25 years in the game, a living legend returns to hold down the Festival
June, 23 2008
For the third straight year legendary VJ and Hip-Hop pioneer Ralph McDaniels will serve as host of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival.
Uncle Ralph, as he is also affectionately known, has been hosting the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival since it moved to Empire Fulton Ferry State Park in 2006. More than just a host Ralph has been an ambassador for the Festival. "A student of Hip-Hop will know that you cannot underestimate the importance of Ralph McDaniels and Video Music Box. He saw the need to archive and document our culture before MTV, and before YouTube. Without him I am not sure Hip-Hop as an art form or as a business would be the multi- billion dollar industry that it is. We are his children and the Festival is a continuation of the trailblazing spirit manifested by Ralph and all of our other elders," Wes Jackson, Festival Chair and Executive Director.
Uncle Ralph is also celebrating 25 years of Video Music Box, his groundbreaking music video show. In the 80's, Video Music Box was the only place to see music videos for much of New York City. Before Yo MTV Raps!, or 106th and Park there was one game in town, Video Music Box. Video Music Box gave Ralph the platform to help launch the careers of Jay Z, Black Moon, A Tribe Called Quest, KRS ONE, De La Soul, Leaders Of The New School and more. In addition to continuing to host and produce Video Music Box, Ralph also hosts "The Bridge" on WNYC. "The Bridge" focuses on classic videos and interviews from legendary groups and artists.
The Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival takes place July 10th - 12th Ralph McDaniels will be hosting the Main Day at Empire Fulton Ferry State Park on July 12th
Tickets are available at Fat Beats NYC, Halcyon in DUMBO, Brooklyn and via www.brooklyn bodega.com, the Festival's home site.
Brooklyn Bodega
John Davis
john@brooklynbodega.com
Brooklyn Bodega
Craig Hackey
craig@brooklynbodega.com
