When Hip-Hop permeated world culture, it was only a matter of time before it infiltrated television sets past performance clips and music videos. Soon, the ever present sitcoms of old became accurate depictions of the movement birthed out of The Bronx.
We’ve laughed, cried, received fashion tips and have stolen slang from many of the shows included on this list of Hip-Hop’s 15 Favorite TV Shows Of All-Time. All of the usual suspects appear here, as well as a few you might now have expected. But all in all, each series selected had a clear Hip-Hop influence.
Check the list after the jump, and be sure to let us know your thoughts in the comments. Did we miss anything? Should the order be change? Is our number one choice deserving of that honor? Just say the word.
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Photo: Wal-Mart
15. My Wife & Kids
Michael Kyle was the king of his proverbial castle, a business man, and most of all, the cool, Hip-Hop dad.
14. The Bernie Mac Show
Bernie Mac wasn’t exactly a child of our culture, but he knew enough to ultimately level with his often mischievous nieces and nephew. And that’s without mentioning his wife, played by the younger, beautiful Kellita Smith.
13. The Wayans Bros.
Ample references to the current goings on in rap music, proper slang, and stylish clothing to match were defining characteristics of this hilarious series. Marlon’s kick game was also noteworthy. Word to those Foamposites.
12. The Jamie Foxx Show
Jamie King gave us one hilarious moment after another, all in the spirit of Hip-Hop. Remember when he sang alongside Mary J. Blige? How about his faux wedding vows?
11. The Chris Rock Show
The Brooklyn native grew up with Hip-Hop as the soundtrack to his life. It has a place in everything he does, but it might have been most prevalent in his HBO series.
10. The Boondocks
Tackling social issues in a way that only Aaron McGruder can is only one part of the animated series’ allure. Huey and company’s rebellious nature is naturally in line with the sentiment Hip-Hop was built on. Few shows on this list compare.
9. Good Times
This series predates Hip-Hop as we know it, but it definitely spoke to the first generation of MCs, as it spoke to the current lifestyles of Blacks trying to make in these United States.
8. The Cosby Show
Bill Cosby made it a point to show that Black families can be stable. Heathcliff Huxtable and his wife Claire Huxtable playing a doctor and lawyer, respectively, promoted the idea of Blackness in an entirely new light. And that’s without mentioning that they were hip and so were the kids.
7. A Different World
Ask a generation of HBCU students why they chose to attend a historically black college, and this show will undoubtedly be a reason for some. That’s power. Dwayne Wayne, Whitley Gilbert, and the rest of the cast were a true representation of Hip-Hop’s grip on the culture at the time.
6. In Living Color
A Hip-Hop sketch comedy series, who would have thought? That was the case in this fully inclusive series, which birthed the careers of countless stars. We saw the Fly Girls dance, too.
5. The Arsenio Hall Show
The actor/television host provided a platform for Hip-Hop artist unlike anyone at the time. Salute to that.
4. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
A rapper with no prior acting experience had enough charisma to carry a television series to the top. And he put his man DJ Jazzy Jeff on, so you know it’s real.
3. The Chappelle’s Show
This is when this list got tough. The comedian changed the game in two seasons, and had a host of quality music guest, rapper actors and more. Chappelle loves Hip-Hop, and the culture loves him back.
2. The Wire
We challenge you to find many series with layers like this. The story line was potent enough to affect how most see Baltimore. We lived vicariously through police officers, dope dealers, students, reporters and more.
1. Martin
How could we select any other show as numero uno? Marty-Mar and company were the it thing on TV, because of their authenticity. So much so that The Notorious B.I.G., Kid of Kid N’ Play, Jodeci, and a host of others showed support. To this day, Martin will bring anyone with a pulse to tears.
