Emerging filmmaker Nas gives an inside view to Ralph McDaniels and his fabled Video Music Box, a television staple of New York City since the 1980s. Hip-hop fans who grew up outside of the range of WNYC TV or are on the younger side can more than put a face to the name: host/producer McDaniels and his show are given a loving tribute with a thorough history and seemingly total access to the treasure trove that is the thousands of hours of the show archive.
The endeavor is a natural vehicle for gifted storyteller Nas, who affectionately honors and revives classic hip-hop figures and touchstones in his otherwise deeply introspective music. That love Nas has shown over his musical career is fully returned here with open and thoughtful interviews with those involved and a who's who in hip-hop and beyond offering their mostly glowing commentary on and touching recollections of the pioneering show and creator. Those no longer with us appear in well-preserved archive footage. Sincere appreciation for McDaniels and company's authenticity in bringing music that started out in the park to a wider audience echoes throughout and allows Nas to explore the history and evolution of hip-hop culture and music overall. You're Watching Video Music Box and never forget that, but it's one of the finest documentaries about hip-hop I've seen. Nas nails the cultural impact and significance here while keeping it fun and fairly light, and it is an absolute joy to watch. Shoutout to Mass Appeal.