THE BOX THAT ROCKS
30 Years of Video Music Box and the Rise of Hip Hop Music & Culture
Curated by Dexter Wimberly
On view March 10 – May 28, 2012
Opening Reception: Saturday, March 10 | 6-9PM
Amy Andrieux * Malik Y. Cumbo * LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs * Delphine Fawundu * Bobbito Garcia * Tahir Hemphill * Jonathan Mannion * Tim Okamura * M. Tony Peralta * Fab 5 Freddy * Ali Santana * Jamel Shabazz * Daniel Amazu Wasser
THE BOX THAT ROCKS: 30 Years of Video Music Box and the Rise of Hip Hop Music & Culture is an exhibition of contemporary art that celebrates the global influence of Video Music Box, and the show’s historic contribution to urban music and culture. In 1983, Ralph McDaniels launched Video Music Box, a groundbreaking television program that ushered in the popularity and innovation of music videos. As the show’s creator and host, and the producer and/or director of over 400 music videos, Ralph McDaniels is a pioneer whose influence is still felt throughout the music industry. It is safe to say that hundreds of Hip Hop, R&B and Dancehall artists owe their street credibility, record sales, and a great deal of their commercial success to Video Music Box.
At its inception, Video Music Box broadcasted videos from all genres of music. However, it was one of the first television programs ever to feature Hip Hop videos primarily. In the early 1980’s, networks such as MTV did not play the music videos of black recording artists. Video Music Box ushered in a new era of cultural identity, innovation and entrepreneurship. Ralph McDaniels also recognized the show’s power to speak directly to inner city youth in a way that no one else was doing at the time. Each day, McDaniels used the show as a platform to spread messages of unity, non-violence, anti-drug abuse, anti-crime, political activism and self-respect.
“I have continued to produce Video Music Box independently for over 30 years as a testament to the art form. Video Music Box is the place where classic visuals have been documented and new music continues to flourish on a television program produced by someone who controls their own content and vision,” states Video Music Box creator, Ralph McDaniels. “The show represents hope for those in the African-American and Latino community who want to express themselves freely without the chains of corporate America. The fact is that Video Music Box has always been an important outlet for those creating Hip Hop or any other genre of music. I believe that people from any race or background can learn from the show’s message of positivity and contribute to the culture.”
THE BOX THAT ROCKS is guest curated by Dexter Wimberly, and is on view from March 10 through May 28, 2012 in the museum’s main gallery at the James E. Davis 80 Arts Building in Brooklyn, New York. The show features photography, painting, mixed-media, video installation, and interactive digital art.
Digital Content:
The Shout Out an excerpt from Has Been By LaTasha N. Nevada Diggs
Ralph McDaniels: GodFather of Media
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
Screening: HomeGrown
Tuesday, March 13
6:00 – 8:00pm | MoCADA
Screening of HomeGrown: HipLife in Ghana, a documentary film about Ghanaian music group VIP (Vision In Progress) that follows their journey from the Muslim ghetto in Accra to their first international tour. Q&A with VIP following screening.
Panel Discussion
Friday, March 16
7:00 – 9:00pm | MoCADA
“Can’t we all just get along?: Integration, assimilation, and fantasies of American society” is part of the series After 1989, organized by Asian American Writers’ Workshop. Panelists include Jay Smooth, Jeff Chang, Kazembe Balagun, Hiram Perez & Hua Hsu.
Women in Hip Hop
Thursday, March 29
6:00 – 9:00pm | MoCADA
Celebrate Women’s History Month at MoCADA with a panel discussion featuring a multigenerational group of women music artists. Special reception featuring a live DJ set of music by female recording artists. Stay tuned for the official line-up!
Artist Talk
Saturday, April 7
6:00 – 8:00pm | MoCADA
Join us for a conversation in the gallery between Ralph McDaniels and exhibiting artists from THE BOX THAT ROCKS about their work and the legacy of Video Music Box. Bring your questions!
Children’s Program
Saturday, April 21
3:00 – 6:00pm | MoCADA
Calling all Children and families – Come by the museum for a children’s Hip Hop and freestyle workshop led by a local teaching artist. The workshop wil be followed by an open mic performance featuring all participants.
Video Music Box @ BAM
Tuesday, May 8
7:30 – 9:00pm
BAM Rose Cinemas | Peter Jay Sharp Building | 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn
Special screening of Video Music Box highlights and performances. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with Ralph McDaniels.
*Image credit: “Solid” by Daniel Amazu Wasser, 11×15 inches, mixed media collage on paper, 2010.