Welcome to Rap City

Season 12023

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.

Overview Episodes Videos Photos Download

3 Episodes

E01 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.

October 10, 2023

E02 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.

October 11, 2023

E03 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.

October 12, 2023

Welcome to Rap City

E01 Building A City

E02 The Notorious Bassment

E03 Changing a City

Taken

Farscape

Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders

Gavin & Stacey

Legend of the Seeker

The Colour of Magic

Check It Out! with Dr. Steve Brule

Rise of Empires: Ottoman

This Is England '90

Legend of Earthsea

Bodyguard

Counterpart

Columbo

The Bad Guy

Seinfeld

The Following

Ripper Street

Warehouse 13

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Chicago Med

E01 Building A City

E02 The Notorious Bassment

E03 Changing a City