S1 Part 1: That Beat, That Beat Right There

This episode of Mogul explores the early life of Chris Lighty, a hip-hop mogul, focusing on his upbringing in the Bronx during the 1970s and 80s. The narrative details the challenging environment of a city plagued by crime, poverty, and violence, and how Lighty's mother tried to shield her children. Despite these efforts, Lighty experienced violence firsthand, including being robbed for his bomber jacket. Music, particularly hip-hop, became an escape for him, leading to his involvement in park jams and Manhattan nightclubs like Union Square. The episode introduces DJ Red Alert, who recognized Lighty's business acumen and gave him his start by having him carry record crates. This role led to Lighty's crew, the Violators, gaining notoriety and setting the stage for his future career in the music industry.