Introduction

Pimp My Ride is a TV show produced by MTV. Each episode consists of taking one car
in poor condition and restoring it, as well as customizing it. The original American
version was hosted by rapper Xzibit (one episode featured guest host Chamillionaire).
Recently, MTV2 has begun airing episodes from Pimp My Ride UK hosted by DJ Tim
Westwood, which features cars being customised in the UK, and Pimp My Ride
International, featuring cars in central Europe, hosted by hip hop artists Fat Joe and Lil'
Jon, as well as the related CMT series Trick My Truck.
This tv show firstly aired on March 1, 2004 and inspired by the modification competition
which frequently held in the U.S. the competition itself involving many big companies
which working in the automotive world. The modification competition is often followed
by rich people who make this event as a place to show off their wealth.
MTV sees this phenomenon as an opportunity to make a reality show program which
raised automotive world, especially for those who love automotive modification which is
identical with the rich people. But first of all MTV should make some adjustments so this
program can be accepted by all classes in society. One of them are selecting participants
from low-class society and do not collect fees from the participants. The format of the
show as follows:
Format
An episode of Pimp My Ride generally begins with the participant showing his or her car
off, and convincing MTV why it needs to be "pimped". After this segment, the host
(normally rapper Xzibit, but occasionally guest hosts such as Chamillionaire) shows up at
the participant's house, takes a look at the car himself, makes wisecracks about the
particular things that are wrong with it, and promises the owner a complete makeover of
the vehicle.
After examining the car, Xzibit takes it to a custom body shop (West Coast Customs
(WCC) in Seasons 1–4; replaced by Galpin Auto Sports (GAS) starting Season 5), where
the shop team generally replaces most of the components and rebuilds the interior and
exterior from scratch, and in special cases the engine too.
Each car was custom modified, tailored to the personalities and interests of the owners.
For example, a Need for Speed: Underground fan had his car painted to look like one
specially customized in the Need for Speed: Underground 2 game, while a bowler had a
ball spinner installed in his trunk, and a surfer got a clothes dryer in the back of his
Volkswagen Bus. Work usually includes new paint and accessories (such as racing car
seats, a spoiler, short shifter, Weighted Gear Knob, LED head lights and tail lights, etc.) ,
chrome, tires and wheels, as well as internal electronics (DVD players, video games, and
large TFT screens). While most changes are only cosmetic, and mechanical work is
generally only done to enable the car to run, the show has sometimes replaced engines.
Both WCC and GAS are well-known for putting their own whimsical touches in their
work, such as the aforementioned dryer, or an electric fireplace in the trunk of another
vehicle.
At the end of the show, the car is revealed to its owner, as well as all the details of the
renovation and the custom features; in addition, the participant is usually given a gift
somehow related to the car or the owner's hobby.
There is a lot of humor involved from the body shop team and Xzibit himself, much of it
self-deprecating.
While the authenticity is debatable among viewers, Pimp My Ride is heavily sponsored
by companies and only helps certain people who have applied to be on the show and are
within driving distance of the shop.

Social Background
Since a car was firstly founded, many people actually already tried to modify their
vehicles for various reasons. People have been "pimping on their ride" ever since the
1950s, creating custom cars That light up the Highways and Streets Whenever they want
Mingle with commercial replicas. Whether a flash of racing Flames are splashed on the
sides of an old school hot rod, or extra large tires are placed on a pink Jeep Cherokee,
custom-made cars show just how special and unique one can make on their automobile.
Then the development of modifications is more likely get some momentum and it
followed by the growth of car production. The auto companies saw this phenomenon as a
tool to increase their sales products. These companies also started producing some
accessories which can be applied to makes their vehicles different from the others. And
these companies also sponsoring modification events which has purpose to maintained
this phenomenon and to promote or introduce their product.

The Popularity of MTV Pimp My Ride

Since the first debut, this program has attract a lot of viewers in the U.S. even in the
world. This program offers something new in the broadcasting world and as a pioneer of
the similar programs which emerged this program. This program has loyal fans who
comes from medium-low class society.
This program gets highest ratings in various countries and even other countries trying to
adapt these programs so it can be more suitable for their culture. The popularity of this
program is used well by MTV to attract more sponsors means more profits earned.
Popularity is not only enjoyed by MTV, the presenter of this show also got the advantage.
The presenter becomes very famous and the effect is he got many job. The sponsorship
also get some advantages, by sponsoring this program their ads are often aired, and their
product are often used in production processes. It is absolutely has a positive effect to
their products because their product is more known by the public and society become has
some kind of perception that the products which used in this program is the best product.
So the people want to try to modify their vehicles by using their products which are used
in this program.

The Reasons which Make MTV Pimp My Ride become so Popular

MTV which is known as youngsters TV, usually make new innovations in the
broadcasting world. The programs which offered are often mild and easily enjoyed. As a
TV which is identical with teens, MTV is sensitive with the phenomenon which booming
in the community. MTV Pimp my Ride is a program which inspired by the phenomenon
which occurs in the society and it is packed very well. So many people will try to watch
the show because the program may present themselves.
The phenomenon why try to raised is about the young man who usually likes a changes
which are usually applied on their vehicles. However, the changes desired are usually
constrained with the lack of cost or lack of a reference.
Therefore MTV Pimp my Ride come as a program which might solve the problem. MTV
shows a program which not only selling a dream but also realize their dream.
The TV show format of the MTV Pimp my Ride who choose the participants from
medium-low class society is make the audience sympathetic to this program because it is
usually watched by the people who come from medium-low class society which is
usually got some financial problems in modification their vehicles. MTV Pimp my Ride
did not collect any fees from the participants so many people vary attractive to become
the participant in this program.
This program also received appreciation from the professional modifier which often
follow the competition. They watch the program because they often present extraordinary
ideas in modifying vehicles. This can be used as a reference for them. For them the most
important thing is an idea of modifying a vehicle. Money for them is not a problem
because they usually come from upper class society and they often joint modifications
competition. They do not even dream to become a participants in MTV Pimp my Ride.
They see it only as a reference and entertainment.
The producers of car accessories see this program as a place to display their latest and
greatest products. And they argue that the product which often used in repairing car
participants considered being the winner.
The format of the show which light, funny and entertaining as well becomes one of the
reason for this event can be easily accepted in society. This program is rated as one a
program which sensitive and caring to the community. In addition the program also offers
a new color in the entertainment world.
Conclusion:
MTV Pimp my Ride is a TV program which showing the other side of the modification
world which is identical with the rich people. MTV making various adjustments to this
program so it can be accepted by society. Since it was first aired, this show has got a high
rating. This program is the pioneer of the similar program which is aired after this
program. Moreover, other countries trying to adapt the concept of this event so it is more
appropriate to their culture. Many companies try to sponsor this program. They saw that
the popularity of this program could give benefit for them to selling their products,
because it often advertised and used in the process of making the show.
The success of this event due to the format of the show that was light, funny and
entertaining, raising a phenomenon that occurs in society, realize their dream of a person,
become a benchmark in modifying vehicles as well as a tool to promote products of a
company. This program also received an appreciation from society as a program that is
sensitive and caring to the community.

References:
www.isnare/article.com
www.wikipedia.org
www.uncyclopedia.org
Submitted as a partial requirement subject in English Department, Faculty
of Letters and Fine Arts, Sebelas Maret University
TRI WIBOWO BUDI. S
C0306052

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT
FACULTY OF LETTERS AND FINE ARTS
SEBELAS MARET UNIVERSITY
SURAKARTA
2009

English Regular Program, Faculty of Letters and Fine Arts,

Sebelas Maret University