Streaming tips

The best series on hip-hop today and beats yesterday...

Hip-Hop Evolution

As comprehensive a look at the history of rap as exists, this 16-part series covers it all, from Grandmaster Flash and the Sugarhill Gang to trap and the mixtape revolution. Netflix

Rapture

This 2018 series offers one intimate portrait after another of artists from legendary rapper Nas to trap artist 2 Chainz and such young upstarts as A Boogie Wit da Hoodie. Netflix

Wu-Tang: An American Saga

Immerse yourself in the Tao of Wu with this standout drama series chronicling the rise of RZA, Ghostface, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, and the rest of the Wu-Tang Clan, from Staten Island obscurity to the height of the ’90s rap game. Hulu

Bad Rap

Before Awkwafina broke out as an actress, she was profiled in this documentary that tracks four aspiring Asian-American rappers and the stereotypes they face while trying to break through. Amazon Prime

Rhythm + Flow

A dream-team trio of judges—Cardi B, T.I., and Chance the Rapper—hold court on an American Idol– style rap competition series full of talent and vibrant rhymes. Netflix

Free Meek

Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill was making a name in the city’s rap battle scene in 2007 when he was beaten by police and sent to jail. This five-part documentary series traces Meek’s career while presenting him as emblematic of all the black men trapped for years in an unfair criminal justice system. With appearances by Jay-Z and CNN’s Van Jones. Amazon Prime