Punk rock legends the Bad Brains are due for their first taste of MTV. Starting today, MTV will premier their newest series, “52/52,” which will showcase one unsigned or indie band a week for the next year straight. Each group is entitled to 11 hours of commercial free broadcast over the course of the given week, and New York’s own Bad Brains will get things rolling. With the critical acclaim of Bad Brains’ 2007 release–Adam Yauch produced Build A Nation–the group will be debuting a dual video for “Give Thanks And Praises” and “Jah Love.”

Build A Nation is a return to greatness for one of the all-time punk rock heavyweights, and I am certainly glad that Bad Brains is getting the chance to expose their music to a wider audience. But at the same time, I for one am very interested and skeptical in seeing what real chances MTV is willing to take with the 52/52 series. Because let’s face it, the Bad Brains fucking kick ass no matter how you slice it, and whether or not they make their mark on MTV means little to nothing in the scope of their legacy. But what about these other unsigned/indie bands? Will MTV step up to the plate and for once and provide programming relevant to the name of their station, “Music Television”? I will believe it when I see it. For now, long live Bad Brains.

Combo video for two songs off Bad Brains “Build A Nation.” Directed by Shavo from System of A Down….you know, bass player, whip-like braided beard. Crazy, check it out.