FULL CLIP Edutainment A few shAdy clAssics Words Jozen cummings EMINEM: Live From New York City is the type of DVD only a piece of nostalgia—from back when Slim LIVE FROM die-hard Marshall Mathers fan should consider. Shady looked like he was on top of the world. NEW YORK For those who miss the days when Slim Extras: None. Shady was arguably the biggest star in pop CITY music, Live From New York City is a collector’s Eagle Rock item worth having. Supposedly, this Madison Entertainment Square Garden performance would be The problem with most Eminem’s final concert, which is probably live concert DVDs is why he looks so amped to be onstage. With that the shows they boundless energy, Eminem rips through 28 feature never seem songs, including collaborations with Stat Quo, quite as entertain- Obie Trice and, of course, D12. ing on-screen. With constant camera shots of And with all the footage of Em sharing the screaming fans, it’s hard to shake the feeling that stage with his slain best friend, Proof, Live From you’re missing something, which is why Eminem: New York City becomes an even more essential Through the Years of Hip-Hop, Volume 1: Graffiti MVD Entertainment The four elements of hip-hop—MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti—get their just due in this DVD series. Focusing on the influence of graffiti, from its CLASSIC ALBUMS: early days as a bastardized form of street art to AUC Mix DVD, Volume 2 REASONABLE DOUBT its mainstream acceptance in the high-powered 1st Ave. Productions Eagle Rock Entertainment world of art galleries, Through the Years of Hip- The college life shown on the AUC Mix DVD is a The question of whether a classic album is Hop, Volume 1: Graffiti is an in-depth look at the different world indeed. Taking place at the Atlanta planned or happenstance will probably never be writing on the wall. University Center, as well as at various other answered, but Classic Albums: Reasonable Doubt Extras: Music videos. Black colleges, the second volume of this college makes a noble effort to do so by going behind the DVD magazine shows clips of out-of-control par- scenes of Jay-Z’s most definitive album. Featuring ties, alongside footage commentary from Mary J. Blige, Kanye West from how-to financial and Irv Gotti and footage of panels featuring art- Jay performing alongside ists like Young Jeezy Biggie, Classic Albums: and Ludacris. Sure, it’s Reasonable Doubt is a entertainment, but AUC must-have documentary Mix DVD, Volume 2 might for those who do more also be the most effective than just skim through PSA for kids who need the music. to be convinced to stay Extras: Additional inter- in school. views, promotional videos. Extras: Bonus video. 000 XXL MAGAZINE JAN/FEB 2008.