EXCLUSIVE: Peyton Manning and LL Cool J have teamed on Hip Hop Was Born Here, a docuseries that explores the history of hip hop in New York City. Hosted by LL Cool J, the five-episode first season is set to premiere July 22 on Paramount+.
Co-created by LL Cool J and Manning, the series will chart the creation, evolution and ongoing legacy of hip hop, not just as a genre but as a culture. Viewers will be taken on a journey through hip hop history – meeting genre pioneers and future icons, visiting the neighborhoods, studios and places that fostered early styles as well as watching beloved artists analyze their favorite tracks, according to the description.
Manning executive produces via his Omaha Productions and LL Cool J via his Rock the Bells prodco. The docuseries marks Omaha’s first project with CBS/Paramount, touting it as one of its most ambitious projects to date outside of the sports landscape.
Featuring interviews with Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Method Man, Remy Ma and more, Hip Hop Was Born Here promises to deliver a new level of insight into how hip hop first came to be and how it transformed into the global sensation that it is today.
“We were lucky to partner with Todd [LL Cool J] , Rock the Bells, and Paramount on Hip Hop Was Born Here, said Manning in a statement. “Music is far from my area of expertise, but sports and music have a lot of similarities. Both require hard work and commitment, and at their best, both bring people together. The story of hip hop, especially in New York City, is an important one to tell, and there’s no one better than Todd to tell it.”
Additional special guests include Bimmy, Crystal Caines, Grandmaster Caz, Jadakiss, Lady London, Marley Mar, Rev. Run, Roxanne Shanté, Salt of Salt-N-Pepa and Sheek Louch, among others.
Check out a trailer below.
