Hip-hop finally hits MTV with Yo! MTV Raps

MTV may now be associated with continual documentaries about rich kids, but for a decade the channel was synonymous with actual music. Hip-hop was initially notable by its absence, resulting in frequent criticism of the channel by rappers and fans alike. In 1988, the channel finally responded and Yo! MTV Raps was born. Hosted by Fab 5 Freddy alongside colourful duo Ed Lover and Doctor Dré, with a sprinkling of roundtable discussions and live performances, the show presided over a boom in hip-hop videos. Yo! MTV Raps ran for 11 years until 1999, by which point hip-hop no longer needed a specialist show.