Angie Martinez is a hip-hop radio icon, New York Times Best-Selling Author, and host of the hit podcast “In Real Life.” Not too long ago, she was on “Good Morning America” today to speak with ABC News’ Deborah Roberts about the primetime special “Hip-Hop @ 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections – A Soul of a Nation Presentation,” for which Martinez serves as an executive producer.
Angie Martinez reflects on hip-hop’s 50th anniversary
When Roberts asked Martinez what hip-hop means to her, she said that it’s the “most important culture in the world to me,” sharing that it’s changed her life and has given her a full career and good life.
On how women’s voice has changed in hip-hop, Martinez said, “There’s more of us now, which is always important. I hated when there was only one or two because people tend to then pit them against each other […] And it’s not only in front of the cameras, it’s behind the cameras […] There are many women within the Hip-Hop culture that may not necessarily just be the rappers or the singers, so I wanted to take a minute to kind of reflect on that and our place in the culture on the show tonight.”
Angie Martinez LIVE on “GMA”
Martinez also shared how the Hip-Hop culture has gotten “smarter,” “better about money,” and “more inclusive, thank God.”
Describing tonight’s “Soul of a Nation” special, Martinez said, “There’s a lot of places where you can learn the history of hip-hop; this is not really that. It’s really taking a look at how far we’ve come, how we’ve grown in social justice, in mental health […] a few different areas. It’s really a look at how we’ve grown as a culture at 50.”
“Soul of a Nation”
“Soul of a Nation” will celebrate hip-hop’s 50th anniversary with a one-hour special, “Hip-Hop @ 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections,” featuring thought-provoking conversations with artists, producers, executives, and changemakers in the industry. Honoring Juneteenth and Black Music Month, the primetime special, airing Monday, June 19th, will detail the history of hip-hop, providing insight into its origins, growth, and evolution over the last 50 years and where things stand today.
ABC News’ fourth Juneteenth primetime special includes four roundtable conversations focusing on financial literacy, mental health, social justice, and women’s empowerment hosted by hip-hop radio icon Angie Martinez, with rappers Master P, The Lox, E-40, Lola Brooke, Coi Leray, Joey Bada$$, Fat Joe, and MC Lyte; radio and television host Charlamagne tha God; activists Michael Eric Dyson, Wes Jackson, and Chelsea Miller; media personality Melyssa Ford; PUMA creative director and designer June Ambrose; Roc Nation co-president Shari Bryant; and “Earn Your Leisure”’s Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings.
Angie Martinez
“It is an honor to be an executive producer and partner with ABC on “Hip-Hop @ 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections,” Martinez said. “Storytelling and hip-hop have always been at the core of my DNA and are the foundation for my company In Real Life Productions. It’s been a privilege to witness this international phenomenon from its inception and live through its constant evolution. This ABC News special will reflect on Hip-Hop’s growth and cultural effects over the past 50 years.”
ABC News contributors and entertainment experts Kelley Carter, Rocsi Diaz, and Mike Muse will also be featured throughout the special. “Hip-Hop @ 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections” airs Monday, June 19, at 10:00 p.m. EDT on ABC, the next day on Hulu.
“Hip-Hop @ 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections – A Soul of a Nation Presentation” is executive produced by Catherine McKenzie and Martinez, in conjunction with In Real Life Productions. Tine is the series director. David Sloan is the senior executive producer of ABC News Studios. ABC News Studios is led by Mike Kelley.
We recommend watching the “Hip-Hop @ 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections” primetime special. Also, let us know how you feel in the comment section below. Mel Blanc’s famous catchphrase, That’s All Folks! Thanks for reading another great article on Bong Mines Entertainment – the hot spot for new music and entertainment news. Always remember that (P) Positive, (E) Energy, (A) Always, (C) Creates, (E) Elevation (P.E.A.C.E). Contact us on social media via Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, and let us know what’s going on. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter, purchase our merchandise, and become a Patron of Bong Mines Entertainment. Disclaimer: This post contains Apple Music affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking a link on this page, we will collect a small share of the sales. That little compensation will be used towards keeping this website up and running.