V/A--Hip Hop Time Capsule: The Best Of RETV 1992
MVD 2004
1992 was a very interesting and pivotal year for hip hop. On the one hand, you had some true classics of the genre released, as well as a new crop of acts who seemed at the time to possess long shelf life. On the other hand, gangsta rap was really blowing up during this same period, positioning itself to conquer the music world. Hip Hop Time Capsule: The Best Of RETV 1992 does a great job encapsulating this time and, in the process, illustrates many of the side effects that occured from that struggle within the world of rhyme.
One of the most refresing things about Hip Hop Time Capsule: The Best Of RETV 1992 is getting to glance back at classic clips from the best of the best, such as A Tribe Called Quest, Cypress Hill, KRS-One, and the mighty Public Enemy. It's also great fun remembering the buzz and excitement that surrounded hopeful newcomers like Das EFX and Digable Planets. Not only do you get music video clips from all these bands, and many more, you also get, in some cases, interview and freestyle footage. It's all an entertaining trip down memory lane.
As entertaining as it is, Hip Hop Time Capsule: The Best Of RETV 1992 is equally interesting. The influence of gangsta rap had already begun to creep into some of these acts and you can see it in several of the clips. Looking at the results, it's easy to see why this form of rhyme was almost killed off--when the groups comprised of kids and teenagers who had been pumping out positive messages just a year or so before started trying to come at audiences with a thug slant, there's just no way anybody could or would buy it. It all makes those who remained true to the form over the years, such as the aforementioned A Tribe Called Quest, seem even more powerful, in retrospect.
All in all, Hip Hop Time Capsule: The Best Of RETV 1992 does an excellent job capturing this specific musical moment in time. From the stock to the bonus footage, there is a wealth of valuable viewing to be had. More than just a fun romp for those who were there at the time, this DVD is important screening material for all aspiring MC's and DJ's looking to reconnect with the roots of it all. Well done.
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