| Video Music Box | |
|---|---|
Title card of Video Music Box |
|
| Format | Music videos Musical performance |
| Starring | Ralph McDaniels |
| Narrated by | Ralph McDaniels |
| Opening theme | "Five Minutes of Funk", performed by Whodini |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Broadcast | |
| Original channel | WNYC-TV (1983–1996) WNYE-TV (1996–present) |
| Original airing | 1983-present |
Video Music Box was one of the first television programs ever to feature hip hop videos primarily.[1][2] Created in 1983 by Ralph McDaniels, it was one of the most influential television shows to give urban artists mainstream exposure. It aired on the New York City-owned public television station WNYC-TV (now WPXN-TV) in from 1984 to 1996. In 1996, the program moved to WNYE-TV after WNYC-TV was sold by the City to a private company.
Many artists from the Golden Age of Hip Hop made their debuts on Video Music Box. Although it is ostensibly a New York local show, its influence has been very widespread and has been considered a major factor in the growth of Hip hop music and culture.[3]
The show is hosted by Ralph McDaniels and Lionel "The Vid Kid" Martin.
Video Music Box format differed from other video shows of its era and later by eschewing a studio format. Most shows were shot on-location throughout New York City in parks, schools, and nightclubs. During interludes from videos, the hosts would often allow regular people to give shout-outs to their friends and families. Very often, the hosts would do man on the street segments where they discussed the issues of the day, such as the first Gulf War, teen sex, and issues in hip hop and music in general.
The show also began to have theme-based shows for the week, such as Slow Jams on Tuesdays, Nervous Thursdays hosted by Crazy Sam, and Old-School Fridays. Among the other hosts the show has had during its run were Tuffy and Ray Dejon.