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Episode 1

The women behind the beats - hip-hop’s great women pioneers always struggled for recognition, both in Britain and the US. Now they share their stories of how they shaped the genre.

Women in hip-hop have always had to fight for their voices to be heard, but they are integral to the billion-dollar industry hip-hop is today, and they have always been critical to the genre’s story - right back to its Bronx origins in the 70s.

This episode takes a look at the first female pioneers of the genre - from entrepreneurial Bronx teenagers like Cindy Campbell and MCs like Sha Rock, Debbie D and The Mercedes Ladies to super-producer Sylvia Robinson. Also, the first woman to record a solo rap record, Millie Jackson, the first British b-girl, Bubbles, rap duo The Cookie Crew, and Roxanne Shanté, who burst onto the scene in the 80s as the fiercest rapper in the game.

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59 minutes

Last on

Fri 29 Aug 2025 23:40

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Credits

Role Contributor
Executive Producer Ashley Kennedy
Production Company Emporium Productions Ltd

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