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{{Short description|American television music video program}}
{{Short description|American television music video program}}
{{More citations needed|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox television
{{Infobox television
| image = Yomtvraps.jpg
| image = Yo! MTV Raps 2022.png
| image_size =
| image_size = 200
| caption =
| caption =
| alt_name = ''Yo!''
| alt_name = ''Yo!''
| genre = [[Hip hop music|Hip-hop music]] and [[Hip hop|culture]]<br/>[[Non Fiction]]
| genre = {{Plainlist|
* [[Hip hop music|Hip-hop music]] and [[Hip hop|culture]]
}}
| creator = [[Ted Demme]] and [[Peter Dougherty]]
| writer =
| creator = [[Ted Demme]] and [[Peter Dougherty]]
| director = [[Ted Demme]]<br/>Moses Edinborough
| writer =
⚫
| director = {{Plainlist|
| creative_director =
* [[Ted Demme]]
⚫
| developer =
* Moses Edinborough
| presenter = [[Fab Five Freddy|Fab 5 Freddy]]<br/>[[Ed Lover]]<br/>[[Doctor Dré]]<br/>T Money<br/>[[Conceited (rapper)|Conceited]]<br/>DJ Diamond Kuts
}}
⚫
| voices =
| narrated =
| creative_director =
⚫
| developer =
⚫
| theme_music_composer = Nigel Cox-Hagen<br/>Beau Tardy
| opentheme =
| presenter = {{Plainlist|
* '''Original series:'''
⚫
| endtheme =
* [[Fab Five Freddy|Fab 5 Freddy]]
* [[Ed Lover]]
* [[Doctor Dré]]
* '''Revival series:'''
* T Money
* [[Conceited (rapper)|Conceited]]
* DJ Diamond Kuts
}}
| voices =
| narrated =
⚫
| theme_music_composer = {{Plainlist|
* Nigel Cox-Hagen
* Beau Tardy
}}
| opentheme =
⚫
| endtheme =
| composer =
| composer =
| country = United States
| country = United States
| language = English
| language = English
| num_seasons =
| num_seasons =
| num_episodes = 1,838
| num_episodes = 1,838
| list_episodes =
| list_episodes =
| executive_producer =
| executive_producer =
| producer = Jac Benson II<br/>Todd 1<br/>[[Ted Demme]]<br/>Theron "Tee Smif" Smith (Classic Cuts 2011)
| producer = {{Plainlist|
* Jac Benson II
* Todd 1
* [[Ted Demme]]
* Theron "Tee Smif" Smith (Classic Cuts 2011)
}}
| editor = Rob Ortiz<br/>Glenn Lazzaro<br/>Rosanna Herrick
| location =
| editor = {{Plainlist|
* Rob Ortiz
* Glenn Lazzaro
* Rosanna Herrick
}}
⚫
| location =
| cinematography = Jeff Muhlstock
| cinematography = Jeff Muhlstock
| camera =
| camera =
| runtime = 60 minutes (including commercials)
| runtime = 60 minutes (including commercials)
| network = [[MTV]] (1988–95)<br>[[Paramount+]] (2022)
| company = {{Plainlist|
* '''Revival series:'''
| picture_format = Video (1.33:1)
* HollandWest Productions
⚫
| audio_format = Stereo
* Clockwork Post
⚫
| first_aired = {{Start date|1988|8|6}}
* MTV Entertainment Studios
⚫
| last_aired = present
}}
⚫
| preceded_by =
| followed_by =
| network = [[MTV]]
| related = ''[[Rap City (BET program)|Rap City]]''<br/>''[[Sucker Free]]''}}
| network2 = [[Paramount+]]
⚫
| first_aired = {{Start date|1988|08|06}}
⚫
| last_aired = {{End date|1995|08|17}}
| first_aired2 = {{Start date|2022|05|24}}
| last_aired2 = {{End date|2022|07|12}}
| related = {{Plainlist|
* ''[[Rap City]]''
* ''[[Sucker Free]]''
}}
}}


