Lyricist Lounge: Hip Hop Video Classics

Featuring 13 memorable music videos from the emerging days of hip-hop, this 53-minute program can be viewed uncut, with onscreen lyrics (way cool!) or in a “mixtape” version that includes audio and video alterations with “scratching” by DJ Spinbad. From the heavily sampled (The Pharcyde's “Passin' Me By”; Wu Tang Clan's “C.R.E.A.M.”) to the sing-along anthems (Whodini's “Freaks Come Out at Night”; Run D.M.C.'s “Walk This Way”), this compilation provides such a wide selection that even the most discerning of hip-hop aficionados will agree with at least one of these “classic” picks. Featuring Chubb Rock, U.T.F.O., A Tribe Called Quest, Common, M.O.P., Just-Ice, and Smif-N-Wessun, standouts include Biz Markie's “Just a Friend” (a hilarious, cartoonish Beethoven spoof) and Mobb Deep's haunting “Shook Ones Pt. II.” Overall, the “mixing” techniques are creative, but not as noteworthy as the original videos themselves. DVD extras include a featurette with DJ Boogie Blind at NYC's Turntable Lab, the short “The Funk Hunt,” text artist bios, and album artwork. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams)