| Video Music Box | |
|---|---|
 Title card | |
| Starring | |
| Narrated by | Ralph McDaniels |
| Opening theme | "Five Minutes of Funk",[2] performed by Whodini |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Production | |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Network | WNYC-TV (1983–1996) WNYE-TV (1996–present) |
| Release | 1983 – present |
| Infobox instructions (only shown in preview) | |
Video Music Box is an American music television program. The series is the first to feature hip hop videos primarily,[3][4] and was created in 1983 by Ralph McDaniels and Lionel C. Martin, who also serve as the series' hosts.[1] It aired on the New York City-owned public television station WNYC-TV (now WPXN-TV) from 1984 to 1996.
In 1996, the program moved to WNYE-TV after WNYC-TV was sold by the city to a private company. Presenting new R&B music alongside popular rap videos, the show appealed to teens and young adults.
Many artists from the Golden Age of Hip Hop made their debuts on Video Music Box. Although it is ostensibly a local show, its influence has been very widespread, and it has been considered a major factor in the growth of Hip hop music and culture.[5]
- ^ a b Williams, Chris (April 3, 2011). "Lionel C. Martin: A Pioneer In Visual Production | InTheVisuals | SoulCulture". Soul Culture. Retrieved February 25, 2015.
- ^ "5 Minutes of Funk" (1984) on YouTube
- ^ Video Music Box at IMDb
- ^ Century, Douglas, Street Kingdom: Five Years Inside the Franklin Avenue Posse. New York: Warner Books, 1999. ISBN 0-446-52266-X
- ^ J. Pablo (November 16, 2011). "Ralph McDaniels Keeps Hip-Hop Culture Moving Forward". The Village Voice. Retrieved February 25, 2015.