'''''Yo! MTV Raps''''' is an American two-hour [[television]] [[music video]] program, which first aired on [[MTV Europe]] from 1987 to mid-90s and on [[MTV|MTV US]] from August 1988 to August 1995. The American version of the program (created by [[Ted Demme]] and Peter Dougherty) was the first [[hip hop music]] show on the network, and was based on the original [[MTV Europe]] show, which first aired one year before the American version. ''Yo! MTV Raps'' produced a mix of rap videos, interviews with rap stars, live in-studio performances (on Fridays), and comedy. The show also yielded a Brazilian version called ''Yo! MTV'' and broadcast by [[MTV Brasil]] from 1990 to 2005. MTV Germany also broadcats in 2023 as music program and playlist.
'''''Yo! MTV Raps''''' is an American two-hour television [[music video]] program, which first aired on [[MTV Europe]] from 1987 to mid-90s and on [[MTV|MTV US]] from August 1988 to August 1995. The American version of the program (created by [[Ted Demme]] and Peter Dougherty) was the first [[hip hop music]] show on the network, and was based on the original [[MTV Europe]] show, which first aired one year before the American version. ''Yo! MTV Raps'' produced a mix of rap videos, interviews with rap stars, live in-studio performances (on Fridays), and comedy. The show also yielded a Brazilian version called ''Yo! MTV'' and broadcast by [[MTV Brasil]] from 1990 to 2005.


==Hosts==
==Hosts==
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==History==
==History==
[[File:Yomtvraps.jpg|75px|right|thumb|Original logo]]
In 1987, French journalist and producer [[Sophie Bramly]] developed the program ''Yo!'' for the then nascent MTV Europe and she hosted it. [[Afrika Bambaataa]] is the first guest. Later [[N.W.A]], [[Public Enemy]], [[LL Cool J]], [[Ice-T]], [[De La Soul]], [[Eric B. & Rakim]], [[EPMD]] or [[Ultramagnetic MCs]] were invited.<ref>{{cite book|last=Piolet|first=Vincent|title=Regarde ta jeunesse dans les yeux. Naissance du hip-hop français 1980-1990|date=2017|language=fr|publisher=Le mot et le reste|isbn=978-2360542901}}</ref> The year after that, [[Run-DMC]] hosted the [[pilot episode]] in the US. Also featured in the pilot were [[DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince]]. [[Eric B. & Rakim]]'s video for the title track of the album ''[[Follow the Leader (Eric B. & Rakim album)|Follow the Leader]]'' was the first video to be shown on ''Yo! MTV Raps''. The pilot was one of the highest [[Nielsen ratings|rated]] programs to ever air on MTV at that point. Only the [[MTV Video Music Award|Video Music Awards]] and [[Live Aid]] received greater ratings.
In 1987, French journalist and producer [[Sophie Bramly]] developed and hosted the program ''Yo!'' for the then-nascent MTV Europe, with [[Afrika Bambaataa]] as the first guest. Later [[N.W.A]], [[Public Enemy]], [[LL Cool J]], [[Ice-T]], [[De La Soul]], [[Eric B. & Rakim]], [[EPMD]] or [[Ultramagnetic MCs]] were invited.<ref>{{cite book|last=Piolet|first=Vincent|title=Regarde ta jeunesse dans les yeux. Naissance du hip-hop français 1980-1990|date=2017|language=fr|publisher=Le mot et le reste|isbn=978-2360542901}}</ref> The year after that, [[Run-DMC]] hosted the [[pilot episode]] in the US, with [[DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince]] as the program's first guests and [[Eric B. & Rakim]]'s video for the title track of the album ''[[Follow the Leader (Eric B. & Rakim album)|Follow the Leader]]'' as the first video shown on the program. The pilot was one of the highest [[Nielsen ratings|rated]] programs to ever air on MTV at that point, with only the [[MTV Video Music Award|Video Music Awards]] and [[Live Aid]] receiving greater ratings.


[[Shinehead]]'s "Chain Gang" was the first video to be shown during a regular-season episode. Meanwhile, [[Ice-T]]'s "[[High Rollers (song)|High Rollers]]" was the first video to be played during the weekday show. The classic Yo! MTV Raps logo was created by early graffiti writer, Dr. Revolt. The animated show open was produced by Nigel Cox-Hagen and animated by Beau Tardy.
[[Shinehead]]'s "Chain Gang" was the first video to be shown during a regular-season episode. Meanwhile, [[Ice-T]]'s "[[High Rollers (song)|High Rollers]]" was the first video to be played during the weekday show. The classic ''Yo! MTV Raps'' logo was created by early graffiti writer, Dr. Revolt. The animated show open was produced by Nigel Cox-Hagen and animated by Beau Tardy.


