Plot Synopsis

THE MESSAGE is a four-part documentary that explores how hip hop has influenced the sociopolitical landscape of America and the world, covering more than 40 years of this urban voice born in the streets of the South Bronx. As this series examines the digital boom that transformed the sound, face and business of hip hop over the last 15 years, THE MESSAGE features first-person testimonies from hip hop's most influential contributors, including Russell Simmons, Ice Cube, Birdman, Pharrell, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Rick Ross, MC Lyte, Master P, LL Cool J, Big Boi, Bun B, 2 Chainz, Eve, Angie Martinez, Funkmaster Flex, Luther Campbell, Clive Davis, Mona Scott-Young, Questlove, A$AP Rocky, E-40, David Banner, Fab Five Freddy, Nelson George, Big Tigger, Sway and many more. It also includes Chris Lighty's final on-air interview. The four one-hour episodes include: "The Birth and Proliferation of Hip Hop," which traces the roots of hip hop, from its birth in New York and spread to California; "Trials and Tribulations," highlighting hip hop's first roadblocks, with violent realities and extreme opposition from those who disagree with its messaging; "Women, Cash, Clothes," which chronicles wealth and entrepreneurship characterized by fast cars, big jewelry, the birth of the video vixen and the start of popular clothing lines; and "The Digital Revolution," which examines how the Internet created new opportunities for hip hop to change the face of America. BET premiered this series on four consecutive Wednesdays at 10pm ET/PT during Black Music Month in 2014.