Hip Hop Week on NPR

• The History of Hip-Hop: The Hippies of Hip-Hop: De La Soul

  Formed in 1985, three-man jazz-rap group De La Soul has been dubbed "the hippies of hip-hop." Their debut album Three Feet High and Rising was a critical success, and the band continues to make upbeat music that focuses on the use of samples, jazz vamps and wordplay. (This interview originally aired Oct. 5, 2000.)
  

• The History of Hip-Hop: Fresh Prince and Beyond: Will Smith

  Grammy-winning rapper and actor Will Smith has had success in music, movies and television. He began his career as the Fresh Prince with DJ Jazzy Jeff. Since then, he has acted in numerous films and been nominated for an Oscar, for his performance in Ali. (This interview originally aired Dec. 17, 2001.)
  

• The History of Hip-Hop: Queen Latifah Reigns Over Music, Movies

  Born Dana Owens, Queen Latifah is a Grammy winner who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the film Chicago. Her critically acclaimed 1989 debut album All Hail The Queen is considered one of the best rap albums of all time, and she has starred in numerous movies. (This interview originally aired March 15, 1999.)

NPR : Fresh Air from WHYY for Thursday, Sept. 1, 2005