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.

Shaheed and DJ Supreme – “S.T.E.M., S.T.E.A.M., and S.T.R.E.A.M.”

Shaheed and DJ Supreme open up this week’s list with “S.T.E.M., S.T.E.A.M., and S.T.R.E.A.M.”, an educative and entertaining tune that aims to inspire young kids to open their minds and learn new things. The duo focuses on the need for kids to cultivate their innate learning abilities with a bit of fun. The title refers to the need for Science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math to be introduced to young kids while developing their self-confidence in themselves.

For the “S.T.E.M., S.T.E.A.M., and S.T.R.E.A.M.” video, they’ve once again teamed up with video director and producer Richard Giles. Taking place at McWane Science Center, an interactive science and learning museum in downtown Birmingham, the visual opens up to show Shaheed & DJ Supreme joined by a group of kids eager to learn. The kids colour pictures and learn physics by shooting hoops; they learn breakdance moves and how to understand topographic maps. If this is what the next generation will look like, then we are in store for a future that’s brighter than anyone could have imagined.

ViLLii – “Sable”

ViLLii makes his entry on our list with “Sable”, a profound and insightful look into the daily struggles of being a young black man in the US of A. Backed by a drumless, soulful and solemn backdrop, he relays his own experiences from facing hurdles and finding his way of overcoming them. The video is quite creative and makes use of performance shots of the rapper close to a waterfall.

DRIX RIKS – “1995”

DRIX RIKS is an MC from Geneva born in Madrid who has been featured on our site before. His latest record “1995” is an ode to the 90s and how it changed his life and he also pays homage to the pioneers who laid the foundation for his artistry. Backed by a dark eerie backdrop made up of moody strings, punchy drums and a classic Prodigy sample, DRIX deliver the goods. The animated visual is quite vivid and engaging as well.

Trashcan Willie – – “Old Dope” feat. Khalid Salaam & DaLavishWon”.

Music Producer Trashcan Willie teams up with Artists/MCs Khalid Salaam and DaLavishWon for this soulful record titled “Old Dope”. The result is a smooth display of rhyme skills made up of bravado and relatable elements that we all can grow on. The visual captures each emcee in their element and is seamlessly threaded together.

Monster Florence – “Wolf In A Wooly Hat”

The essex-based 6-member band called Monster Florence shares the visuals for their single “Wolf In A Wooly Hat”. The moody track showcases fiery unfiltered lyrics over a thumping and downtempo groove. It’s a superb blend of genres and the live video really ramps up the energy as we get to see each emcee in their element.

Libretto & Vitamin D x LiaPlusSum – “Lo Key”

Libretto, Vitamin D and LiaPlusSum team up for the smoky and relaxing collaboration titled “Lo Key”. The production has dreamy and exudes the classic West Coast vibe with a future funk element. The emcees take us through their stomping grounds and teach us the dos and don’ts in order to survive the mean streets. The video was directed by 2thabrain on location in Watts, CA East Side Jordan Downs Projects, and at Ted Watkins Park with assistance from the Watts Life Car Club & Lunatic Tha Lowrider. The visuals take viewers inside Libretto’s neighbourhood during the historic first Watts Festival in 30 years.

Ricky Davaine – “Metamorphosis”

Emerging artist Ricky Davaine helps close out this week’s list with “Metamorphosis”, a heartfelt track that explores his journey through the craziness of life. The production has a sublime and ethereal vibe which forms the perfect backdrop for his vivid lyricism laced with introspective and bravado themes. The video makes use of trippy video effects, offbeat transitions and an overall psychedelic element that take us deep into the artist’s mind state.