Video Soul and Rap City, two of the biggest shows in Black music history, will be rebooted according to hosts Donnie Simpson and Big Tigger.
Simpson announced the return of Video Soul on Twitter. He also shared a trailer featuring a slew of stars, including Tichina Arnold, Yung Joc and Keke Palmer.
I’ve been waiting to say this for 25 years now…Video Soul Is Back!!!
I can’t tell you how many people over the years have suggested that I bring it back. I told them I would & today it’s official. Video Soul is live and free on #Tubi right now.https://t.co/jrHxQR748j pic.twitter.com/syAxrTbW3v
— Donnie Simpson (@DonnieSimpson) September 29, 2021
“I’ve been waiting to say this for 25 years now,” Simpson wrote on Wednesday. “Video Soul Is Back!!! I can’t tell you how many people over the years have suggested that I bring it back. I told them I would & today. It’s official. Video Soul is live and free on #Tubi right now.”
Video Soul ran from 1981 until the mid-90s and aired on BET, per Vibe Magazine. The show provided a platform for R&B and soul artists who were often overlooked by mainstream media outlets. Simpson was the original host and will return for the reboot. The show is responsible for some iconic moments, including the on-air New Edition reunion and a controversial interview with R. Kelly and the late Aaliyah.
A day after Simpson’s announcement, Big Tigger announced Rap City is coming back.
“This is not a drill,” Big Tigger captioned a picture of himself sitting on the show’s set. “This is not a throwback. #RapCity21!! Details soon. #RapCityRaisedMe #ATL.”
The original Rap City premiered on BET in 1989 and lasted until 2008, according to HipHopDX. Rap City often covered underground hip-hop, compared to the more mainstream Yo! MTV Raps.
The return of both shows was well received by the public.
Rap City & Video Soul announcing returns in the same week of 2021. Wow.
— dj tony tone (@mistamonotone) October 1, 2021
I remember me and my grandma would watch this when I spent the night over her house. Glad to see it’s return. https://t.co/FNpLndq1wM
— rell (@Rello7) September 30, 2021
Congratulations Mr Simpson & welcome back on Television where you belong! Video Soul was a cultural movement ! Thank you for continuing to service the people w Excellence of the Arts! Living legend! Let me go find #Tubi #DonnieSimpsonVideoSoul pic.twitter.com/r4kLjbuTyI
— Terence (@Tmusiclover1) September 29, 2021
“I remember me and my grandma would watch this when I spent the night over her house. Glad to see its return,” one person wrote about Video Soul.
“I’m glad he getting back on the air. I already don’t like to listen to most of the rappers out today. I know they barely could do 16 bars. I’m sure it’ll be entertaining nonetheless,” said one Rap City fan.
Y’all see the booth, Rap City is coming back!!! pic.twitter.com/GanRTjxFTv
— IAMNJERA (@IAMNJERA) September 30, 2021
I'm glad he getting back on the air. I already don't like to listen to most of the rappers out today. I know they barely could do 16 bars. I'm sure it'll be entertaining nonetheless. #rapcity21 #rapcity pic.twitter.com/pSxftM0XVd
— Dungeon Cat (@GoldenButJuicy) September 30, 2021
The first six episodes of Video Soul are streaming on Tubi.
Your move, 106 and Park.
