inthemix | Lifestyle | Doctor Dre & Ed Lover; original sneaker freakers

Like to keep one foot in the ‘old school’ when choosing your sneakers? Yes, yes, we all do… but if you want to make sure you’re the funkiest fresh fiend on the block, then you best check out the new release of Puma Clydes which hark back to the ‘golden era’ of hip hop. More than just a spiffy marketing gimmick, the chaps at Puma have called upon some of hip hop’s pioneer identities to front the new range.

If you were a fan of all things hip hop in the late 80s and early 90s, then the TV show ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ would have been required watching. Hosted by Doctor Dre (no, not Dr Dre of NWA fame) and Ed Lover, the program ran from 1988 to 1996, and now they’re back, alongside the likes of Big Daddy Kane, MC Shan and Doug E. Fresh, for the ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ Puma range. ITM caught up with Dre and Lover recently to talk shop.

A lot of current hip-hop artists and rappers talk about how things were ‘back in the day’, but for you it’s not just all talk because you were actually there. Do you get angry when new school people start talking themselves up? Or do you just think, ‘I was there, I know what happened, and that’s all that matters’?

Ed Lover: Sometimes I get mad cause I know that they are lying about what happened “back in the day”. But it is cool to know that I know the truth!

Doctor Dre: I don’t actually get angry at the new school generation when they create from fiction, rather than fact, in regard to “hip hop’s beginnings,” how it has created such a grand empire for all to feast or famine. Yes, I have lived and created “back in the day,” as well as today and tomorrow. Hip hop is forever growing and changing and demanding from its artists as well as its fans. Those who are “new” will soon be “old”, ask Jay-Z, 50 Cent or Lil Wayne. How can Tupac or The Notorious BIG be “old school”? Impossible.

You guys co-hosted the ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ program from the late 80s until the mid 90s, did you feel like you were breaking new ground being on TV?

Ed Lover: Not really, cause when you’re involved that deeply in something you don’t realise the impact that it’s having on people. I really didn’t feel it till like 5 years after we were already done! But it’s a real honor and privilege to have been involved with something as impactful as Yo!

Doctor Dre: We hosted ‘Yo! MTV Raps Today’, from 1988 through to 1996, and not only did we break new ground on MTV but also television and film worldwide. It has been one of the most influential shows on television that united many cultures through music and lifestyles, around the world. It redefined the “hood” and “hood” mentality, and celebrated our differences and likenesses.

Doctor Dre, you were the first no doubt, but I imagine there’s often been some confusion. How many times have people gotten you and the Dr Dre of NWA fame mixed up? Any funny stories on the subject?

Doctor Dre: We are constantly getting mixed up. From the start of our famous careers, it has sort of been the thing that drives us. He as a successful music producer, and me as a successful radio, television and film entrepreneur. Most recently I pitched a television show to Fox television with Gary Kurtz [Star Wars producer], and even with my bio in hand they called his people to speak to me.

Throughout your careers you’ve done TV, film, released a book and an album. What has been keeping you guys busy lately?

Ed Lover: For me it’s been my radio career and other endeavors. I’m always into something, so life is fine for me. ETC Music Group is coming soon as well, with Ticky Diamondz our first artist.

Doctor Dre: My kids. I’m sort of ‘Daddy Day Care’ by day and a budding film producer at night. I have a few movies that I have written and will be producing in the coming years. Music is always my first love. I have something special for the radio and music world. Let’s keep that quiet for now.

What do you think of the current state of hip-hop? What artists do you like, and which ones do you think are a complete embarrassment?

Ed Lover: Some of the music I think is great, and some of it I think is fly by night. I really like TI, UGK, OutKast, Ticky Diamondz, 50 Cent, Eminem and a lot of other people. The one who I think are horrible are… there’s too many to name!

Doctor Dre: I believe hip hop will always be here. It is the most rebellious and profitable industry in entertainment today. Even when it seems to slow down, a “Public Enemy”, shows its face.

People always talk about the ‘Golden Age Of Hip-Hop’, but I’m wondering; when do you think it ended? Is there a point in time that you think back to and say, ‘yep, that’s the day hip-hop died’?

Ed Lover: The day hip hop died is the day people started taking Diddy seriously as a hip hop artist. Don’t get me wrong, he did a lot of good for the music too, but the way he killed it is by not writing his own lyrics and being successful with it! It killed some of the integrity of the music. Hip hop was built on the fact that, whatever you were saying, it was your own personal feelings. It was not written for you! After that it became more of a business than an art form.

Doctor Dre: The ‘Golden Age of Hip Hop’ is still trying to be defined by today, and yesterday’s, legends. Hip hop is a culture that is in a constant state of reinvention; what’s old is new again. Just like the Puma Clydes version of the ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ apparel with Doctor Dre and Ed Lover. Hip hop will never die!

Are you guys big sneaker freakers? Other than Puma Clydes, what else did you rock ‘back in the day’? Were Clydes your sneaker of choice?

Ed Lover: I love the Clydes and yes sir I am an addict for sneakers! If you can get your hands on a pair of Entourage Air Force Ones size 11, let a brother know. Cool? I’m a Air Force One head! I love fly kicks so of course the Clydes are a huge part of my collection, especially being from Queens.

Doctor Dre: I am a ridiculous sneaker junkie! I have worn quite a few brands in the past, and I have worn Puma Clydes since I was in the 5th grade! When Puma came out with the classic black with gold stripes suede joints I had to have them. My brother got me my first pair, and while many of the rich kids would rock the Stan Smith Puma, the hood had to be cool with Clydes!

For the full lowdown on the ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ range from Puma, check out their website at www.puma.com.

Check this classic ‘Yo! MTV Raps’ clip on YouTube with Wu-Tang Clan.