A&E NETWORK TO PREMIERE DOCUMENTARY SERIES "ORIGINS OF HIP HOP" EXPLORING THE MOMENTS THAT SHAPED SOME OF THE GENRE'S MOST ICONIC ARTISTS IN THEIR OWN WORDS

EIGHT-EPISODE SERIES PRODUCED BY MASS APPEAL TO PROFILE BUSTA RHYMES, EVE, FAT JOE, GRANDMASTER FLASH, ICE-T, JA RULE, LIL JON, AND UNCLE LUKE

SERIES PREMIERES ON MONDAY, MAY 30 AT 10PM ET/PT BEFORE MOVING TO TUESDAY NIGHTS, BEGINNING JUNE 6 AT 10PM ET/PT

New York, NY - April 19, 2022- A&E Network will premiere the documentary series "Origins of Hip Hop" from Mass Appeal ("Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men," "Rapture") exploring many of Hip Hop's most celebrated and groundbreaking stars as they share the experiences that molded them in the legendary artists they became. Across eight hours, the series will explore the origins of Busta Rhymes, Eve, Fat Joe, Grandmaster Flash, Ice-T, Ja Rule, Lil Jon, and Uncle Luke as they reflect on their personal journeys and the evolutions of their artistic points of view through their own eyes. Narrated by renowned rapper Nas, "Origins of Hip Hop" premieres Monday May 30th at 10PM ET/PT, exploring the story of Fat Joe, before moving to its regular night on Tuesdays starting June 6th at 10PM ET/PT.

"'Origins of Hip Hop' expands our boundary-pushing nonfiction programming slate and celebrates the artists and sounds that have helped define a genre and culture," said Elaine Frontain Bryant, EVP and Head of Programming for A&E. "Alongside our partners at Mass Appeal, we are excited to elevate the voices and stories of this incredible group of artists who helped create and continue to shape the genre today."

In each one-hour episode, "Origins of Hip Hop" delves into the inspiring origin story of one of Hip Hop's biggest stars as collaborators, friends, family, and the artists themselves take viewers to where their stories began and trace their path to success. In intimate interviews, each artist will reflect on the moments that shaped them, the obstacles they have overcome, and the lessons learned along the way. The series further brings these stories to life through narration by renowned rapper Nas, rare archival footage of the stars, and their beloved music. The premiere episode of "Origins of Hip Hop" focuses on the journey and struggles of one of the genre's first Latino superstars, Fat Joe, as he reflects on the immense highs and lows of his career and life so far.

Exploring the impact of Hip Hop even further, A&E will be launching a podcast that will continue the conversation around the genre. Coming this May.

"Origins of Hip Hop" is produced by Mass Appeal for A&E Network. Peter Bittenbender and Slane Hatch serve as executive producers for Mass Appeal. Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Brad Abramson serve as executive producers for A&E.

Follow along at @AETV and join the conversation using #OriginsOfHipHop

The series will be available on demand and to stream on the A&E App and aetv.com

About A&E Network

A&E leads the cultural conversation through high-quality, original programming that captivates viewers and brings them to the heart of the stories that matter. Through its distinctive brand of award-winning non-fiction and documentary programming, A&E always makes entertainment an art. For more press information and photography, please visit us at press.aenetworks.com. Website: aetv.com | Twitter: @aetv | Facebook: aetv | Instagram: @aetv | TikTok: @aetv

About Mass Appeal

Mass Appeal is an entertainment company dedicated to telling stories from the perspective of those who shape and shift culture. Since 1996, we have documented the emerging movements that influence popular ideas. Today, Mass Appeal is the elevated voice of Hip Hop and its ever-expanding sphere of influence. Integrated offerings in content, music and creative services stoke Mass Appeal's ability to maximize the impact of our output. Our diverse school of thought separates us from friends and foes alike.