===''Yo! MTV Raps'' and the spread of hip-hop===
===''Yo! MTV Raps'' and the spread of hip-hop===
The advent of ''Yo! MTV Raps'' in the late 1980s was crucial to the spread of hip-hop around the world.<ref>Chang, Jeff. “It’s a Hip-hop World.” Foreign Policy 163, Nov/Dec 2007, 58-65.</ref> Through [[MTV Europe]], [[MTV Asia]], and MTV Latino, African-American and Latino style and sound were instantly available to millions of people across the globe. This helped to create a worldwide appreciation and interest in the hip-hop scene, which is something that was celebrated on the ''Yo! MTV Raps'' 20th anniversary.<ref>[http://www.mtv.com/music/yo_mtv_raps/ Yo! MTV Raps 20th Anniversary | MTV<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The advent of ''Yo! MTV Raps'' in the late 1980s was crucial to spreading hip-hop around the world.<ref>Chang, Jeff. “It’s a Hip-hop World.” Foreign Policy 163, Nov/Dec 2007, 58-65.</ref> Through [[MTV Europe]], [[MTV Asia]], and MTV Latino, African-American and Latino style and sound became instantly available to millions of people across the globe, helping to create a worldwide appreciation and interest in the hip-hop scene, which is something that was celebrated on the ''Yo! MTV Raps'' 20th anniversary.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080328142634/http://www.mtv.com/music/yo_mtv_raps/ Yo! MTV Raps 20th Anniversary | MTV<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


===Rivalry===
===Rivalry===
''[[Video Music Box]]'' being the first contender, in January 1989, former rival [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]] created competition when the network premiered ''[[Rap City (TV series)|Rap City]] ''(was a two-hour-long program, now an hour-long show as of July 2009). The show was the longest-running hip-hop program because of its 19-year run (ending in 2009). While ''Yo! MTV Raps''', which is now discontinued, generally focused on the rap scene from the East Coast, ''Rap City'' also included videos from up-and-coming underground rappers from different regions of the US.
Although ''[[Video Music Box]]'' is often considered the first contender, in 1989, former rival [[Black Entertainment Television|BET]] created competition by premiering ''[[Rap City (TV series)|Rap City]] ''. The show was the longest-running hip-hop program because of its 19-year run (ending in 2009). While ''Yo! MTV Raps''', which is now discontinued, generally focused on the rap scene from the East Coast and largely popular West Coast artists, ''Rap City'' also included videos from up-and-coming underground rappers from different regions of the US.


==="Down With MTV"===
==="Down With MTV"===
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===Censorship and declining popularity===
===Censorship and declining popularity===
The ratings fell after pulling [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]]'s video "By the Time I Get to Arizona" in 1991, claiming it was too violent. ''Yo! MTV Raps'' also came close to refusing to air the video for [[Cypress Hill]]'s "[[How I Could Just Kill a Man]]." It was only after an intervention from Vice President of Music and Artist Development at MTV, Sheri Howell, that MTV changed their minds.
The ratings fell after pulling [[Public Enemy (band)|Public Enemy]]'s video "By the Time I Get to Arizona" in 1991, claiming it was too violent. Also, ''Yo! MTV Raps'' almost declined to air the video for [[Cypress Hill]]'s "[[How I Could Just Kill a Man]]." Only after Sheri Howell, Vice President of Music and Artist Development at MTV, intervened that MTV changed their minds.


By around 1992–93, MTV aired ''Yo! MTV Raps'' only once a week, for two hours, on Fridays after midnight.
By around 1992–93, MTV aired ''Yo! MTV Raps'' only once a week, for two hours, on Fridays after midnight.


