Hot 21 Radio

Nas is stepping into the director's chair to helm a Showtime documentary on 'Video Music Box,' the pioneering Hip Hop TV show hosted by Ralph McDaniels.

Time Is Illmatic , which commemorated the 20th anniversary of his iconic debut album. He even won the Emmy for Outstanding Sports Documentary in 2011for Survival 1, an ESPN short film about the Liberian Amputee Soccer team that he directed, narrated and produced. Now, Nas is set to step into the directors chair once again for an upcoming documentary on the groundbreaking Hip Hop TV show Video Music Box, airing on Showtime on December 3. Tentatively titled Video Music Box, the film features four decades worth of never-before-seen footage as it explores the series impact and influence on Hip Hop culture. A post shared by VJ Ralph McDaniels (@videomusicbox) It also shines a spotlight on Video Music Box host and co-creator Ralph Uncle Ralph McDaniels, who became one of Hip Hops most important documentarians during the shows historic run during the 80s and 90s while directing classic videos such as Wu-Tang Clans C.R.E.A.M. and Nas It Aint Hard To Tell. Launched on New York Citys WNYC-TV (now WPXN-TV) in 1983, Video Music Box was the first TV show to play rap videos five years before Yo! MTV Raps hit screens. The pioneering series chronicled the rise of Hip Hop greats including JAY-Z, 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., Run-DMC, Wu-Tang Clan and LL COOL J while capturing many other classic moments on camera. Ralph McDaniels was the first to give us an opportunity to express our talent, Nas said of the revered Video Music Box host. Read more