Welcome to 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, 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.

ORA77K – “Drop Inna Bucket”

ORA77K was inspired during a basketball game and came up with the concept of this single titled “Drop Inna Bucket”. The track is a blend of sounds and the cinematic texture and hard-hitting drums really stand out and are underpinned by ORA77K’s stylish flow and vivid bravado lyrics that showcase their distinct and unique style. The visual plays into the basket theme and follows ORA77K’s venture into street ball surrounded by friends and well-wishers.

Dax – “The Devil’s Calling”

Dax is hard at work and delivers his first offering for 2023 with this reflective and inspirational record titled “The Devil’s Calling”. Over a dark orchestral soundscape, Dax talks about losing his way and falling into the darkness for a while but he eventually found his way into the light. The visaul concept blends performance shots of Dax and various characters who are lost in the world and can’t find their way.

Samara Cyn – “Pride’s Interlude”

Samara Cyn caught our ears and eyes with “Pride’s Interlude”, a soothing soulful cut that showcases her distinct vocals. The mellow and sombre beat is underpinned by her stylish melodic flow and lilting melodies and of course detailed lyrics that dive into a fledgling relationship and the hard decisions one has to make to follow through or end it. Her performance style is quite engaging and the way she weaves from subtle melodies to smooth raps is as seamless as the sunrise.

The visuals have a retro-cinematic feel and follow Samara and her crew across town as they cruise through the mall before stopping for a bite.

K*Ners – “Local”

Veteran UK rapper K*Ners returns with visuals for his single “Local” which sees him paying homage to his stomping grounds and the many individuals who helped him along his musical career. Bolstered by a playful and bouncy soundscape, the emcee holds it down for his locals with his distinct gruff and animated flows. The visuals also tap into the theme as we see K*Ners in his borough doing what he knows best.

KYRO – “BETTER THAN THIS”

West London-raised rapper KYRO gives us an uplifting anthem titled “BETTER THAN THIS”. Over a cinematic and vibrant soundscape, KYRO reminds us that he is not the one to give up and it’s only a matter of time before everyone realizes his potential. He details his winning strategy and the small steps he takes to get to his goals. The visual also complements the track and blends KRYO’s training regiment with energetic performance scenes.

MOAN – “Penny For Your Thoughts”

UK emcee MOAN and longtime collaborator DanimaL help close out this week’s video list with  “Penny For Your Thoughts”. Bolstered by a sombre and reflective backdrop, the duo share their thoughts on self-trauma, past mistakes and how they weave through the craziness of the modern world where things have gone to the dogs. The visual is a perfect blend of visual motifs and performance shots of the duo.