Acclaimed director Sacha Jenkins shines a spotlight on the life and rhymes of the 'clown prince of hip-hop', Biz Markie, best known for his Top 40 hit, "Just a Friend." A who's who of legends like rappers Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Doug E Fresh and actor/comedian Tracy Morgan share how Markie's playful approach to the genre made him a hip-hop icon and left an indelible mark in the world of music.
The untold story of the world’s longest running video show, Video Music Box. A hip hop mainstay since 1983, VMB gave a platform to artists like Jay-Z, Nas and Mary J. Blige before they hit it big. Host Ralph McDaniels’ archives — amassed over nearly 40 years — reveal the show’s importance to numerous big-name musicians, as well as to the kids that grew up watching.
Christopher Wallace, AKA The Notorious B.I.G., remains one of Hip-Hop’s icons, renowned for his distinctive flow and autobiographical lyrics. This documentary celebrates his life via rare behind-the-scenes footage and the testimonies of his closest friends and family.
In the greatest era of hip hop, a 10 year old prodigal son named Chi-Ali was chosen to become the greatest artist hip hop has ever seen. As fame, money and pressure took over, he found himself turning to the streets and left with a decision that would forever change his life, and alter the history of hip hop.
Ralph McDaniels goes way back to bring you classic videos from hip hop’s golden era. Each episode showcases rare videos tracing hip hop’s evolution in New York City.
Ralph McDaniels (born February 27, 1962) is a music video director, DJ and VJ. He co-created and co-hosts the music video program Video Music Box with Lionel C. Martin. After interning at WNYC, and subsequently becoming a radio engineer, he created Studio 31 Dance Party, a television show revolving around recordings of music performances. This show would transform into Video Music Box. McDaniels studied communications at LaGuardia Community College and later started the video production company Classic Concepts with Video Music Box producer Lionel Martin. He now works for the Queens Library for Outreach Services.
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