What ever happened to those raw ass music videos?

Like the title states, where did we go wrong? I remember videos like Cypress Hill, Public Enemy, GangStar and all kinds of Gangster Rap on the music video channel on local 48 or something, called "The Box". I'm pretty sure it was around the same time FOX 36 came out. That's what I had to watch to catch the latest videos cause I didn't have cable, just regular ass TV.
Anyway, they would have the videos listed and you would call in to order up a video and they would play it for a few bucks. They used to play the real underground hardcore shit that MTV and BET would censor or not even play cause it was too RAW. I remember keeping my tv on that channel and turning the volume down, and listening to 97.8 WJLB, 90.9 WDTR out of Detroit, or the University of Toledo radio shows reel 2 reel , and some shows out of U of M. All this happened at a particular time slot so there was alot of nice tunes being played and taping the shows was a way to get these songs you really couldnt hear anywhere else.
I fortunately had a Ghettoblaster with great reception that I still own today, my trusty JVC. Many irreplaceable mix tapes were made during these hours, and I lament having lost most of them. A travesty no less for a bonafide keeper of the funk.



Now getting back to the topic, careful examination of these videos will show they have a few basic things in common. Some of the videos that stood out in my mind where the ones below. Lets check em out.

Pharcyde - Drop




Cypress Hill - Hand on the Pump




Common Sense - Resurrection





Beastie Boys - So Whatcha Want?





Ok, the Basic similarities are as follows
- They all feature the said artist, Check.
- They all feature the natural environment where the artist is from. Check.
- The artists are not in costumes, as this is how the would dress in every day life. Check.

This is what I would describe as "Keeping it real" and absolutely necessary for Hip Hop. It's cool to try different things and expand and use your imagination that's just part of the art form.

BUT........

These days videos are too over the top, and I believe have lost their connection with ordinary ass people. Especially right now with the economic crisis going down. Who the hell wants to see other people rubbing it in our faces that they're poppin' mad bottles, have million dollar homes with private jets and Bentley's. That's like a kick in the face with a timbo we used to rock in 92!

Another thing that chaps my ass if the whole Dopeboy angle. Like "Oh, we sell mad dope on the streets and that's where my moneys from." Well let me tell you, the most successful drug dealers don't talk about their shit, they keep it on the low. Period. As Harry Allen, PE's Media Assasin once said "Don't believe the Hype!

How bout giving me inspiration or telling me about your hardships and how to overcome it? Thats the kind of shit I like to hear.

Sure braggadocio and swagger are cool but there is a point where you just look like a fool, and I have no pity for em'.

Peace.

Deviant P.