The Raw Report DVD-Magazine
The Raw Report DVD-Magazine is a quarterly released DVD magazine series that focuses on the extensive culture of both mainstream and underground hip-hop, while combining key formulas of a print magazine.
The Raw Report DVD-Magazine was founded in early 2003 as a website entitled “Back Stage Pass”, but quickly transformed into a DVD-Magazine later the same year. The Raw Report DVD-Magazine, exclaims its content is “Hip Hop in its RAWEST form!” because of the access and more realistic environment in which they capture hip-hop artist and figures. The style of the content featured on The Raw Report is street oriented, but professional editing makes it a strong competitor for mainstream media, especially with more realistic approach to the hip-hop sub-culture. As of August 2006, The Raw Report had released nine full length DVD’s which includes a special edition catalog entitled “Platinum Plus Series” for rappers Saigon (Welcome to Saigon), Ludacris (Ludacris…presents Disturbing tha Peace) and the widely popular DVD from Def Jam artist, Young Jeezy (Trap or Die). Bad Boy Entertainment artist, Yung Joc is reportedly next in line, working with The Raw Report for his special edition DVD. In addition to the “Platinum Plus Series”, The Raw Report releases a quarterly Volume issue, which is a collection of segments based on current music and trends and also popular events. Their Volume 4 issue was released in July 2006.
Controversy
The Raw Report DVD-Magazine has been involved with two major issues within the hip-hop industry, the first being with the Black Mafia Family (B.M.F.) The Raw Report was the first to showcase the glitz and glamour of the organization with an in depth promotional DVD for B.M.F. Entertainment artist, Bleu DaVinci.
The second controversial issue The Raw Report has been associated with includes Disturbing tha Peace/Def Jam artist Field Mob. Footage from the DTP DVD was re-edited and spread across the internet, with Field Mob artist Shawn Jay and Smoke heavily criticizing and mocking East Coast Rappers. Geffen Records, Disturbing tha Peace and The Raw Report DVD-Magazine have all released statements explaining and denouncing the situation.