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Through the years of Hip Hop - WNRD 2152

This is the first of a 4 part dvd series taking a look at the birth and growth of Hip Hop. This is a well put together sensible and listenable, almost academic look at the birth of hip hop. There are obvious connections from Civil Rights, Panthers, and musically blues, jazz, gospel, soul and funk. But there are also some that are more obscure such as Egyptian hieroglyphics and even Cave Paintings. It portrays black life generally and more specifically perceptions of black life through TV for example.

The core of this opening feature, after the long intro and as we reach the hip hop years, is the growth and effect of Art and especially Graffiti on this culture. Interesting interviews with key playas, the Architects, particularly the New York ones. Focussing and the negative as well as the positives and including some great images.

Supplemented by some terrific early groundbreaking videos:-

Crash Crew – We are known as emcees (1984) – Electro, B Boy style, vocals in the alternating Sugarhill style, dancing and breaks. All seems pretty dated and amateur in video style now but pretty important at the time.

Run DMC – Rock Box (1984) – an early storyline feature video and including as Run DMC did the metal rock styles were merging in

Dana Dane – Nightmares (1986) – well known song that I had almost forgotten bringing in the humorous comedy element bith lyricaly and visually – "heard of 3d but she was fat as hell .......Nightmares"!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock – It takes two (1988) – Into the track suit era, dancing in the streets but this is a Classic, one of the most if not still the most instantly recognisable sample in hip hop. Good time happy infectious hip hop.

Special Ed – I got it made (1989) – Mellowing down to a cooler laid back, youthful, slower beat style. Great stuff.

De La Soul – Buddy (1989) – The colorful yet sophisticated, unique and articulate De La Soul. Upfront then and upfront now.

Queen Latifah – Ladies First (1989) – hard hitting hip hop from an Afrocentric and female perspective

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