VH1′s ‘The Tanning Of America’ shows connection from birth of hip hop to Obama presidency

According to Steve Stoute, there is a direct line between the birth of hip hop in the Boogie Down Bronx and the White House where President Barack Obama is currently serving his second term. He revealed this lineage on the premiere of his four-part show ‘The Tanning of America’ this past Monday. The series is based on Stoute’s 2011 book of the same title and is accompanied with engaging commentary from the likes of Russell Simmons, Reverend Run, Rick Rubin and Nas. Stoute believes that hip hop and the culture had a role in paving the way for America to have its first black president.

The documentary has everything from rare footage that true hip hops can appreciate, the first mainstream rap artists, first publications that gave rap a chance, and how a Wall Street Journal writer got a chance to party with Russell Simmons’ protégé LL Cool J. I feel like this show will be an interesting look into the connection between hip hop culture and its role in American society. Be sure to watch part two of the four-part series tonight (February 25th) at 11 p.m. on VH1!