This week Hip Hop is celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hip Hop power group Wu Tang Clan’s debut album ‘Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers).’ In celebration of the legendary group’s success, MStars News spoke with director, Ralph McDaniels who was behind the video for the group’s hit song “C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me).”
Because of McDaniels’ knowledge in film and the hip hop industry, he developed the Video Music Box TV, which shows almost 20,000 hours of music videos, and has been accredited as associate producer for the block buster film “Juice” starring rapper, Tupac Shakur.
As director and successful entrepreneur, McDaniels opened up about working with Wu Tang Clan, and exactly how he feels about Hip Hop today and where he sees it heading 20 years from now.
Mstars News: On Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers 20th anniversary, what’s your perception of Hip Hop today?
Ralph McDaniels: Hip Hop today is more about the rap than the culture. Back in 93′, rap is what we did and Hip Hop is how we lived. The culture has been lost over the years, but it may come back.
MN: How did you see the vision for Wu Tang’s music video, C.R.E.A.M when offered to direct it?
RM: Wu-Tang’s music video C.R.E.A.M.(Cash Rules Everything Around Me) was about the struggle of inner city youth rising above the drugs, jails and difficulties of growing up in the hood. I think the song and the video reflect what was going on in the hood at that time. I wanted to capture that in the video.
MN: Did you believe then that you were directing a classic when you worked on C.R.E.A.M?
RM: You really never know if something’s going to be a classic, but in this case I knew I nailed it.(lol)
MN: Recently, Kendrick Lamar was named “Rapper of the Year” by GQ magazine for his “Control” verse. Do you think he would have been associated on the same level as the Wu Tang Clan, Nas, Jay-Z, etc. in the 1990s?
RM: I think Kendrick Lamar is an incredible artist and would have been the same in the 90’s.
MN: Have you since worked with Wu Tang on any projects? Possibly an anniversary project they may release?
RM: I did an independent movie with RZA, that was never released a few years back. RZA mentioned it in an interview recently. I’m hoping we can get that out there.
MN: Where do you see Hip Hop 20 years from now after seeing today’s talents?
RM: I think Hip Hop is right where it’s supposed to be. A lot of different sounds out there. Artist like Tyler The Creator, Joey BadA$$ and Action Bronson are setting a pace for the next crew.
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