Major media outlets such as BET, Hot 97, and the now defunct Vibe Magazine are known to the masses as primo places to access Hip Hop. However, those who are more selective about their Hip Hop media consumption understand that those outlets barely scratch the surface. To knowledge-wealthy individuals who have followed Hip Hop media in New York City for the last two decades, Kevin Keith is known as a trailblazer.
Kevin has been immersed in the culture since the beginning, and in the late ‘80s he began drenching New York with his vision of quality Hip Hop. He did this by developing innovative programming for both radio and television. Avid followers of true Hip Hop that are old enough to have experienced New York Hip Hop radio in the ‘90s appreciate that his nods to artists by playing their music was an integral component of helping along many careers. Media savvy artists, some now superstars, who were the benefactors of interviews and radio play also know who supported them during the lean years. And, those within the Hip Hop music industry—inside of record labels during the early ‘90s—know his contributions to their artists’ success. His show was a launching ground for many artists. Those who only acknowledge media from commercial broadcasting, still felt his presence because influential commercial broadcasters listened to grassroots programming such as Kevin Keith and the Dirty Dozen show to help pick up tidbits of authenticity for their own programs. Today, nearly two decades after his first broadcast on radio, Kevin is still broadcasting in New York, however, for the last decade, it’s been on television, on his comedy show DaMented Mindz. Regardless of your stance, if you want to know about a true player and innovator within the medium of Hip Hop radio and television, meet Kevin Keith.
You’ve been involved in Hip Hop since the 80s. In many ways you were a New York City radio trailblazer for the genre. Can you tell me a little bit about your motivation for Kevin Keith and the Dirty Dozen?
Kevin Keith and the Dirty Dozen was designed to shake up (at the time what I viewed to be) a boring NYC radio format. I decided to play album cuts from new releases(deejays were only spinning singles they were instructed to play by the labels. I didn’t care about that). I also played unreleased tracks and albums 6-8 months before they were set to drop (to this day I refuse to name my inside sources). I was the first deejay to play background music while speaking on the air…How crazy is that? I also introduced the first female co-host to New York radio, created games like “Just a Sample” in which the listeners had to guess the original song sampled by a hip hop producer and managed to bring a rotating crew of twelve radio
personalities to the airwaves.
Who are some of your most memorable guests?
Tracy Morgan was memorable…Mainly because it was his first radio interview. This was pre-SNL. Hell, pre-anything! He seemed so unsure of himself. Definitely NOT the guy we see today. He was cool though. Very humble. O.D.B. was also unlike his image. He pulled me to the side and in his most sincere voice said, ” I love you guys, ‘cuz you’re a family.” I remember talking Common’s ear off at his first NY radio interview, telling him about the importance of being socially conscious. Years later when he veered away from the harder edged material I thought about that conversation. Anyway, those are a few.
I remember going to your studios in the early ’90s, it was a who’s who of Hip Hop, in fact the lobby was packed with Hip Hop players trying to get upstairs and on the show, can you share some memories from those early days?
I remember The Zulu Nation spilling out from our lobby onto the street outside. Who wouldn’t want them as guests? ‘Cept they were uninvited and 100 deep. Nearly beating someone down on the air for repeatedly cursing was fun and post show meals with Trendz of Culture,The Troubleneck Bros. & Fat Man Scoop were always good for a laugh.
(pictured- On forums, fans still trade their homemade copies of Kevin Keith’s influential Hip Hop radio show.)
After a decade of rocking the airwaves on Saturday nights in New York City, what caused you to choose to stop broadcasting?
Growing pains. The times were a’changing(smile). Seriously though, we started to move in separate directions. Things that once were fun WEREN’T anymore. When I left, a few members carried on for a little while…Then the station went AM. ‘Guess that was a sign.
Can you discuss the origins of Da Mented Mindz and some of the early concepts for the show?
Da Mented Mindz was designed to fill the void left by IN LIVING COLOUR. Damn, we HAVE been around a long time! We were the new kids on the block hittin’ ’em hard with our twisted comic sensibilities. My goal was to change the look of public access TV. Before Da Mented, everyone used one camera angle & sat in front of a white background; ranting about nonsense. After Da Mented, everyone’s comedy show looked like ours. Organizing the cast was easy. They were all people I met through my years on radio.
I remember you had gotten flack over a show that parodied Sean Combs, it was covered, I believe in New Yorker magazine, can you discuss other memorable events from your decade long running TV show?
The New York magazine article was a highlight. Thanks Puff (smile). Lets see, other memorable events would be cops putting guns to our heads, thinking we were gonna shoot a cast member while filming our SEVEN spoof – SIX AND A HALF…Yeah, that was a laugh riot. Filming a reality show spoof with Bobby Moynihan, a new Saturday Night Live cast member, was very cool. Hmm, the love we get from viewers whenever we’re out on the street is ALWAYS memorable. They quote the skits, sing the theme song, take pictures with us when we’re looking our worst…Just like real celebrities! (Ha Ha)
You’ve been a Harlem native for your entire life, can you discuss how Hip Hop has changed in New York throughout the years?
Hip Hop has gone from being incredible music I will always remember to annoying music I am trying to forget. Ringtone raps and Crunk and commercialized crap! Where are the innovative lyrics and beats we used to live for? Hip Hop needs quality control! As a culture we
didn’t do our part for the next generation. We were supposed to show them the difference between good and bad hip hop. Instead, we matured, tossed the music aside and left it to rot. It was easy for the hip hop music industry to swoop in, remove all intelligent content, dilute the music and serve it up to the youth. The kids can’t be blamed if this is all they’re being “fed.” I still have faith that a few powerful minds will become aware enough to work together to overthrow this insidious system…You can probably tell I’m a little upset.
What do you think Hip Hop needs to get back to its glory days?
Hip Hop needs a collective of talented artists who have studied what’s come before and possess the skill and drive to expand on what they’ve learned in order to take the music to heights never imagined. Only then can the art form grow.
Who would you currently recommend as far as listening to musically?
Tanya Morgan are the leaders of the new movement in hip hop. In a perfect world, everyone would already know who they are and
appreciate what they are accomplishing. This group may not have attained material wealth as of yet but I find it ironic that their
material contains a wealth of lyrical gems lesser emcees can’t begin to compete with.
How can people catch up with Da Mented Mindz in NYC?
People in NYC can catch Da Mented Mindz Sundays 11: 30pm ( ch.67-MNN) and Wednesdays at midnight (ch. 35 & 68 – BCAT). For anyone else,
we’re all over YOUTUBE.
I know you are a huge independent film supporter. Can you suggest a few names of quality films, and places to catch great indie cinema in New York City?
CITY OF GOD is a fantastic film which details the realities of life in the slums of Brazil. The cinematography is immediately eye catching; stunning. The story will compel you to watch in the same manner as THE GODFATHER films.
BAGHEAD by the Duplass Brothers is another indie film worth checking out. Supposedly a pseudo horror film, this cinematic jewel turns out to be so much more. Very clever.
Besides the old standbys, (The Angelika and The Film Forum) The Landmark & Lincoln Center theatres are ideal.
(Kevin Keith is currently doing stand up comedy gigs and has performed regularly NYC, making appearances at The Gotham Comedy Club.)
Interview and story by Israel Vasquetelle.
