Ashley Walters Explores 'How The UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever' In New Series

To mark Hip-Hop's 50th anniversary this year, BBC Radio 1Xtra launch new Ashley Walters hosted series 'How The UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever', exploring the UK's influence on hip-hop. From foundational British artists to the seemingly unexpected encounters that influenced a generation, the series explores the surprising but significant links between the UK and key moments in hip-hop.

Each episode tells a different story; whether it’s Jay Z shouting out Harrow Road at the Grammy Awards, the story of how Slick Rick’s La Di Da Di came to be one of the most sampled tracks of all time, the UK producers who shaped Pop Smoke’s sound and put New York drill on the map or Drake’s love of UK music.

Told through key interviews, archive and personal reflections from presenter Ashley Walters, 'How The UK Changed Hip Hop Forever' reveals how the UK has been able to influence the sound of Hip Hop throughout its history.

From places like Harlesden and Hammersmith, to the producers behind some of Hip Hop’s biggest hits, the sounds that inspired the likes of Drake, Timbaland and Pop Smoke, to the UK artists making global waves today, the UK has had a massive impact on Hip Hop.

So far, Ashley has told the story of:

- How Jay-Z’s first trip to London and his legendary Glastonbury set helped make him the biggest rapper in the world
- The story of Slick Rick’s La Di Da Di - one of the most sampled records of all time
- Why Kyla thought it was a joke when Drake asked to sample One Dance
- The making of Estelle’s American Boy
- How Drake bringing out J Hus changed the game
- How London drill producers shaped the sound of Pop Smoke and Fivio Foreign
- How Central Cee is making history in real time

Featuring interviews with people who were there - including Estelle, Kyla, AXL Beats and Rap Radar’s Elliott Wilson - archive interviews with Drake, Pop Smoke and more, along with a heavy soundtrack to accompany.

Listen to the full series on BBC Sounds here.