Uncle Ralph' knows Hip Hop

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- It is not where you came from, but it is where you are going. That’s what students heard from the mouth of Hip-Hop pioneer Ralph “Uncle Ralph” McDaniels.

The Hip-Hop video pioneer spoke to students as a guest of Florida A&M’s Hip-Hop Institute and music studies led by led professor Dr. Kawachi Clemons and another Hip-Hop legend Christopher Martin, more commonly known as “Play”, from 90’s duo Kid and Play. Over 150 students had the privilege of hearing the story and motivating words from McDaniels in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication’s lecture hall.

“At first I did not know exactly who he was, but when I did my research I got excited” Jabari Payne said. “It was an honor to be amongst a Hip-Hop legend.”

McDaniels looks at speaking to students about his story and path to greatness as opportunity to help motivate young inspiring students. “I definitely enjoy talking to young people, especially African Americans about getting into the business” McDaniels said. “A lot of kids just need some motivation or to see someone they can relate to doing something they wish or aspire to be a part of.”

McDaniels is the president of Uncle Ralph Productions, an on-air personality in New York, and also the founder and still anchor of the Video Music Box, one of the first shows to air Hip-Hop music videos. He is credited with directing and producing more than 300 videos, including Nas’s “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” Wu-Tang’s “C.R.E.A.M.,” and Black Moon’s “Who Got Da Props?”

After the lecture portion, students had the opportunity to address “Uncle Ralph” and ask him a few questions. “Myself being interested in film and editing I learned a lot from his lecture.” Payne, the journalism student from Miami, would add. “One major thing he said that I will remember forever is, to make music videos go beyond the words of the song and what the video is talking about.”

McDaniels is one of the many speakers that has graced the campus of Florida A&M. FAMU is continuing to use outside prominent figures to help motivate students to achieve the universities motto of excellence with caring. “I love the fact that FAMU is always willing to bring someone in about their profession, McDaniels is truly a step out of the norm for most journalism students that don’t want to just focus on crime-fighting news” said Dan Mathis, the graduating Economics student from Ft. Lauderdale.

One last thing that McDaniels tell students was, “It’s not going to be easy because you can make a lot of money in this business. Any way you’re going to make good money, they don’t want you to get it, so just be aware of that. McDaniels said. “There are going to be some hurdles to stop you from getting that money, but you got it, just stay focused.”