In Hip Hop History Today “Blondie released Rapture” (Video) Jan 31, 1994
The music video made it’s U.S. television debut on Solid Gold on January 31, 1981 and not only became the first rap video ever broadcast on MTV, but was part of its first 90-video rotation.Set in the East Village section of Manhattan, the “Man from Mars” or “voodoo god” (dancer William Barnes in the white suit and top hat) is the introductory and central figure. Barnes also choreographed the piece. Much of the video is a one-take scene of Debbie Harry dancing down the street, passing by graffiti artists, Uncle Sam, an American Indian, child ballet dancer and a goat. Fab Five Freddy and graffiti artists Lee Quinones and Jean-Michel Basquiat make cameo appearances. Basquiat was hired when Grandmaster Flash did not show for the filming. The UK 7″ version of the song is used in the video.
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