Eric B and Rakim: Follow The Leader.
I know this is probably a favorite of many of you reading this right now... but this video holds more significance than just its permanent place on your I-Pod.
So, what up, y’all?
As you all know, it’s Black History Month, and its commonplace to highlight certain important facts in our history. Well... this right here is not only important to hip-hop history, I felt like it was definitely an important era in Black history as well, so we’re gonna give it some due today.
Relaxâ€" and take notes.
This year marks the 20th Anniversary of Yo! MTV Raps, which enjoyed a run from 1988-1995.
For those of you who don’t know, Yo!MTV Raps was a two-hour long program hosted by Ed Lover and Doctor Dre (some of you younger ones may be more familiar with their work as HOT 97 on-air personalities). The show, which highlighted the latest hip-hop videos (If you didn’t get it, it was the first program to premiere the Eric B and Rakim joint.). It was the first of its kind, paving the way for shows such as BET’s Rap City and MTV’s in-house replicas such as Direct Effect and Sucker Free. Most importantly, it brought hip-hop videos into the homes of cable subscribers (and skeptics) in Middle America, thus further solidifying the momentum of this ever-growing culture.
While Yo! featured the creme de la creme of emcees (Run-DMC, Naughty By Nature, Tupac Shakur just to throw some out there) and even more memorable episodes (who has seen the drunken Ol’ Dirty Bastard one?),
(Sorry, I had to do it-- now this is raw!)
unfortunately, it experienced a decline in popularity by 1993 (receiving shorter air time), until it was called a wrap in 1995.
But right now, we’re not focusing on the negativitiyâ€" we’re giving props. Speaking of which, I wanna holla at my 80's headsâ€" drop some knowledge on these snappers and trappers and let them know from an observer’s point of view of what this show meant to you. Your stories are very much appreciated.
Aight, it’s time for me to cut out for the weekend, but you know I couldn’t leave without lacing y’all the right way. Below is a clip of the larger-than-life cipher featured in the series finale of the show.
Who y’all think spit the hottest flow?
[This clip is about 10 minutes long, but SO worth extending your coffee break]
KRS, I SEE YOU! Treat 'em right, Chubb!
-- Breezylovesyababy@gmail.com
