Jamaican talent and eateries take center stage in Amazon Prime Video’s “Hip Hop World,” a music special hosted by industry titan Lenny Santiago, debuting today, April 16 as Grammy Award-winning artist DJ Khaled embarks on a quest for inspiration in the Island as he tries to complete his 2021 Billboard Chart topping album “God Did.” One standout moment features Khaled imparting wisdom to Usain Bolt, as the trio (Khaled, Bolt and Lenny) convenes at Bolt’s Tracks and Records restaurant to delve into a potential music career for Usain.
Having transitioned from being the fastest man on the planet in track and field, Bolt sought mentorship from Khaled, renowned for his collaborations with megastars like Beyoncé, Drake, and Jay-Z.
“Music has always been my passion. I started as a DJ, but track and field took precedence. Now, I’m circling back,” Bolt reflects.
Khaled offers sage advice to Bolt: “I would focus on the record, not even on the project yet, because that record is what gonna make you have that project.”
Addressing Bolt’s transition, Khaled adds, “You are a winner—I look at you as motivation for music, you motivate my life, I am just giving you that advice to focus on that one and its gonna make the sound for everything else.”
Usain Bolt’s debut album Country Youths, which is a collaboration with his manager Nugent Walker debuted at No. 6 on the Billboard Reggae albums Chart. The 14 track project released September 3, 2021, sold 1,807 units in streams and sales during its first week according to MRC Data. The album sent one week on the chart.
Bolt, reflecting on his decision to reach out to Khaled, notes, “I was listening to the music and say you know what imma reach to to Khaled, the worst he could do is say no.
Hip Hop World shines a spotlight on the making of the music video for “These Streets Know My Name,” the 2021 collaborative effort featuring reggae icons Buju Banton, Capleton, Skillibeng, and Bounty Killer.
Khaled ventures into Buju Banton’s Gargamel’s studio and shares moments with Bounty Killer at White Bones fish restaurant and stopped by Tastee patty restaurant, and Cooyah clothing store.
Notably missing from the documentary was Khaled sojourn to Sizzla’s Judgment Yard which he visited at the time. This after Sizzla had burned the platinum plaques for Khaleds Albums “Grateful” and “Father Of Ashad” in an early morning fiery tirade.
“Hip Hop World” will be available for streaming on Prime Video in several countries and on Amazon Freevee in select regions.
Hosted by Lenny S., the special pays homage to hip-hop’s rich 50-year history while also delving into its future alongside today’s foremost artists, as they traverse the globe in search of musical inspiration.
Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist Lola Brooke also embarks on a personal journey through the streets of Paris with Lenny S., drawing creative energy from the city’s rap roots to shape her original track “Touch Down in Paris.”
Santiago, a seasoned music executive and photographer is renowned for his indelible mark on hip-hop culture and his collaborations with rap icon Jay-Z.
Executive producers of the show are Jason Offor and Lenny Santiago, Steven Cantor, Jamie Schutz, Jessica Cozzetta, and John Faratzis as executive producers for Stick Figure Productions, alongside Michael Rapino, Vaughn Trudeau, and Ryan Kroft representing Live Nation Productions.