===The end of ''Yo!''===
===The end of ''Yo!''===
''Yo! MTV Raps'' had its series finale on August 17, 1995. Numerous high-profile names in the world of hip-hop closed the show out with a [[freestyle rap]] session. [[Salt-N-Pepa]] holds the distinction of appearing on the first (technically, the first episode to feature Fab 5 Freddy) and last episodes of ''Yo! MTV Raps''.
''Yo! MTV Raps'' had its series finale on August 17, 1995. Numerous high-profile names in the world of hip-hop closed the show out with a [[freestyle rap]] session, including [[Rakim]], [[KRS-One]], [[Redman (rapper)|Redman]], [[Method Man]], [[Special Ed]], [[Erick Sermon]], [[Chubb Rock]], [[Craig Mack]], [[MC Serch]] of [[3rd Bass]], and [[Large Professor]]. [[Salt-N-Pepa]] holds the distinction of appearing on the first (technically, the first episode to feature Fab 5 Freddy) and last episodes of ''Yo! MTV Raps''.


From 1996 to 1999, MTV repackaged it as simply ''Yo!'' The repackaged version was far more stripped down. ''Yo!'' had a weekly slate of special guest hosts. For instance, [[Angie Martinez]] and [[Fatman Scoop]] served as its hosts. By 1998, ''Yo!'' had no guest hosts and became a one-hour program airing late Friday nights at 1 a.m. or 1:30&nbsp;a.m. ([[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Standard Time]]).
From 1996 to 1999, MTV repackaged it as simply ''Yo!'', which was far more stripped-down and had a weekly slate of special guest hosts. For instance, [[Angie Martinez]] and [[Fatman Scoop]] served as its hosts. By 1998, ''Yo!'' had no guest hosts and became a one-hour program airing late Friday nights at 1 a.m. or 1:30&nbsp;a.m. ([[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Standard Time]]).


In 2000, MTV's outlet for hip-hop videos became ''[[Direct Effect]]'', known since 2006 as ''[[Sucker Free]]''. It aired three times a week at around 7:00 PM ([[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Standard Time]]). It is one of the few music video outlets for MTV besides its late-night/early-morning music video rotation hours, as MTV continues to focus on non-music video programming, especially [[reality television]] shows.
In 2000, MTV's outlet for hip-hop videos became ''[[Direct Effect]]'', known since 2006 as ''[[Sucker Free]]''. It aired three times a week at around 7:00 PM ([[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern Standard Time]]). It is one of the few music video outlets for MTV besides its late-night/early-morning music video rotation hours, as MTV continues to focus on non-music video programming, especially [[reality television]] shows.


===Revival of sorts===
===Revivals===
''Yo! MTV Raps'' made a comeback of sorts, after an eight-year hiatus during the ''[[Jackassworld.com: 24 Hour Takeover]]'' in February 2008. It had [[Steve-O]] (alongside [[Sam Maccarone]]) promoting his new rap album, doing freestyles, and showing his new music video. The old set was carefully recreated, with [[Johnny Knoxville]] joking that [[Mike Judge]] created a brand new ''[[Beavis & Butthead]]'' episode with them critiquing Steve-O's rap video.
''Yo! MTV Raps'' made a comeback of sorts, after an eight-year hiatus during the ''[[Jackassworld.com: 24 Hour Takeover]]'' in February 2008. It had [[Steve-O]] (alongside [[Sam Maccarone]]) promoting his new rap album, doing freestyles, and showing his new music video. The old set was carefully recreated, with [[Johnny Knoxville]] joking that [[Mike Judge]] created a brand new ''[[Beavis and Butt-Head]]'' episode with them critiquing Steve-O's rap video.


====20th Anniversary====
====20th Anniversary====
In April 2008, ''Yo! MTV Raps'' celebrated its 20th anniversary<ref>[http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur42166.cfm 'YO! MTV RAPS' CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY: Occasion will be marked throughout April via special programming.]</ref> by making a comeback on MTV. MTV's show ''[[Sucker Free]]'' transformed into ''Yo! MTV Raps'' and featured classic hip-hop music videos as well as current hip-hop videos. Fab 5 Freddy, [[Doctor Dré]] and Ed Lover contributed to the tribute of the show. At the end of April 2008, MTV aired ''Yo!'' countdown shows and featured the top moments from the show during its airing on MTV.
In April 2008, ''Yo! MTV Raps'' celebrated its 20th anniversary<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur42166.cfm |title='YO! MTV RAPS' CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY: Occasion will be marked throughout April via special programming. |access-date=2008-04-05 |archive-date=2008-04-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080407071637/http://www.eurweb.com/story/eur42166.cfm |url-status=dead }}</ref> by making a comeback on MTV. MTV's show ''[[Sucker Free]]'' transformed into ''Yo! MTV Raps'' and featured classic hip-hop music videos as well as current hip-hop videos. Fab 5 Freddy, [[Doctor Dré]] and Ed Lover contributed to the tribute of the show. At the end of April 2008, MTV aired ''Yo!'' countdown shows and featured the top moments from the show during its airing on MTV.


