Peyton Manning and LL Cool J Join Forces for New Documentary Hip Hop Was Born Here

Former NFL star Peyton Manning and hip-hop icon LL Cool J team up for Hip Hop Was Born Here, a five-part documentary exploring the history of hip-hop in New York City. Co-created by Peyton Manning and LL Cool J (who also hosts), Hip Hop Was Born Here traces the origins, evolution, and enduring influence of hip-hop, not just as a music genre but as an entire culture. Viewers are taken into the neighborhoods, studios, and iconic locations where hip-hop was born, as artists analyze and discuss classic tracks.

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The five-part documentary features interviews with Big Daddy Kane, Doug E. Fresh, Method Man, Remy Ma, Grandmaster Caz, Rev. Run, Roxanne Shanté, Salt (of Salt-n-Pepa) and many more big names.

Manning is producing the series through his company Omaha Productions, while LL Cool J is producing through his own production company Rock the Bells. This is Omaha Productions’ first non-sports project with CBS/Paramount.

“While music isn’t my specialty, music and sports have a lot in common,” Manning said in a statement. “They both take hard work and dedication, and they bring people together. The story of hip-hop, especially in New York, is an important one to tell — and there’s no one better to tell it than Todd (LL Cool J).”

The series promises to offer a unique look at the origins of hip-hop and how it’s grown into a global cultural phenomenon.

Hip Hop Was Born Here premieres Tuesday, July 22 on Paramount+. Watch the trailer below.