(Photo: Brad Barket/PictureGroup)

Despite the opinion of some, hip hop is not dead. In fact, as the influential genre moves toward its fourth decade in existence it continues to be one of the most significant elements in American culture. To underline the importance of the genre BET Networks is set to present the documentary series The Message: The History of Hip Hop.

The four-part documentary will highlight all the seminal moments in hip hop from its humble inner city beginnings in the Bronx, New York, to becoming a universally loved genre that generates billions of dollars in revenue. Through interviews with rappers, record executives, journalist, and fans, producers will showcase how hip hop has become “the biggest pop culture phenomenon of the last 30 years.”

In promotion of the documentary, which is currently in production, hip hop great Doug E. Fresh performed at BET’s Upfront showcase at the Best Buy Theatre in New York last night (April 20). Doug E. is among a growing list of rap stars that will offer their insight for the documentary. Fans can expect to see similar shows leading up to the debut of the music special.

The Message: The History of Hip Hop is set to premiere in fall 2012.