Yo! MTV Raps

Definition

An MTV show that premiered in 1988 and showcased hip-hop and rap music videos, becoming instrumental in bringing rap from underground culture to mainstream television and helping launch the careers of major hip-hop artists.

Example Usage

Yo! MTV Raps was groundbreaking—it gave rappers like Run-D.M.C. and LL Cool J nationwide exposure when hip-hop was still considered niche.

Origin

The show's title mimics the greeting 'Yo!' common in hip-hop vernacular of the era.

Fun Fact

Hosted by Fab 5 Freddy and Yo! MTV Raps was so successful in popularizing hip-hop that it's often credited with bringing rap music to suburban and rural white audiences.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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