September 06, 2006 @ 1:47 pm

Hosts With the Most

by: Celia San Miguel

Donnie Simpson, 52, BET’s Video Soul (1983–1997) HOT: The Detroit native’s soothing voice, welcoming green eyes, and inspirational closing phrase: “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll still be among the stars.” NOT: Shunned “hard-core” rappers and embraced “safer” acts. Ralph “Uncle Ralph” McDaniels, 47, WNYC-TV’s (WNYE-TV after 1996) Video Music Box (1984–present) HOT: Probably the first true hip hop VJ, this pioneer from Bed-Stuy made his name catering to folks who couldn’t afford cable. NOT: VMB damn near invented the televised shout-out, but with all the love given to mamas, grandmas, homeboys, and hairdressers, the show drove the concept into the ground. “Downtown” Julie Brown, 43, MTV’s Club MTV (1987–1992) HOT: The Welsh fly girl’s funky style—leopard-print outfits and bright red lipstick. NOT: That nasal voice. (What does “wubba, wubba, wubba” mean, anyway?) Fred “Fab 5 Freddy” Braithwaite, 45, MTV’s Yo! MTV Raps (1988–1992) HOT: The true Brooklyn b-boy brought rappers like the Beastie Boys and Leaders of the New School to the mainstream. NOT: In retrospect, some of those sunglasses and berets were questionable. James “Ed Lover” Roberts, 43, and Andre “Doctor Dre” Brown, 42, MTV’s Yo! MTV Raps (1989–1995) HOT: Refreshingly idiotic, they sprayed each other with water hoses and played the dozens with Public Enemy’s Chuck D. And who can forget the Ed Lover Dance? NOT: We’re still looking for proof that Doctor Dre can actually deejay. left Joe Clair, 37, BET’s Rap City (1993–2000) HOT: He kept us in stitches with his everyman humor and never took himself too seriously. NOT: The Marylander’s dated (even for back then) lingo. For example: “Joe Cleezy in the heezy.” Bill Bellamy, 41, MTV Beach House (1993) and MTV Jamz (1994–1999). HOT: He was goofier than your boys, yet suave enough to take your chick. After all, this Newark native did popularize the term “booty call.” NOT: The high-top fade and the strictly hits music mix (not that he was programming). Ananda Lewis, 33, BET’s Teen Summit (1995-1997) and MTV’s Total Request Live (1997–2000). HOT: The San Diego–born cutie was sassy and fun and liked to promote social consciousness. NOT: Came off, sometimes, just a tad self-righteous. Carson Daly, 33, MTV’s Total Request Live (1997–2003) HOT: He was a charismatic, everyday guy who just happened to be on TV. NOT: When rappers appeared on the show, this Santa Monica cat tried too hard to be “down.” Darian “Big Tigger” Morgan, 33, BET’s Rap City: Tha Bassment (1999–2005), BET Style (2004–2006), and 106 & Park (2005–2006). HOT: In true Bronx fashion, dude could actually rip guest MCs apart with his freestyles. NOT: He insisted on calling everybody “cousin.” Sway Calloway, MTV News (2000–present) HOT: The Oakland radio legend has a thorough knowledge of hip hop and isn’t afraid to ask controversial questions. NOT: What’s up with the crochet hats? And that candlelit interview with 50? Talk to us, Sway. Alani “La La” Vazquez, 27, MTV’s TRL and Direct Effect (2002–present) HOT: The Brooklyn-born beauty’s endearing round-the-way attitude. NOT: Has more energy than a Red Bull addict, but she’s still overshadowed by her fiancé, Carmelo Anthony. Read more vibe.com online exclusives.

Article tags: BET, Downtown Julie Brown, Free And Aj, Hosts, Joe Clair