113. Rap City: How Hip-Hop Was Made Mainstream (with Alvin Jones)

In this episode, Mat and Tim are joined by Alvin Jones, otherwise known as "The Unseen VJ" – the man who created Rap City, a long-running music video program on BET. He tells the buddies what inspired him to push for greater hip-hop representation on BET in the mid- to late-80s, and reflects on the impact his advocacy has had on the tapestry of hip-hop and rap in the decades since.

FURTHER VIEWING:

The 17th Annual Blacks In Wax: Hip Hop: The Music, The Culture, The Struggle at The Kennedy Center, March 16, 2024

Welcome To Rap City - Three-Part Documentary on BET

SONGS PLAYED:

Excerpt from Rap City, 1990

Excerpt from Blacks In Wax at The Kennedy Center, 2024

Excerpt from Video Soul, 1987

Excerpt from Video Vibrations, 1986

Doug E. Fresh - D.E.F. = Doug E. Fresh

Excerpt from CBS News' coverage of the March on Washington, 1963

Excerpt from Rap City: The Basement

New Edition - Earth Angel

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