Discovering hidden gems

On a whim, one day I decided to buy the DVD of "The Chris Rock Show" Seasons 1 & 2, which date back to 1997/98. While the comedic material is typical of American humour, sometimes hilarious, sometimes a chuckle, always loud, shouting and as subtle as a bulldozer moving fine china, the ridiculous lineup of RnB/hiphop musicians that played on the show is improbable in its depth, quality and taste. 

First up, the DJ/Musical Director that Rock signed up for his show was none other than Grandmaster Flash, one of the originators and innovators of the modern hiphop movement starting in the 80s, and an oft-cited inspiration or influence of modern day artists. Rock himself grew up listening to Grandmaster Flash, and Flash was the first person he signed to be on board his show.

But to the performing artists. The first artist to perform on the show was D'Angelo with Raphael Saadiq and ?uestlove (of the Roots). After that there was a slight misnomer with Cake performing "The Distance". But then, the following artists performed, in order WITHOUT skipping a single show:

-D'Angelo

-Cake

- Maxwell

-Erykah Badu

- Puff Daddy & Ma$e

- Wyclef Jean (only just having turned solo after the disbandment of the Fugees)

-KCi & Jojo

- Missy Elliott

-LL Cool J

-Busta Rhymes

-Bobby Brown

- Rakim

-Mary J Blige

- Usher

- Salt n Pepa

- LSG (featuring the renowned voices of Gerald Levert, Keith Sweat, Johnny Gill)

Remember this list of artists is compiled against the backdrop of 1997/98. All of them without exception are superstars of RnB, whether it be from the past (Bobby Brown, Rakim, LL Cool J) to present day superstars (Wyclef, Puff Daddy, Mary J., Usher, Busta, Maxwell...) Although Grandmaster Flash must have had a hand in the selections, but look how many of that list are now superstars of the present, back then only just getting established. People used to say Chris Rock's comedy was ahead of his time, but I figure his musical taste was ahead of its time.

While I'm at it, I can't believe the Roots are the in-house band for Jimmy Fallon on the Late Show. Fantastic! Love the Roots! I'm yet to watch a show seeing as I only realised this fact, but apparently they're going to cover lots of musical genres not just hiphop, to display their versatility. Should be an intriguing watch.