BBC Radio 1Xtra podcast explores UK’s influence on hip-hop

How The UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever is a new podcast series from BBC Radio 1Xtra.

Hosted by British actor and rapper Ashley Walters, the eight-part series explores the UK’s influence on hip-hop.

From foundational British artists to the unexpected encounters that influenced a generation, each episode tells the story of a surprising but significant link between the UK and a key moment in hip-hop history.

Each episode starts with a key moment and then reveals UK involvement through key interviews and archive moments and asks why it matters now.

Moments covered include Jay Z’s first trip to London, how a UK show made it on to one of hip-hops greatest albums, one of the most sampled records of all time, Timbaland’s record shopping in Southall, one of hip-hop’s biggest US/UK collaborations, Drake’s love of British music to the making of some of hip hop’s greatest record and more.

How The UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever is available now on BBC Sounds.