MTV's top five greatest on-air rap moments

Categories: Lists

0805_od.jpg
​Oh, MTV. There has been no greater platform for fuckery's finest and the brilliance of unfiltered musician craziness than Music Television's many segments. Whether drunken freestyles, acceptance speech interruptions, or classic moments in live performance, hip-hop rightfully lived and thrived right in the heart of the MTV studios. We've got the top five on-air moments in MTV rap history.

5. Fab 5 Freddy interviews Tupac and Digital Underground

One thing MTV was always good for was introspective interviews with the artists. In this clip, Freddy lets 'Pac just go off about his recent arrests, music and the supposed "juice" he garnered as a rap artist. Most compelling moments: watching a young 2Pac using his prolific and rabble rousing tones that would later make him one of rap's greatest.

4. Notorious B.I.G. performing "Juicy" live on The Grind in 1995

First of all, please check Biggie in a signature Coogi sweater in the summertime. He was cool like that. Also, this is one of his better performances of this song, which was at its height at the time of airing. The voice is clear and the reasons we all love Biggie are totally apparent in this performance.

3. Kanye interrupts Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at VMAs

Ooooooh. The interruption heard round the world and the moment when the word 'Kanye' became a verb. You know how it went, sweet little young thang approaches to accept her hard earned award, besting Beyonce and a bevy of other pop divas, when Kanye snatches the microphone proclaiming that "Beyonce had the best video of all time!" The good news? 'Ye took a break and came back with My Dark Twisted Fantasy. Who needs therapy when you can make a perfect rap album?

2. Jay-Z and Alicia Keys get Kanye'd by Lil Mama at the 2010 VMA's

What in the absolute hell possessed Lil Mama to saunter up on the stage and join both NY titans for what was supposed to be a huge finale at the award show two years ago? Jay-Z, who is usually cool as a cucumber couldn't hide how awkward the entire exchange was.

1. Ol' Dirty Bastard's drunken freestyle on Yo! MTV Raps

This clip begs so many questions: Why in the hell was Dirty wasted during his segment? Where were his handlers? Oh who cares. Check Russell Jones getting down with more rhythm in his inebriation than many rappers have in their self proclaimed swag. RIP, Ason Unique!

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Music Newsletter: Keep your thumb on the local music scene with music features, additional online music listings and show picks. We'll also send special ticket offers and music promotions available only to our Music Newsletter subscribers.

Privacy Policy
Sign up for free stuff, news info & more!

Tools

Clubs

Events

Browse Voice Nation
  • Voice Places

    Voice Places

    Discover restaurants, nightlife, travel, shopping...

  • VOICE Daily Deals

    VOICE Daily Deals

    Get 50 to 90% off every day on restaurants, movies, massages...

  • Best Of

    Best Of...

    More than 10,000 of the BEST things to eat, drink, and experience

  • My Voice Nation

    My Voice Nation

    Join the Village Voice community and get exclusive deals and info

  • Happy Hour

    Happy Hour

    Your local Happy Hour guide at your fingertips

or

Log in or Sign up

Social Connect:

Use your favorite account to access My Voice Nation.


Use your My Voice Nation account to log in:





Forgot password?
or

Sign Up or Log in

Social Connect:

Sign up for My Voice Nation with your preferred network.


Sign up for a My Voice Nation account:



Privacy policy