Hip-hop pioneer and Brooklyn native Ralph McDaniels discussed his front-row seat to hip-hop in its early years.

Since 1983, Video Music Box has been instrumental in documenting the evolution of hip-hop culture.

Affectionately known as “Uncle Ralph,” McDaniels spoke about mainstream media was ignoring hip-hop artists and their music videos.

Starting as a DJ, McDaniels explained how he knew these rappers were ready for television and why he believed the music industry didn’t take rap music seriously at first.

Fast-forward some five decades and hip-hop became an international phenomenon. McDaniels explained why it’s important to protect the legacy of hip-hop and shared some of his favorite interviews on Video Music Box.

McDaniels also celebrated the Universal Hip Hop Museum in the Bronx.