Welcome to the first edition of TWIB’s Weekly Top 5 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 really taken flight from multi-million budget music videos, 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.

ILL DOOTS x Khemist – “Heaven”

The first visual we got is from ILL DOOTS and Khemist who team up for a vibrant and rousing record titled “Heaven.” The record is a fusion of similar spiritual minds who tackle real-time issues from a nuanced perspective that gives the audience something to think about. The visual directed by Avi Warren really taps into the energetic theme of the song and makes use of several performance shots of both rappers. I love the slickness and crispiness of the shots and the minimal use of visual effects makes it more organic as well. Also, when the effects are used, it’s usually to signify a change of some sort in the dynamics of the song and it’s used perfectly. Additional editing was done by US and the animated lyrics provided by Evandro Mont.

Buy “Heaven” on Bandcamp// get it on major DSPs here.

Psychs – “Targets Met”

UK emcee Psychs is the next one and what he has for us is an upbeat track titled  “Targets Met” which sees him detailing his never-ending work ethic and laser focus towards his goals. The visual we got here is cinematic and employs visual tricks that make the transitions seamless and eye-catchy as well. We get to see Psychs in different environments where he assimilates himself with the purpose of being the best. Again, the set pieces and cut scenes are the icing on the cake as each scene literally blends into one another like it’s shot in the same place.

Get “Targets Met” on  Spotify

Kay Slice – “Slice M Go”

Dutch Ghanaian rapper, singer, and producer Kay Slice takes us back to the motherland in the visual for his single “Slice M Go.” The self-produced track is a mid-tempo but vibrant record that showcases his knack for wordplay laced with insight and the use of catchy melodies. The visual itself is striking and engaging to start off. Shot by burgeoning Ghanaian cinematographer Edward Pappoe who makes use of the beautiful Ghanaian scenery and landmarks. From Jamestown, Makola Market, and Legon Botanical Garden, we see Kay Slice immersed in the land that birthed him and also catches a whiff of the beautiful everyday Ghanian people. There are no unnecessary effects or tricks here as Pappoe makes use of the raw energy of the surroundings to capture solid performance shots and cut scenes that seamlessly flow into one another.

Bobby Thibs – “Superstar”

Rapper/producer Bobby Thibs‘s “Superstar” taken from his debut EP THOUGHTFUL gets the perfect visual treatment courtesy of director Robert Thibodeau. The somber record is fully encapsulated with the expressive visual that blends performance shots,  strafing cut scenes with wide shots amongst other things to translate Thibs’ emotional energy onto the screens. The arm aesthetics also gives a reflective feeling as viewers follow Thibs on a sort of pilgrimage away from the craziness of the world in a secluded location.

Kaleel Carpè – “Toxic”

Kaleel Carpè provides the final visual in the form of this heartfelt and unapologetic track titled “Toxic.” The track details his experiences with a toxic ex-girlfriend and all the drama he had to go through. The visual is directed by Underrated Views who goes for a mix of comical and introspective concepts to bring the song to life. It puts Carpè in the front seat as he has a weird intervention-type situation with his ex with an audience but it gets a bit comical as the scene switches with different characters coming into play. From the overzealous show host, the nonchalant music band, the uncle, and others. One can also appreciate the cinematic approach and the use of character exposition at the end as well.