The Bridge (2005)

This special two hour episode of The Bridge features the original artists who provided the soundtrack for hip hop culture in New York City. Early hip hop pioneers like Afrika Bambattaa and Grand Master Flash, and icons like Run DMC, LL Cool Jay and Queen Latifah are featured in videos that helped to define hip hop and shape its evolution in New York City. Join Ralph McDaniels and Tiffani Webb, as they hang under the Brooklyn Bridge and showcase influential videos from the all-stars of hip hop’s golden era.

This episode of The Bridge looks at local hip hop stars that have turned platinum hits into Hollywood stardom. Featuring videos from notable rappers turned thespians such as Queen Latifah and LL Cool J, this episode also looks at the tinsel town talents of artists such as Kid N Play and The Fat Boys. Coming to you from New York’s Times Square, tune in as Ralph and Tiffani explore the hip hop Hollywood connection on this episode of The Bridge.

The art of storytelling has been central to hip hop music since its inception. Whether focusing on MC skills, light hearted tales from the hood, or critiques of social conditions, early storytellers provided a window into hip hop's origins. Ralph and Tiffani travel to Washington Square Park in the Village for this episode of The Bridge featuring videos from old school hip hop's greatest storytellers, including Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick and Biz Markie.

This episode of The Bridge is the first installment of a special two part series featuring classic hip hop duos. Whether rapper/DJ combos or MC tag teams, this episode showcases some of the best one two punches from hip hop’s early days. Join Ralph and Tiffani as they hang out in Harlem and present classic videos from Eric B. and Rakim, EPMD, and Nice & Smooth.

This episode of The Bridge is the second installment of a special two part series featuring classic hip hop duos. The vast majority of early hip hop duos came from the streets of New York City and this episode celebrates the classic combos that paved the way for contemporary duos such as Outkast, Blackstar and Dead Prez. Join Ralph and Tiffani as they take it to the streets Uptown and showcase videos from Harlem’s own Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, as well as Gang Starr, Eric B and Rakim and BDP.

This special episode of The Bridge takes a unique look at the videos that influenced the birth of the hip hop video art form. Hip hop music evolved during a period when popular music was pushing the bounds of experimentalism and musical genres were blurred with the convergence rock, soul, punk, techno, and new wave. Join Ralph and Tiffani in New York’s Times Square as they showcase an eclectic mix of significant videos from The Clash, The Talking Heads, Herbie Hancock, Run D.M.C. and Public Enemy.

“Dancin on the dance floor/Girl, it's you that I adore/Step off stage, they scream for more/Native Tongues got rhymes galore.” These lyrics from De La Soul’s classic hip hop hit “Buddy,” represent a calling card for the early hip hop collective known as the Native Tongues Posse. This episode of The Bridge is the first of two installments that explore the musical collaborations of this hip hop family comprised initially of The Jungle Brother’s, Queen Latifah, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest. Join Ralph, Tiffani and special guest DJ Red Alert as they hang out in New York’s Union Square and showcase videos from these artists and others that helped bring socially-conscious hip hop to the mainstream.

Hip hop music has always reflected prevailing social realities and rap artists have often assumed the role of spokespeople for the communities they represent. This episode of The Bridge features classic artists who made a point of creating music with a message. Join Ralph and Tiffani as they visit Downtown Brooklyn and make a pit stop at the Junior’s for some world famous cheesecake. Featured artists include Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Boogie Down Productions, Public Enemy, 3rd Base and X-Clan.

The second of a two part installment, this episode of The Bridge features videos from hip hop artists that emerged during the late 1980s and early 1990s to form the Native Tongues. Known for their positive lyrics and jazz and soul infused beats, they often collaborated on songs and appeared in videos together to cross promote their work. Inspired by hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa, the Native Tongues included core members Del La Soul, The Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, A Tribe Called Quest and Monie Love, as well as Black Sheep and Leaders of the New School. Join Ralph and Tiffani as the present classic Native Tongue videos from Union Square Park.

Every musical genre has its sex symbols and classic hip hop is no exception. This special episode of The Bridge is for the grown and sexy and features early hip hop stars that made an impact with their music and their sex appeal. Join Ralph and Tiffani as they hang out in lower Manhattan and showcase a variety of classic videos from hop hop’s biggest sex symbols, including LL Cool J, Salt N Pepa, Big Daddy Kane, and Father MC.

Do you remember those old school hip hop jams that lasted the entire summer? What about the classic cuts that still motivate the crowd when they come on at a party? Well this episode of The Bridge features old school anthems that are sure to get you out of your seat. Chill with Ralph and Tiffani as they hang out at the base of The Manhattan Bridge and feature videos from Naughty by Nature, Biz Markie, Whodini, and Chubb Rock.

The saying goes, “Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” This episode of The Bridge is all about the great women that were actually at the forefront of hip hop at its birth in NYC. Skilled lyricists and great storytellers abound in this episode featuring the ladies of hip hop’s golden era. Join Ralph and Tiffani from the world famous Roxy night club during a celebration for the first season of The Bridge. Look for featured videos by Queen Latifah, Monie Love, MC Lyte, and Roxanne Shante as well as special guest appearances by hip hop legends DJ Premiere, Gregg Nice, and DJ Polo.

In almost every musical genre you will find artists that are labled "underground". Characterized by unorthodox styles that defy categorization, a willingness to push musical boudaries, and a fiercely loyal and sometimes cult-like fanbase, they often create works that actually define the genre. In this special episode of The Bridge, Ralph digs deep into the crates to showcase videos from hip hop's underground pioneers. Join Ralph as he hangs out at Opus 22, NYC's hottest turntable lounge, and presents videos from artists such as KMD, Main Source, Organized Konfusion, Diamond D and Black Moon.