====30th Anniversary====
====30th Anniversary====
''Yo! MTV Raps'' was revived for a new generation in 2018, celebrating the 30th anniversary at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on June 1, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3074331/yo-mtv-raps-30th-anniversary/ |title=YO! MTV RAPS IS BACK IN A BIG WAY |author=Charles Holmes |website=[[MTV]] |date=2018-04-19}}</ref>
''Yo! MTV Raps'' was revived for a new generation in 2018, celebrating the 30th anniversary at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on June 1, 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/3074331/yo-mtv-raps-30th-anniversary/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180419215103/http://www.mtv.com/news/3074331/yo-mtv-raps-30th-anniversary/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 19, 2018 |title=YO! MTV RAPS IS BACK IN A BIG WAY |author=Charles Holmes |website=[[MTV]] |date=2018-04-19}}</ref>


The live show featured Big Daddy Kane and the Juice Crew, Eric B & Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, EPMD, Flavor Flav, and many more. It also featured past hosts and DJs who helped shepherd the series, like Fab 5 Freddy, Ed Lover, Doctor Dré, T Money, Skribble, Red Alert, and Chuck Chillout. Tribute videos from artists like Eminem, Method Man, and Redman also commemorated the occasion.
The live show featured Big Daddy Kane and the Juice Crew, Eric B & Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, EPMD, Flavor Flav, and many more. It also featured past hosts and DJs who helped shepherd the series, like Fab 5 Freddy, Ed Lover, Doctor Dré, T Money, Skribble, Red Alert, and Chuck Chillout. Tribute videos from artists like Eminem, Method Man, and Redman also commemorated the occasion.
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==External links==
==External links==
* [http://www.mtv.com/music/yo_mtv_raps/ Yo! MTV Raps 20th Anniversary] on [[MTV.com]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080328142634/http://www.mtv.com/music/yo_mtv_raps/ Yo! MTV Raps 20th Anniversary] on [[MTV.com]]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080517013216/http://www.jumptheshark.com/forum/yo-mtv-raps/2241 Jump The Shark - "Yo! MTV Raps"]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20080517013216/http://www.jumptheshark.com/forum/yo-mtv-raps/2241 Jump The Shark - "Yo! MTV Raps"]
* {{IMDb title|id=0158443|name=Yo! MTV Raps}}
* {{IMDb title|id=0158443|title=Yo! MTV Raps}}
* [http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/vh1_goes_inside/98148/episode_about.jhtml VH1 Goes Inside "Yo! MTV Raps"]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20061005030809/http://www.vh1.com/shows/dyn/vh1_goes_inside/98148/episode_about.jhtml VH1 Goes Inside "Yo! MTV Raps"]
* [http://dieselnation.blogs.com/hiphop/2004/04/yo_mtv_raps.html Diesel Nation: Yo! MTV Raps]
* [http://dieselnation.blogs.com/hiphop/2004/04/yo_mtv_raps.html Diesel Nation: Yo! MTV Raps]
* [http://www.vh1.com/shows/series/tv_moments/hip_hop/moment_yomtvraps.jhtml Hip-Hop's Greatest TV Moments - Yo! MTV Raps]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20030903090443/http://www.vh1.com/shows/series/tv_moments/hip_hop/moment_yomtvraps.jhtml Hip-Hop's Greatest TV Moments - Yo! MTV Raps]
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961121082333/http://www.vibe.com/archive/nov95/docs/mtv.html |date=November 21, 1996 |title=Station Identification (VIBE Online) }}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961121082333/http://www.vibe.com/archive/nov95/docs/mtv.html |date=November 21, 1996 |title=Station Identification (VIBE Online) }}
* [http://www.mtve.com/article.php?ArticleId=6430 Yo! MTV Raps England Website]
* [http://www.mtve.com/article.php?ArticleId=6430 Yo! MTV Raps England Website]
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{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Yo! Mtv Raps}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Yo! MTV Raps}}
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[[Category:1988 American television series debuts]]
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[[Category:1995 American television series endings]]
[[Category:1980s American music television series]]
[[Category:1980s American music television series]]
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[[Category:1988 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1990s American music television series]]
[[Category:1990s American music television series]]
[[Category:2022 American television series debuts]]
[[Category:1995 American television series endings]]
[[Category:2020s American music television series]]
[[Category:2020s American music television series]]
[[Category:2022 American television series debuts]]
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[[Category:2022 American television series endings]]
[[Category:American television series revived after cancellation]]
[[Category:American television series revived after cancellation]]
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[[Category:Hip-hop television]]
[[Category:MTV original programming]]
[[Category:MTV original programming]]
[[Category:MTV weekday shows]]
[[Category:MTV weekday shows]]
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[[Category:Hip hop television]]
[[Category:Paramount+ original programming]]
[[Category:Paramount+ original programming]]

