Welcome to Rap City

8.0

2023

Through interviews and archival footage, learn how BET’s Rap City became a cultural touchstone and major platform for hip hop, thanks to its charismatic hosts, guests and iconic freestyles.

Production

Trailers & Videos

Trailer

Seasons

3 Episodes • Premiered 2023

1. Building A City

Welcome to Rap City details the bittersweet journey of BET's iconic and trendsetting music video-based Hip-Hop TV series, Rap City, from its inception in the mid-1980's until the final episode in 2008. Debra Lee, Alvin Jones, Charlamagne Tha God and more discuss Rap City's 1989 debut on BET, the many hosts who held it down and how the show revolutionized hip-hop culture.

2. The Notorious Bassment

Rap City is a hit and takes off. It becomes a destination for rap artists, and evolves into a safe space for the culture. Joe Clair and other hip-hop mainstays look back at the moments that put Rap City on the map, including the last TV interview from The Notorious B.I.G. and the introduction of Tha Bassment.

3. Changing a City

BET executives discuss Rap City's move from Washington, D.C., to New York City, how the shift affected morale and creative freedom, and what the rise of 106 & Park meant for the show's success.