Nas is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop by producing three documentaries for Showtime.
"Hip Hop's growth and rise over what will soon be 50 years is staggering. I'm proud to present Mass Appeal's latest incredible initiative, Hip Hop 50, honoring our movement's undeniable impact," the Grammy winner said in a statement. "With influential partners like Showtime, we are poised to bring hip hop's greatest stories to life and inspire a multitude of generations in the process. It is truly a blessing to be a part of this movement that gives due praise to my community and the culture."
The "Illmatic" rapper will also direct the first film in the Hip Hop 50 series, Video Music Box, which will premiere Friday, December 3, at 8 p.m. ET/PT, according to The Source.
Video Music Box is named after the longest-running New York City-based music video TV show, produced and hosted by DJ Ralph McDaniels. Launched in 1983, VMB introduced Jay-Z, LL Cool J, Nicki Minaj, Fat Joe, Nas and many others, before they became stars.
The second documentary, Ricky Powell: The Individualist, tells the story of a photographer who became famous for capturing the music, fashion, and art scenes of the 1980s and '90s in downtown New York with images of Run-DMC, The Beastie Boys, Madonna, Andy Warhol and many more. Ricky Powell: The Individualist, will premiere Friday, December 10, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Third doc will be Rolling Like Thunder, which examines the underground world and history of freight train and graffiti culture. It debuts Friday, December 17, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
Hip Hop 50 will continue on Showtime through 2023 with additional unscripted series and features, podcasts and digital shorts.