Latest revision as of 18:26, 13 December 2024

Yo! MTV Raps
Also known asYo!
Genre
Created byTed Demme and Peter Dougherty
Directed by
Presented by
Theme music composer
  • Nigel Cox-Hagen
  • Beau Tardy
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of episodes1,838
Production
Producers
  • Jac Benson II
  • Todd 1
  • Ted Demme
  • Theron "Tee Smif" Smith (Classic Cuts 2011)
CinematographyJeff Muhlstock
Editors
  • Rob Ortiz
  • Glenn Lazzaro
  • Rosanna Herrick
Running time60 minutes (including commercials)
Production companies
  • Revival series:
  • HollandWest Productions
  • Clockwork Post
  • MTV Entertainment Studios
Original release
NetworkMTV
ReleaseAugust 6, 1988 (1988-08-06) –
August 17, 1995 (1995-08-17)
NetworkParamount+
ReleaseMay 24 (2022-05-24) –
July 12, 2022 (2022-07-12)
Related

Yo! MTV Raps is an American two-hour television music video program, which first aired on MTV Europe from 1987 to mid-90s and on MTV US from August 1988 to August 1995. The American version of the program (created by Ted Demme and Peter Dougherty) was the first hip hop music show on the network, and was based on the original MTV Europe show, which first aired one year before the American version. Yo! MTV Raps produced a mix of rap videos, interviews with rap stars, live in-studio performances (on Fridays), and comedy. The show also yielded a Brazilian version called Yo! MTV and broadcast by MTV Brasil from 1990 to 2005.

Hosts

[edit]

The U.S. version was originally hosted by Fab 5 Freddy. Later, the show's main host was Doctor Dré and Demme's high school friend, Ed Lover who both hosted together on weekdays. Soon they were joined by Doctor Dre's Original Concept group member T Money.[1] Fab 5 Freddy proceeded to host on weekends. The original line-up of the show, starring only Fab as the host, premiered on MTV on August 6, 1988.

On the weekday version dubbed, Yo! MTV Raps Today (which debuted on March 13, 1989), Ed Lover created his own dance called the Ed Lover Dance (which was typically featured on Wednesdays) that became somewhat popular in the 1990s. The Ed Lover Dance was performed to the track "The 900 Number" by The 45 King.

History

[edit]
Original logo

In 1987, French journalist and producer Sophie Bramly developed and hosted the program Yo! for the then-nascent MTV Europe, with Afrika Bambaataa as the first guest. Later N.W.A, Public Enemy, LL Cool J, Ice-T, De La Soul, Eric B. & Rakim, EPMD or Ultramagnetic MCs were invited.[2] The year after that, Run-DMC hosted the pilot episode in the US, with DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince as the program's first guests and Eric B. & Rakim's video for the title track of the album Follow the Leader as the first video shown on the program. The pilot was one of the highest rated programs to ever air on MTV at that point, with only the Video Music Awards and Live Aid receiving greater ratings.

