Gambino has even won a Golden Globes award for best actor in a musical or comedy television series for his comedy-drama, Atlanta.
Seeing just how much influence these artists have on the world, streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Paramount+ have all created an array of hip-hop-related drama, documentaries, and reality tv shows. Not getting recommendations for these shows on Netflix? You might just need to delete your Netflix viewing history to receive them. Deleting your viewing history helps reset the algorithm of your streaming service.
Below are some of the best hip-hop-related shows and documentaries to watch now:
1. Rhythm + Flow (Netflix)
Want something light-hearted and fun? Consider tuning in to Rhythm + Flow, the reality tv show that’s looking for the next big hip-hop talent. The show’s winner receives a cash prize of USD 250,000 to kickstart their career in the industry.
With rappers Cardi B, Chance The Rapper, and T.I. serving as judges and mentors, expect to be impressed with the show’s talent level. You can also expect to see guest appearances from the likes of Anderson Paak, the late Nipsey Hussle, and Twista.
If anything, Rhythm + Flow is a stark reminder of just how intricate hip-hop artistry can be.
2. The Defiant Ones (Netflix)
The Defiant Ones is a four-part documentary series that zooms in on the partnership and careers of two music legends: Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine.
In case you weren’t aware, Iovine, who co-founded Interscope Records, signed Dr. Dre to the label and released The Chronic, perhaps one of hip-hop’s most controversial albums. This documentary gives viewers an inside look at their journeys from small-time producers to multi- billion dollar owners of Beats Electronics.
3. The Get Down (Netflix)
The Get Down is a musical drama series created by Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis. Luhrmann, for the uninitiated, directed Moulin Rouge and is best known for his cinematographic eye. That said, viewers can expect to be impressed by the visuals in this series.
The series, set in the 1970s, takes viewers through the rise of hip-hop and disco music in a city reminiscent of New York, with young actors like Justice Smith, Jaden Smith, and Herizen Guardiola at the helm.
4. Atlanta (Hulu)
Atlanta is a musical comedy-drama about two cousins, played by Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) and Brian Tyree Henry. In the series, Glover’s character, Earn, looks to reconnect with his estranged cousin, Alfred, who raps under the stage name Paper Boi just as he’s on the verge of stardom. Viewers will love watching Glover and Henry’s interaction with one another and, as the series progresses, will undoubtedly root for them to succeed.
With TikTok and other social media platforms making sharing and discovering new music easy, it’s an exciting time for the hip-hop industry as it continues to bring in new talent.