PICK OF THE DAY Hip Hop: The Songs That Shook America

BBC4, 10pm & 10.45pm When it comes to the world of rap, perhaps no personality in recent times has loomed quite as large as Kanye West (right): for some he’s an artist to worship, while for others his immodest persona has made him rather more controversial.

Still, his prominence and influence make West a suitable subject for the opening episode of this series, in which each of the six parts is devoted to one song. West’s groundbreaking 2004 hit Jesus Walks brought gospel music into the 21st Century, accompanied by an iconic video and memorably sung by the star wearing angel’s wings at the 2005 Grammy awards.

Completing this week’s double bill is the story behind Kendrick Lamar’s Alright, which in 2015 became a propulsive song of hope for a newly resurgent black rights movement.