‘Hip Hop Was Born Here’: LL Cool J Leads Paramount+ Docuseries On Hip-Hop’s Origins

Key art for the forthcoming Paramount+ docuseries, Hip Hop Was Born Here, starring LL Cool J

🎤 LL Cool J Celebrates Hip-Hop’s Legacy In New Paramount+ Series ‘Hip Hop Was Born Here’

Hip-Hop heads, this one’s for you. Paramount+ is taking us back to where it all began with “Hip Hop Was Born Here”—a new music docuseries hosted, co-created, and executive produced by the one and only LL Cool J.

The five-part series premieres Tuesday, July 22 in the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Brazil, and drops internationally on Wednesday, July 23 across the U.K., Australia, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

This docuseries isn’t just another trip down memory lane—it’s a deep dive into the places, people, and pivotal moments that birthed one of the most powerful cultural movements the world has ever seen.

📺 What Is Hip Hop Was Born Here About?

  • Genre: Music, Documentary, Culture
  • Where to Watch: Paramount+
  • Premiere Date: July 22 (U.S., Canada, Latin America, Brazil), July 23 (International)
  • Hosted By: LL Cool J
  • Executive Producers: LL Cool J, Peyton Manning, Jamie Horowitz, Kirk Fraser, and more

LL Cool J takes viewers on a powerful journey through the origins of hip-hop—touching down in the studios, neighborhoods, and iconic spots that gave life to the genre.

Featuring stories from OGs and next-gen stars, each episode offers a fresh perspective on how hip-hop grew from block parties in the Bronx to a global force that shapes everything from music to fashion and politics.

🌟 Guest Appearances From Hip-Hop Icons

The lineup of legends in “Hip Hop Was Born Here” is nothing short of iconic. You’ll see:

  • Big Daddy Kane
  • Doug E. Fresh
  • Method Man
  • Rev Run
  • Roxanne Shanté
  • Salt (of Salt-N-Pepa)
  • Grandmaster Caz
  • Marley Marl
  • Jadakiss
  • Sheek Louch
  • Lady London
  • Crystal Caines
  • Bimmy
  • And of course… LL Cool J himself

It’s a celebration of the culture, told by the voices who helped shape it.

🎬 Watch The Hip Hop Was Born Here Trailer

Get a first look at the docuseries that takes you back to where it all started.

LL Cool J narrates the rise of hip-hop through powerful stories, rare footage, and iconic voices that helped shape the culture.

🧠 Why Hip Hop Was Born Here Is A Must-Watch

LL Cool J doesn’t just host—he brings authenticity, passion, and lived experience to this project.

As one of the genre’s original trailblazers and the founder of Rock The Bells, LL has made it his mission to honor and uplift the legacy of timeless hip-hop.

This docuseries is the perfect example of that dedication.

And let’s not forget—this is a collab with none other than Peyton Manning, who serves as executive producer alongside LL.

The unlikely duo proves that hip-hop’s influence reaches far beyond music—it’s a cultural phenomenon that continues to inspire across industries.

🔥 LL Cool J: The Living Legend Behind the Movement

Four decades deep in the game, LL Cool J’s impact is undeniable.

From being one of the first stars of Def Jam to becoming a two-time Grammy winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and the founder of the Rock The Bells empire—LL stays putting on for the culture.

Last year, he dropped THE FORCE—his first album in over a decade—produced by the legendary Q-Tip.

The release cemented LL as the first hip-hop artist with Billboard entries across five decades. Talk about staying power.

Hip Hop Was Born Here” isn’t just a docuseries—it’s a love letter to the genre, the culture, and the community that built it.

Whether you’re a day-one fan or just learning the history, this series is guaranteed to give you a deeper appreciation for what hip-hop really means.

Mark your calendars for July 22, and get ready to stream all five episodes exclusively on Paramount+.

Related: ‘NCIS: Tony & Ziva’ Trailer Reveals High-Stakes Family Mission Ahead Of Paramount+ Premiere

🗣 Will You Be Watching Hip Hop Was Born Here?

Drop down in the comments and let me know which hip-hop icon you’re most excited to see in the series!

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