In this month of February the Black History Month is not the only significant event to celebrate but also Ralph McDaniels’ birthday which falls on the 29th. Ralph McDaniels who is better known as “Uncle Ralph” is a true legend and a pioneer in the hip-hop culture who is an entrepreneur and a visionary who created Video Music Box, the first music video show focused exclusively to an urban market – broadcast on public television. McDaniels influence in hip-hop culture stems from the astounding success of his 20-year hip-hop music show and spans over 25 years through the millions of viewers, fans, and consumers who have supported him throughout his endeavors in radio, television, and the fashion industry.
Today, there are not a lot of hip-hop figures who work on their third decade. Have you ever thought about what Uncle Ralph means to hip-hop? How many artists got there first shot on Video Music Box? How many people create a format that is so visionary that it becomes the catalyst that is the foundation for a multinational corporate juggernaut like Viacom? How many directors got there start there? Where did Jay-Z, LL, Puff , etc …dream their music would end up on? Who invented the term ‘Shout Out’?
Since he graduated from New York Institute of Technology in 1982, Ralph McDaniels has been putting in work. From being nominated for an Emmy for his documentary on Rahway prison to being an associate producer to the Hip Hop classic Juice, who has put it down flatter. Ralph was promoting voter registration drives way before anybody ever Rocked the Vote. And try walking down Flatbush Ave, Fordham Road, 125th St, Merrick Boulevard with the man. Don’t be in a rush for you will get stopped by a community that he continues to embrace. Has anyone captured more footage of his people than Mr. McDaniels? He’s interviewed everyone from Bill Clinton, Nelson Mandella, Russell Simmons to Pookie and Dem. Arthur Schomburg would be proud.
On Saturday, February 26th, Uncle Ralph will be having his birthday party at the Sanders Studios on Waverly between Fulton and Atlantic in Downtown Brooklyn. Supporting him on the wheels of Steel will be luminaries Red Alert and Clark Kent. Of course Video Music Box will be taping and the special surprise performances will be off the hook. Come down and give some love to one of hip-hop’s trailblazing pioneers.
