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