Let’s face it. Most of us don’t remember the glory days of MTV. The music videos were on a constant stream. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, you could tune in and watch these (typically) great forms of media; videos set to the song of your favorite artists. Some following plots to the t and others being abstract and weird and perfect for the MTV Generation.

MTV’s first video ever played was “Video Killed The Radio Star” by The Buggles. The showing of The Buggles’ video set an ironic set of events in motion. MTV started moving away from music, exploring pop culture and whatever was “in”, instead of featuring artists with cool, original videos.

Nowadays, MTV’s programming block consists of warning others about Internet dating with Catfish, quirky “different” comedy, New Girl and the parade of online stupidity that is Ridiculousness. With programs like these, MTV has only two hours (from 4 a.m. to 5) dedicated to videos. Who’s up watching videos at 4 a.m.? Practically no one. MTV has fallen to the teenie boppers and exists in a state of trying to stay relevant and leeching as much money out of anything they possibly can.

There is one glimmering speck of hope out in this sea of memes, tasteless humor and Jersey Shores.

Artists like Kendrick Lamar, have been putting out amazing videos. Lamar’s recent video repertoire includes “King Kunta”, “Alright”, “i” and “For Free? (Interlude)” from his hugely successful album, To Pimp A Butterfly. Artists like FIDLAR (F**k It Dawg! Life’s A Risk!) are also pumping out entertaining music videos in the vein of early 90’s MTV. FIDLAR’s “40 Oz. On Repeat” is a homage/medley to different music videos from our childhood; Sugar Ray, Weezer, Everclear and Green Day just to name a few.

With continued individual endeavors, artists may yet be able to take MTV back from the clutches of the old, money grubbing CEO’s. Continue supporting these musicians. Like, Share, Comment. One of these days, MTV could maybe dedicate the hours of 6 a.m. to 3 a.m. for music once again and drop the Catfishes, New Girls and Ridiculousness stuff in that minuscule two-hour block.