Video Streetwatch TV
Episode One

Here at Team Streetwatch, we've been cranking out weekly articles examining all things hip-hop. Over the past couple years, we've given you dozens of thorough stories; obscure rap history lessons, tributes to fallen emcees, ripped-from-the-headlines news updates, comical yet on-point Year in Review features, and much more. While we all know that reading is fundamental, not everybody has the patience to take in 1200 words about Grand Daddy I.U. and La The Darkman. I understand that.

But whether you're an avid bookworm or staunch literary hater, I think we can all agree on one thing: television is awesome. Since we don't quite have the clout to get our own show on cable (yet), we're giving you the next best thing. Welcome to a new era of MP3.com -- Streetwatch TV.

In our premiere episode, we sit down with undisputed hip-hop legend, A.G. Hailing from the South Bronx, Andre the Giant is part of the iconic Diggin In The Crates crew, and has been putting out classic records for over 15 years. Discovered by Lord Finesse, he's recorded extensively with his D.I.T.C. breathren, and is probably best known for his work with producer Showbiz. (If you don't already own their 1992 LP Runaway Slave, you need to go get that, pronto.) A.G. speaks candidly about growing up in New York, connecting with the crew, and holding it down throughout the years, plus gives us insight into his latest solo release Get Dirty Radio.

We also get a taste of MP3 Live, our concert series that takes you straight into the club, with an exclusive performance from MED. Down with the inimitable Stones Throw posse, MED is an underground favorite, who rocks the spot properly at Mezzanine in San Francisco. This isn't the usual drunk camera-phone footage either. Nah son, we're talking multi-angle shots and professional, straight-off-the-board audio. You know how we do it.

Lastly, we're hipping you to one of the dopest emcees in the game today, the one-and-only Melina Jones. Born and raised in the SFC, Melina has been rhyming forever and is finally about to blow up worldwide. One of our most popular unsigned artists, she's a superb lyricist, an exceptional rapper/singer, and a peerless live performer. We caught up with her in the studio and on the stage; she breaks down her history for us, and rips the mic before a surging crowd at the Poleng Lounge. Mark my words, homegirl is gonna be large.

Okay, enough rambling for now. Check out the show for yourself and let us know what you think in the comments section. The regular collumn will be back next week, and we'll have a new episode of Streetwatch TV up every other week from here on out. Hope you like it!