Shinehead's "Chain Gang" was the first video to be shown during a regular-season episode. Meanwhile, Ice-T's "High Rollers" was the first video to be played during the weekday show. The classic Yo! MTV Raps logo was created by early graffiti writer, Dr. Revolt. The animated show open was produced by Nigel Cox-Hagen and animated by Beau Tardy.

Yo! MTV Raps and the spread of hip-hop

[edit]

The advent of Yo! MTV Raps in the late 1980s was crucial to spreading hip-hop around the world.[3] Through MTV Europe, MTV Asia, and MTV Latino, African-American and Latino style and sound became instantly available to millions of people across the globe, helping to create a worldwide appreciation and interest in the hip-hop scene, which is something that was celebrated on the Yo! MTV Raps 20th anniversary.[4]

Rivalry

[edit]

Although Video Music Box is often considered the first contender, in 1989, former rival BET created competition by premiering Rap City . The show was the longest-running hip-hop program because of its 19-year run (ending in 2009). While Yo! MTV Raps', which is now discontinued, generally focused on the rap scene from the East Coast and largely popular West Coast artists, Rap City also included videos from up-and-coming underground rappers from different regions of the US.

"Down With MTV"

[edit]

One of the most popular artists to be featured on Yo! MTV Raps was Naughty by Nature. When MTV started its Down With MTV advertising campaign in 1992, Naughty by Nature's smash hit "O.P.P." was used as the basis.

Censorship and declining popularity

[edit]

The ratings fell after pulling Public Enemy's video "By the Time I Get to Arizona" in 1991, claiming it was too violent. Also, Yo! MTV Raps almost declined to air the video for Cypress Hill's "How I Could Just Kill a Man." Only after Sheri Howell, Vice President of Music and Artist Development at MTV, intervened that MTV changed their minds.

By around 1992–93, MTV aired Yo! MTV Raps only once a week, for two hours, on Fridays after midnight.

The end of Yo!

[edit]

Yo! MTV Raps had its series finale on August 17, 1995. Numerous high-profile names in the world of hip-hop closed the show out with a freestyle rap session, including Rakim, KRS-One, Redman, Method Man, Special Ed, Erick Sermon, Chubb Rock, Craig Mack, MC Serch of 3rd Bass, and Large Professor. Salt-N-Pepa holds the distinction of appearing on the first (technically, the first episode to feature Fab 5 Freddy) and last episodes of Yo! MTV Raps.

From 1996 to 1999, MTV repackaged it as simply Yo!, which was far more stripped-down and had a weekly slate of special guest hosts. For instance, Angie Martinez and Fatman Scoop served as its hosts. By 1998, Yo! had no guest hosts and became a one-hour program airing late Friday nights at 1 a.m. or 1:30 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time).

In 2000, MTV's outlet for hip-hop videos became Direct Effect, known since 2006 as Sucker Free. It aired three times a week at around 7:00 PM (Eastern Standard Time). It is one of the few music video outlets for MTV besides its late-night/early-morning music video rotation hours, as MTV continues to focus on non-music video programming, especially reality television shows.

Revivals

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Yo! MTV Raps made a comeback of sorts, after an eight-year hiatus during the Jackassworld.com: 24 Hour Takeover in February 2008. It had Steve-O (alongside Sam Maccarone) promoting his new rap album, doing freestyles, and showing his new music video. The old set was carefully recreated, with Johnny Knoxville joking that Mike Judge created a brand new Beavis and Butt-Head episode with them critiquing Steve-O's rap video.

20th Anniversary

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In April 2008, Yo! MTV Raps celebrated its 20th anniversary[5] by making a comeback on MTV. MTV's show Sucker Free transformed into Yo! MTV Raps and featured classic hip-hop music videos as well as current hip-hop videos. Fab 5 Freddy, Doctor Dré and Ed Lover contributed to the tribute of the show. At the end of April 2008, MTV aired Yo! countdown shows and featured the top moments from the show during its airing on MTV.

