In 1986, DJ Jam Master Jay persuaded his partners in Run DMC to cover an old Aerosmith hit. 'Walk This Way' became hip-hop's first Top 10 single and signified the moment when hip-hop crossed over into the pop world.

Diddy Meets Mary J.

In the early '90s, Uptown Records intern Sean Combs was put in charge of developing new R&B artist Mary J. Blige. By laying her smoky vocals over hard hip-hop beats, Puffy and his muse birthed the sound of hip-hop soul.

Mahalia Goes Gospel

In 1948, after her secular recordings had flopped, a Mahalia Jackson was enlisted by her producer to record a song called 'Move On Up a Little Higher.' Her bluesy vocals pushed the record over the 2 million sales mark and made her gospel's first superstar.

The Birth of N.W.A.

The influential rap group burst onto the scene with their now-classic album 'Straight Outta Compton.' Its profanity-laced lyrics and violent imagery kickstarted the "gangsta rap" movement and inspired rappers for generations to come.

Jimi Rocks Woodstock

At the renowned 1969 festival, Jimi Hendrix played his electric guitar with his teeth, behind his back and even set it on fire during the climax of his set. He awed the audience and instantly