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.
Manny Grey – “I Know”
Brockton, Massachusetts-based rapper/producer/songwriter Manny Grey shares the visuals for his new track “I Know”. The aspirational and motivational tune explores the ups and downs we all face as we try to find our true purpose a the days go by. The track is inspired by various uplifting quotes and the visuals use a blend of performance shots, and different coloured masks that represent different things to the wearer.
justJust – “Fuchsia”
Emerging rapper justJust enters our visual playlist with “Fuchsia”, a playful tune that dives into the dynamics of relationships and the feelings of being candid and upfront. Over a smooth retro R&B/funk sample underpinned by smooth grooves, justJust delivers an unfiltered take on romance in the modern age. The visual is quite engaging and uses a mix of performance shots with several random clips to drive home the message.
T4D & Charmerz – “This One’s 4 Dee”
Suffolk-based Lisbon-born rapper T4D and young rapper Charmerz team up for “This One’s 4 Dee”. The heartfelt track produced by Bliss II is a tribute to T4D’s best friend, who is also Charmerz’s dad who tragically passed away last year. Over the moody and solemn backdrop, T4D recounts his experience when he heard the news and how it affected him. This is followed by Charmerz’s perspective of the same event and how he had to come to terms with the loss of his dad. together the duo deliver a heartwrenching and soul-stirring track that everyone can relate to. The accompanying music video for “This One’s 4 Dee” brings together a diverse cast of friends and admirers, which serves as a testament to Dee’s widespread impact and the reverence many have for him. It is a fitting tribute to a man who touched countless hearts and who will always be remembered for his unwavering support and love.
The track is part of a 2 track EP dedicated to Dee.
James Gatzby – “Roulette”
Westchester County, NY-based rapper James Gatzby drops the visuals to his song “Roulette”. The mid-tempo track comprises sad piano riffs, cinematic strings and thick 88-driven trap drums and sees the rapper in his element as he flexes his verbal biceps with an inspirational overtone. The visuals are a mix of cinematic clips using performance shots of James in different spots. The title is a reference to gambling and as the going says, if you have to bet on anything or anyone, bet on yourself first.
Ice Meez – “Tomorrow”.
California Bay Area native Ice Meez shares visuals for his single “Tomorrow”. The heartfelt and insightful tune serves as a reminder to seize the day as time flies. The production is sad and crisp with its subtle vocal samples, rich guitar riffs and pounding drums underpinned by Ice Meez’s engaging songwriting. The visual style blends performance shots of Ice Meez with several clips showing people in different situations.As the chorus says, “Tomorrow is never promised so be careful how you live today“.
Trizz x Mike Summers – “Alpine”.
Trizz and MIKE SUMMERS share visuals for their single “Alpine“, a summer-themed jam that everyone can rock to. The production is bouncy, and brooding and is underpinned by Trizz’s laidback flow and engaging lyricism that details his journey thus far and how he still finds time to relax. “Alpine” is the lead single from the duo’s upcoming 2nd album Cavi En Cursive which is set to drop very soon. Notable guest features on the album are from Brotha Lynch Hung, Kokane, Flee Lord, Blu, T.F and more.
ILL KNOB – “Want”.
NY rapper ILL KNOB drops his latest record “Want” which sees him reminding us to always focus on things that matter. The track produced by Johnny Storm Beats has a sad violin string arrangement with punchy drums that are underpinned by ILL KNOB’s precise flow and uplifting lyricism. Inspired by social media trolls who lurk on the internet displaying unwarranted hate, ILL KNOB counters their harsh words with positive affirmations and a reminder that life is too short to spend it on hate. The visual is a mix of performance shots of the rapper and also a celebration for his fallen comrade Damon “D Rock” Hall.
RYN SCOTT – “i pray to god”.
RYN SCOTT delivers this inspirational and heartfelt tune “i pray to god” which questions life’s purpose and finds himself looking for what matters through God. The guitar-driven track has a pop element to it and is underpinned by RYN’s candid and reflective lyricism. The visual uses a straightforward performance-driven visual that focuses on the rapper’s natural expressive style.
Rio Rainz – “BAD”.
East London singer-rapper Rio Rainz enters our visual playlist with his new release “BAD”. The song is a return for the artist who took a hiatus from music and sees him teaming with Oscar Moos, who crafts a playful and bouncy backdrop for the rapper to share a tale of escapism with a summer aesthetic to match. The accompanying visuals directed by RAD Films follow Rio as he moves through the borough with his crew.
KJ SPIO, SARKODIE, LOICK AND AMBRÉ – “Jealous”
Ghana-born artist KJ Spio teams up with fellow Ghanaian Sarkodie, UK-vocalist Loick and Roc Nation U.S singer Ambré for his new release “Jealous”. The heartfelt tune is a smooth mix of R&B with a distinct Afro vibe. The soundscape is dynamic and warm and is underpinned by rich melodic runs, engaging rhyme schemes and adulation-filled lyrics from the artists. The visual is captivating as well and captures Loick, Ambré and Sarkodie in their respective element as they pay homage and appreciation to women.