30th Anniversary

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Yo! MTV Raps was revived for a new generation in 2018, celebrating the 30th anniversary at Brooklyn's Barclays Center on June 1, 2018.[6]

The live show featured Big Daddy Kane and the Juice Crew, Eric B & Rakim, Doug E. Fresh, KRS-One and Boogie Down Productions, EPMD, Flavor Flav, and many more. It also featured past hosts and DJs who helped shepherd the series, like Fab 5 Freddy, Ed Lover, Doctor Dré, T Money, Skribble, Red Alert, and Chuck Chillout. Tribute videos from artists like Eminem, Method Man, and Redman also commemorated the occasion.

Yo! MTV Raps International

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In Spring 2019, Viacom International Media Networks relaunched the series with local versions in the UK, Germany, South-East Asia, and pan-African versions on MTV Base and MTV Africa. The Format and editorial of the series were headed by British TV producer Darcy Thomas. This also followed with a bi-weekly spin-off show Yo! MTV Rates hosted by Snoochie Shy and Poet, which aired in the UK and was also produced by Darcy Thomas[7] for two seasons (16 episodes).

MTV Classic

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Following the launch of MTV Classic on August 1, 2016, music video blocks have consistently aired on the network under the name Yo! Hip Hop Mix. When broadcast, however, this is merely an automated playlist of rap/hip-hop videos from the 1980s to the early 2000s.

Pluto TV

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A Yo! MTV Raps channel was added to Pluto TV following Viacom's purchase of the service.[8]

Paramount+

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On February 24, 2021, it was announced that Yo! MTV Raps would be revived on ViacomCBS' streaming platform Paramount+, formerly CBS All Access.[9] On February 17, 2022, it was announced that Conceited and DJ Diamond Kuts would host the revival.[10] On May 2, 2022, it was announced that the revival would premiere on May 24, 2022.[11]

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  • In the ABC sitcom-drama Doogie Howser, M.D. from around the same time, Doogie is frequently seen wearing a Yo! MTV Raps white T-shirt, among other colors.
  • A Magic: The Gathering podcast is named "Yo! MTG Taps", a reference to the "tapping" mechanic used in the game.[12]
  • There was a set of Yo! MTV Raps trading cards which featured the various hosts of the show and many of the artists whose videos were featured on the show.
  • In the Ice Cube song "It Was a Good Day", the show is referenced in the lyrics "Went to Short Dog's house, they was watchin' Yo! MTV Raps".
  • In the Juelz Santana song “Good Times”, the show is referenced in the lyrics "'Memba them ol' "Yo! MTV Raps" man, I hope they bring Yo! MTV back".

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "T450 Style & Launch".
  2. ^ Piolet, Vincent (2017). Regarde ta jeunesse dans les yeux. Naissance du hip-hop français 1980-1990 (in French). Le mot et le reste. ISBN 978-2360542901.
  3. ^ Chang, Jeff. “It’s a Hip-hop World.” Foreign Policy 163, Nov/Dec 2007, 58-65.
  4. ^ Yo! MTV Raps 20th Anniversary | MTV
  5. ^ "'YO! MTV RAPS' CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY: Occasion will be marked throughout April via special programming". Archived from the original on 2008-04-07. Retrieved 2008-04-05.
  6. ^ Charles Holmes (2018-04-19). "YO! MTV RAPS IS BACK IN A BIG WAY". MTV. Archived from the original on April 19, 2018.
  7. ^ "Darcy Thomas". Industry Takeover.
  8. ^ Barnes, Jess (2019-07-30). "Pluto TV Adds 3 New MTV Music Videos Channels". Cord Cutters News. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  9. ^ Porter, Rick (February 24, 2021). "'Behind the Music,' 'Yo! MTV Raps,' 'Road Rules' Revived at Paramount+". The Hollywood Reporter.
  10. ^ "Renowned Battle Rapper Conceited and Celebrated Deejay DJ Diamond Kuts to Host Return of Iconic Series "Yo! MTV Raps" on Paramount+" (Press release). CBS. February 17, 2022. Retrieved February 17, 2022 – via The Futon Critic.
  11. ^ "Legendary Series "Yo! MTV Raps," Hosted by Conceited and DJ Diamond Kuts, Set to Premiere Exclusively on Paramount+ Globally May 24" (Press release). CBS. May 2, 2022. Retrieved May 2, 2022 – via The Futon Critic.
  12. ^ "Yo! MTG Taps! - Episodes Archive".
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