A new documentary about US rap by Louis Theroux is in the works

A new documentary by Louis Theroux on US rap and hip-hop is in the works.

Focusing on the “new world” of the genres, with an emphasis on Florida and nearby southern states, the hour-long film will take place as part of Theroux’s forthcoming, three-part BBC series, Forbidden America.

“The world has gone through massive changes in the last few years, in particular from the effects of social media,” the documentary filmmaker said in a statement. “This new series looks at the way those changes have affected people in America who are in different ways involved in dangerous, extreme, or morally questionable lifestyles.

“Far-right groups that have found new influence through gaming and streaming services. Porn performers who have seen power shift to them as they’ve embraced creator-controlled apps and called out alleged predators in the industry. And in the rap world young men with big dreams caught up in feuds and high-risk behaviour in the click-driven world of social media.”

Set to broadcast via BBC Two and BBC iPlayer, the premiere dates of Forbidden America are to be announced.

It’s not the first time Theroux has delved into the world of rap. As part of his Weird Weekends series, in 2000, he explored the southern hip-hop industry as it eclipsed those of the east and west coasts.