Get Ready to Dive Deep into Hip Hop’s History with YouTube’s FIFTY DEEP Celebration
If you’re a true hip hop head like us here at Happy, you’ve probably found yourself endlessly looping your favourite music videos from the golden era of MC Lyte, Tupac, Biggie, De La Soul, Run DMC, and Dr. Dre.
Thanks to the digital marvel that is YouTube, we’ve been granted the power to transport ourselves back in time, grooving to the beats that defined generations. And this year, as hip hop marks its impressive half-century milestone, YouTube is joining the party with its own celebratory shindig, aptly named FIFTY DEEP.
Now, we all know YouTube hasn’t been around since the dawn of hip hop, but it’s undeniable that the platform has become a living time capsule for the genre. From the gritty beginnings to the polished modern bangers, every era of hip hop is alive and kicking on YouTube.
So, what’s the deal with FIFTY DEEP, you ask? Well, prepare yourself for a whirlwind tour through five decades of hip hop evolution, as YouTube is rolling out a slew of mind-blowing activations to honour this monumental moment in music history.
A Hip Hop Video Library Like No Other
The FIFTY DEEP Library is where the magic happens. Brace yourself for a collection of two thousand hip hop videos that have rewritten the rules of the game. These iconic visuals will be compiled into YouTube Music playlists like “Fifty Deep,” “Fashion Killas,” “Sunny Daze,” “It’s The Remix,” and “Street Code.”
Get ready to relive your favourite jams and discover hidden gems that shaped the genre. From nostalgic beats to cutting-edge tracks, this is your chance to revel in the ultimate hip hop experience.
Unleash the Producer in You
Ever wondered where the biggest artists find their inspiration? Look no further than the “Type Beats” featured on YouTube’s homepage. Producers are crafting the future’s chart-toppers right before our eyes, and major artists are tapping into this creative goldmine.
Want to vibe like Drake or Lil Baby? Simply search for “Drake-Type Beats” or “Lil Baby-Type Beats,” and you’ll be inundated with mind-blowing instrumentals. Remember that Lil Nas X “Old Town Road” you couldn’t get out of your head? It all started with a “type beat.” Brace yourself for a podcast extravaganza as well—because why not?
Hip Hop’s Grand Celebration @ Yankee Stadium
August 11 is the date to circle in red on your calendar. YouTube is dropping a monumental live stream event you simply can’t miss. Hip Hop 50 Live @ Yankee Stadium is set to shake the digital world. Mass Appeal’s official channel, presented by Google Pixel, will exclusively broadcast this star-studded concert.
Picture this: Run DMC, Lil Wayne, Nas, Snoop Dogg, Lil’ Kim, Cam’ron, Common, Fat Joe, Ghostface Killah, Lupe Fiasco, Remy Ma, Slick Rick, Wiz Khalifa, T.I., Trina, and more of your favourite iconic artists all under one virtual roof. Prepare to be transported to a world where the beats never stop and the energy is electric.
Hip Hop Education Hits the Streets
YouTube isn’t stopping at just a virtual celebration. They’re hitting the streets to bring hip hop education to the masses. With the YouTube Avenues program, in collaboration with Wallo267, they’re venturing into Atlanta, New Orleans, Baltimore, Raleigh/Durham, and Miami. It’s about bringing the culture to the people and empowering the next generation of hip hop enthusiasts.
Hip Hop Goes High Art
Google Arts & Culture is diving into the mix, featuring the FIFTY DEEP music collection as part of their innovative new hub. This hub isn’t just about music; it’s about showcasing a mosaic of cultural institutions’ collections and curated stories. Hip hop’s legacy will be on full display, connecting the genre’s roots to the broader cultural landscape.
So, whether you’re a die-hard hip hop aficionado or just someone who can’t resist the groove, FIFTY DEEP on YouTube is your golden ticket to relive, rediscover, and immerse yourself in the essence of hip hop’s incredible journey. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare for an unforgettable celebration of half a century of beats, rhymes, and life.
