New York Undercover Legacy 30 Years Later

 

In the early 90's TV network Fox was catering to teenagers and the urban community to fill a void the big three weren't fulfilling, and help build their network. They had show's like Beverly Hills 90210 and Melrose Place for one side of the aisle. For the hipper side of the aisle they had In Living Color, Martin, and Living Single. In 1994 legendary cop TV producer Dick Wolf and legendary record executive Andre Harrell collaborated for a hip new cop television drama. And a show named Uptown Undercover better known as New York Undercover was born.

September 8, 1994 New York Undercover aired on Fox Thursday Night's alongside Martin and Living Single. The show was notable for showcasing two minority cops as partners Det. Eddie Torres a Puerto Rican cop played Michael DeLorenzo, and Det. JC Williams a Black cop played by Malik Yoba. The show took the DNA of 80's cop drama Miami Vice and enhanced it for a new generation. Det. Williams and Det. Torres were hip young cops, in tune with the fashion and music of the streets while they saved New York City from it's worst criminals. They truly cared about one another and their families and bickered like brothers do.

What really helped make the show was not just the clothes or the dialogue and swagger of the characters. It was the music, including the theme song and instrumentals that were composed by Mr. James Mtume of the group Mtume (Juicy Fruit). Many episodes featured music of stars of the time whether it was a guest character, playing themselves involved in a storyline or performing at the nightclub Natalie's. A who's who of artist appeared on the show.

We're talking artist like Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Boyz II Men, New Edition, Tevin Campbell, Usher, Gladys Knight, The O'Jays, Levert, Montell Jordan, Aaliyah, Biggie Smalls. It goes on and on, not to mention Ice-T's in my opinion classic scene chewing run as Danny Cort in excellent 90's run as a TV villain. 

30 year's later, New York Undercover is still adored and revered for the pulse it had on the culture at the time.  Between the action and drama, the stakes the character's were up against. And then the fashion and music of hip hop which is slowly turning into a global phenomenon at the time. The series is a classic and can be relived through streaming services Peacock and Prime, and has shown up on BET recently. It's a reason for that, because the show was that damn good and is following getting the flowers it deserves.