By James Williams

Before the internet made everyone famous and before rap went viral, there was Back 2 Basics Real Raps TV — Philadelphia’s underground microphone, lens, and time capsule. Founded in 1997 by Jason “EzJase” Childs, the show was raw, authentic, and ahead of its time.

It started on local public access television. EzJase, armed with a camera and love for the culture, documented Philly hip-hop in its purest form. Freestyles on the corner. Studio sessions in the basement. Interviews with future stars. The footage was unfiltered and legendary.

In 1999, EzJase was joined by Eric Allen, a respected figure in Philadelphia’s entertainment, nightlife, and media scene. Allen brought professionalism, production experience, and deep community connections. With his influence, Back 2 Basics expanded its reach, refined its format, and launched into the DVD era — a move that would cement the show as a street-certified institution.

Through the early 2000s, Back 2 Basics became known for exclusive content and high-profile interviews with artists like Freeway, Beanie Sigel, and Juelz Santana. The DVDs were sold in barbershops, corner stores, music shops, and at live events. These weren’t just recordings — they were a visual archive of Philly’s rap history.

The series released its final DVD in 2007. It has not been revived. But its legacy lives on — not just in footage, but in the culture it documented and the artists it elevated.

Back 2 Basics Real Raps TV was never about going mainstream. It was about telling our story, our way. And even though the cameras stopped rolling, the message never did.

Timeline

1997 – Show launches on public access TV
1999 – Eric Allen joins the production team
2000–2007 – DVD era expands reach across Philly
2007 – Final DVD released, series officially ends


Key Figures

Jason “EzJase” Childs – Founder, Host, Visionary
Eric Allen – Co-Creator, Producer, Cultural Connector
Featured Artists – Freeway, Beanie Sigel, Juelz Santana, and more.