Welcome to TWIB’s Weekly Top 10 Videos. This is a segment where we will be looking at some exceptional visuals from various acts from around the globe. The music video format has been around for decades and through the 90s and 2000s, it has taken flight from multi-million budget music videos, to mid to low-budget videos with exceptional features. In this section, we will not discriminate but rather highlight some of the creative visuals that pop up on our radar.
Again, we promise to bring you the best from high to low budget, to animated to DIY and first and foremost, the most creative visuals we can source.

Read on the previous editions HERE.

Dirty Needles -” If I Could Afford A 9th Wonder Beat” prod. by Reese Tanaka

Ohio-rapper Dirty Needles returns with ” If I Could Afford A 9th Wonder Beat” which sees him teaming up with Reese Tanaka. The production is punchy, soulful and nostalgic and like what the title suggests, it’s a lyrical sparring session showing what he could do if 9th Wonder produced it. The ChemVision-directed video was shot on one of the coldest days in Ohio history, guerrilla-style on an iPhone 15 Pro. Taken from Dirty’s critically acclaimed album Happy Accidents out now for purchase on Bandcamp and all other digital platforms.

PIVE – “Feel The Flow”

Washington native Ryan Mullane aka PIVE makes his entry on our visual list with his new release titled “Feel The Flow”. The R&B-infused hip-hop track is a reflective and heartfelt tune that explores the concept of self-reflection and a showcase of his verbal prowess. The guitar-driven production is bolstered by his gruff verses and smooth melodic hooks. The accompanying visuals show PIVE in a secret location with his counselor who is secretly studying his thought process and how he flows so well.

Orrin – “CHEAT CODE”.

Uprising rapper Orrin delivers an unapologetic performance on his new release “CHEAT CODE” which dives into matters of the heart and his playboy demeanour. The visual uses a VHS-styled aesthetic and DIY elements that showcase the rapper in his element.

Lord Willin – “100” prod. by Kubus Muzyka

Lord Willin kicks off 2024 with “100”, which is produced by Kubus Muzyka. The result is a dark and hard-hitting track that is underpinned by the rappers’ sharp lyricism and commanding cadence. The accompanying video directed by Tony Bizz is a blend of live-action and animation. The song is the lead single from Lord Willin’s second installment of his “Feed The Dog” compilation series which is available now on all platforms!

Kwoli Black x Karl Benjamin – “Pretty”

Emerging rapper/songwriter Kwoli Black teams up with singer Karl Benjamin for his new release titled “Pretty“. The song produced by JSTRNGS is a smooth R&B-infused jam that showcases Kwoli’s laidback demeanour and adulation-filled lyrics that see him reassuring that special someone that he is down for the long haul. He is joined by Karl who adds a rich and alluring melodic chorus to complete the mission. The Jude Amponsah-directed video showcases a dynamic performance by both acts who embody their distinct styles with confidence and exuberance. A solid blend of performance shots and seamless transitions as well.

Zafty – “John Doe”

Perth, Western Australia-based rapper Zafty makes his debut appearance on our playlist with his latest effort titled  “John Doe”. The track is a showcase of his rich lyricism with a touch of insight and bravado. Over the vocal sample-driven backdrop, he proceeds to break the mould with fiery raps and reflective thoughts that track his journey through time and all the hurdles he had to overcome. The video has a summer feel and uses bright suny colors with a focus on performance shots from Zafty.

QU/NTEN – “Michelin Star”

QU/NTEN set the tone for the year with his latest effort titled “Michelin Star”, a collaboration with rapper Jayson Cash. It’s a fusion of rap styles over a smooth guitar-laden soundscape and is tied together by a stylish visual directed by CSPR, we get to see both rappers do what they know best.

ERICKKA JONES – “Yea””

Veteran singer/songwriter/writer ERICKKA JONES is a multi-talented act who works with magazines, in films and in music as well. Her latest release “Yea” is a sensual piece that explores intimacy between two lovers and how time seems to slow down when they are together as they bask in the euphoria of being together. The self-shot visualizer focuses on ERICKKA and it’s done in a DIY style that captures her in her element. Although the song was written 2 decades ago, it is as relevant as ever and serves as the lead single from her forthcoming album Sensual Journey which is scheduled for an early 2024 release.

KYLE KNIGHT – “By Any Means Necessary (THE MALCOLM X TRIBUTE)”

Kyle Knight delivers  “By Any Means Necessary (THE MALCOLM X TRIBUTE)” which is a musical retelling of the history of the late black leader Malcolm X. Over. cinematic and rousing production, Kyle recounts the major events involving Malcolm X and how his impact will always be felt by black folks around the globe. The use of well-crafted animation to bolster the storytelling is dope as well. You can find this tribute on Kyle’s East Side EP.