YO! MTV Raps Classic Season 2 Episode 12 1992 Year in Hip Hop

In episode 12 of the second season of YO! MTV Raps Classic, viewers are taken back to the year 1992, a pivotal year in the world of hip hop. This episode explores the groundbreaking releases, events and personalities that shaped the landscape of rap during this time period.

Hosts Fab 5 Freddy and Ed Lover delve into the year with passionate enthusiasm, taking viewers through a journey of the most influential moments that defined the early nineties in rap music. They start off by introducing the biggest albums of the time, such as Dr. Dre's "The Chronic" and Ice Cube's "The Predator," which were game changers for the West Coast sound.

The hosts then delve into the drama and tension that existed between East Coast and West Coast rap, fueled by the infamous rap feud between Tupac Shakur and Notorious B.I.G. They pay homage to Tupac's landmark album "2Pacalypse Now," and discuss the energy of the West Coast scene, epitomized by artists like Snoop Dogg and Warren G.

Along with the East vs. West tension, the hosts also cover the subgenres that emerged during the time, including the rise of alternative rap with groups like De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest, and the popularity of gangsta rap with acts like N.W.A. and Ice-T.

Listeners are also introduced to the pivotal moments that defined the world of rap in 1992. This includes the infamous “Don’t Believe the Hype” public protest against the New York Post, which was organized by Chuck D and other members of Public Enemy. The event is highlighted by footage of the protest and interviews with those who participated.

Throughout the episode, Fab 5 Freddy and Ed Lover also make note of the unforgettable personalities who helped shape the era, from the outspoken Public Enemy frontman Chuck D to the smooth-talking Too $hort. The interview segments feature each artist discussing their music, their influences, and their views on the state of hip-hop in the early '90s.

As the episode draws to a close, the hosts reflect on the significant changes that took place in the rap genre during this era. They note how 1992 helped set the stage for the explosive growth of the industry which would go on to dominate popular music over the following decades.

All in all, "1992 Year in Hip Hop" is a powerful tribute to a time when hip hop was coming of age, and the music industry as a whole was on the cusp of a mighty revolution. For anyone who has a passion for this music genre and a desire to learn more about its rich history, this is a must-watch episode. So, put on your sneakers, turn up the volume, and get ready to bust a move with YO! MTV Raps Classic.