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Unsung heroines of hip-hop unveiled

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Photo: Thomas Levinson/Netflix/Getty

This week, we’re diving into a dynamic, sexy and fierce history lesson.

We’re exploring the origins of hip-hop from a female perspective. Get ready to talk about Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop.

You don’t even need to be a hip-hop fan to enjoy this series.

The compelling narrative balances historical insights, modern relevance and great video clip excerpts.

Johnny Loftus wrote for Decider: “Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop presents an important perspective on rap as an art form expressed in music, language, and visual aesthetics, with women as key components in each of those tenets.”

Featuring interviews with iconic figures like Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, and Saweetie, the series delves into the often overlooked yet pivotal roles women have played in shaping the genre.

It’s not just about music; it’s about resilience, creativity, and the ongoing fight for recognition in a male-dominated industry.

Created by Carri Twigg, Raeshem Nijhon, Hannah Beachler, and dream hampton, the series comprises four episodes, each highlighting the groundbreaking contributions of women to hip-hop.

The series is also rich with rare footage, compelling stories and an inspiring, eye-opening narrative.

Narrated by Rhapsody, it delves into the erasure and exploitation of black women in the music industry, highlighting the double standards they face.

But most importantly, despite these challenges, the series is a celebration of their perseverance and drive.

If you need further convincing, the series has a 100 per cent score on Rotten Tomatoes, so it would be a shame to miss out.

Ladies First: A Story of Women in Hip-Hop is available on Netflix.