U.S.HOT TAKE
Grandmaster Flash on the creation of hip-hop and new book
Grandmaster Flash sat down with Nate Burleson to discuss Birth of a Culture, a book giving an intimate look at his role in hip-hop's birth.
Watch it as it aired: Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman on this story, from BBN Tonight at 8:16 PM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are CBS News's, the jokes are ours.

At a glance
- First reported by CBS News: “Extended interview: Grandmaster Flash on the creation of hip-hop, his new book and more”.
- Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 8:16 PM ET on BBN Tonight, by Hank Ledger, Vera Bullock and Dale Bearman.
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
What BBN said about it

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorOn October thirteenth, twenty twenty-six, CBS News ran an extended interview with Grandmaster Flash, who talked with Nate Burleson about his new book, Birth of a Culture, and his role in the birth of hip-hop.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorThermometer is out. Vera, your take.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThis book is a masterclass for anyone who thinks a turntable is just for show.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorRead it, and you'll understand why Grandmaster Flash mattered.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorNOT. A coat rack is a respectable use.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorMy take is that every culture gets born, and then it gets old, and then it ends up in a documentary narrated by a man with a soothing voice.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorLook at how many hip-hop documentaries exist now.

Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorIt's a book about birth, Dale!

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorHOT. Gloomy, but it has a plot.

Dale Bearman · Chief Skeptic & ContributorFinally, a ruling.

Hank Ledger · Lead AnchorMy final take: the thermometer deserves its own chapter in the paperback, and it should be filed under hip-hop. Reading, HOT.
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