Yasiin Bey, Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Kim & DJ Drama to Lead New Audible Shows for Hip-Hop 50

In June, Audible Originals will begin its slate of Hip-Hop 50 programming, with shows hosted by Yasiin Bey, Snoop Dogg, and more.

Audible Originals is rolling out its Hip-Hop 50 slate with some heavy hitters. Beginning in June, the audio storytelling company will kick off shows hosted by Yasiin Bey (Words + Music: yasiin bey: A Dynamic Career in Communications), Snoop Dogg (Words + Music: From the Streets, to the Suites by Snoop Dogg) Lil’ Kim (Words + Music: Lil Kim), Chuck D (Can You Dig It?) and DJ Drama (DJ Drama Presents: Gangsta Grillz).

Premiering on June 15, the first release of Audible’s new hip-hop slate is Snoop’s Words + Music, where the West Coast rap icon “reflects on his coming-of-age journey from the streets of Long Beach to around the world and his decision to pursue love and life over death and destruction.” With direction from Angie Martinez, hip-hop band 1500 or Nothin’ will assist with chronicling Snoop’s biggest hits including “Nuthin But a G Thang,” “Gin and Juice,” “Beautiful” and “Drop It Like It’s Hot.”

On July 7, Bey debuts A Dynamic Career in Communications, where, similar to Snoop, the Brooklynite will take “listeners on a journey touching on his Brooklyn origins, faith and spirituality, as well as his creative inspirations and influences.” Performances and remixes on the show include “Priority,” “Revelations,” and “Hip Hop,” while the one-half of Black Star takes fans on a ride through his 30-year rap career.

Produced by Issa Rae’s Raedio, Lil’ Kim will also offer her own Words + Music where “The Queen Bee” discusses being a “foundational figure in the evolution of hip-hop for over 20 years.” Produced by Kenya Barris and Khalabo Ink Society, “King of the Mixtape” DJ Drama will welcome occasional collaborators Lil Wayne and Tyler, the Creator on DJ Drama Presents: Gangsta Grillz, tackling his dynamic reign in the mixtape industry.

Finally, on August 10, one day before hip-hop’s birthday, Chuck D’s Can You Dig It? will take listeners “on a journey back to the historic Hoe Avenue Gang Peace Treaty of 1971 in the South Bronx.” The moment would set the tone for hip-hop to emerge from the Bronx, forever changing the music and pop culture landscape.

Joining the Audible Originals programming are The Greatest Day: The Epic Story Behind Hip-hop's Most Iconic Photograph, narrated by former XXL Editor-In-Chief Sheena Lester, and The Motherlode: 100+ Women Who Made Hip Hop, by author and music journalist Clover Hope.

“Hip hop has made an indelible mark on music and culture since its inception-- running the gamut from the emergence of DJs to innovation and creative artistry in sampling, dance styles, fashion, audio technology, and so much more,” said Audible EVP and Head of U.S. Content, Rachel Ghiazza. “Audible is proud to celebrate such incredible cultural influence with this line-up of new originals that both elevate and commemorate the 50-year history of this iconic genre.”