Yo! MTV Raps, the critically acclaimed two-hour television music video program, has a premiere date of May 24, 2022, on Paramount+ with an archive of 50 episodes from the original series available for streaming beginning March 5, 2022. The groundbreaking series first aired on MTV from 1988 to 1995 and was hosted by Fab 5 Freddy before Doctor Dré and Ed Lover took over weekdays while Freddy moved over to the weekend spot.
Rapped in unison by Ready Rock C, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and the Fresh Prince (Will Smith), the words “We want to let everybody know where it’s at/It’s right here: Yo! MTV Raps,” served as the official welcome to the show at the time. It was MTV’s first show dedicated solely to rap music. Paramount+ is also planning to refresh another network favorite, Unplugged, at some point in the future.
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The first rap video making its way into MTV’s heavy rotation was Run-D.M.C.’s Rock Box in 1984, but it would be Yo! MTV Raps that would widen the entrance for other rap artists. The new and improved music video series will delve into the present state of hip-hop and include live performances, cyphers, interviews and more. Segments will be hosted by DJ Diamond Kuts, known for her work on Philadelphia radio station Power99 FM and Conceited, known for his appearances on Wild ‘N Out. The roster of guests includes Freddie Gibbs, IDK, Latto, Tee Grizzley, Shenseea, Saba and Trina.
Run-D.M.C. and Other Rap Trailblazers Helped Pave the Way
All the who’s who of hip-hop artists like Run-D.M.C., the Fat Boys, Beastie Boys, DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince, Naughty by Nature, and LL Cool J saw an increase of commercial success thanks to program platforms like Yo! MTV Raps. Quite a feat considering how rap used to be seen as the black sheep of the music industry and thought to be a fad by many.
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The combination of music and videos changed the game in several ways. For one, watching entertaining visuals enhanced fans’ love for listening to certain songs, especially where near acrobatic dancing was involved, and it certainly helped boost sales for the artists. Though there have been several sub-genres of rap music since its early beat-box days of rhyming about life on the streets, but if there is anything to talk about, there will always be something to rap about.
