DVD: Hip Hop The Collection. The Classics.

DVD Reviewed by Marcie

Editor's Rating:  

(7 /10)

Starring: Various Artists

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In the world of music, the word ‘Classic’ is defined by a track that will forever be remembered, can be found in any good DJ’s record bag and will always hold a place in that scene.

In this instance ‘Classic’ is used loosely, because although some tracks on the compilation deserve that title, such as Party Up, others are essentially overplayed club joints, such as Be Faithful and a few are novelty tracks such as Because I Got High.

Hip Hop The Collection. The Classics features hip hop and R&B songs from 1982 - 2005. A compilation will almost always have definite hits but also skip-worthy near misses. This one is the same. Regulate, for example, is undeniable. It was Warren G and Nate Dogg’s first commercial success and the main single from the Above the Rim soundtrack. On the down side, Stereo MC’s Step It Up is about as exciting as watching Ja Rule eat cereal.

A video compilation must not only consist of dope tracks, but memorable videos to boot. LL Cool J’s Phenomenon, for example, is so in-your-face and over-blinged you can’t help but be entertained. Ashanti’s Foolish earned its classic status with a video directed by Martin Scorsese. Foolish is a take off of the gangster movie Goodfellas, with at least two direct scenes from the film and features actor Terrence Howard.

The kick off track, Grandmaster Flash’s The Message, has been remixed, chopped into breaks and sampled so many times that even those not in the urban music scene know it. There are tracks that go beyond the bling and booty-shaking to show us the political and meaningful side of hip hop such as Black Eyed Peas’ pre-Fergie hit Joints and Jam and City High’s What Would You Do?.

The DVD also illustrates the major eras of hip hop. A significant one was the comeback of one of the best producers in the hip hop game, Dr Dre. He’s not shy about making this known on Forget about Dre and proves he’s still ahead of the pack with the gangsta jam Still Dre.

Next up was the reign of Murder Inc and too many tracks from Ja Rule. And just when we feared gangsta rap had died with 2pac and Biggie came the first major single by G-Unit, Stunt 101. A new era of hip hop was born. No longer was it just cars, weed and money, it is now merchandise - from the hat on your head, white tee on your back, chain round your neck and kicks on your feet. At least the 50 Cent generation does come good with the videos. Just check out the final track, Candy Shop, the ultimate male fantasy. Love him or hate him, the guy has been shot nine times and still lives - it doesn’t look like he’ll be going anywhere soon. So until the next generation of classics are born… G-G-G-G-unit!