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.

KEYMER x D.$AHIN – “DFFRNT”

Rising artists KEYMER and D.$AHIN  open up our video playlist with this contemplative record titled “DFFRNT”. The funk-soul tune explores the concept of being different or neurodivergent and the process of coming to terms with it. The lyrics are candid and nuanced while the use of sublime melodic runs also adds a nice touch to it. The visual style is quite creative and follows the singer as she moves through a world on her own accord which is far different from the norm and as difficult as it can seem, she always finds a way to get by even in the most awkward situations.

Sodiq Blacksmith – “Proverbs 16:18” [Prod. Stoic]

Uprising rapper Sodiq Blacksmith takes a quote from the Holy Bible’s “Proverbs 16:18” as his new single. Backed by a dreamy production by Stoic, Sodiq looks at the domino effect of pride and how it can slowly consume the mind and spirit. The track also comes with an engaging visual that uses clips from various retro clips and cartoons that help bolster the message being conveyed. The track is lifted from a mixtape themed around the Seven Deadly Sins.

freekind. – “Found Love”

Slovenia-based freekind is a new duo made up of Sara and Nina. who team up for a smooth blend of R&B/soul and hip-hop. Their newest release “Found Love” is a contemplative tune that dives deep into self-love and the never-ending search for one’s true spirit in an unforgiving world. The production has that classic R&B/soul aesthetic and the rap verses are heartfelt and engaging from start to finish while a smooth melodic hook helps tie it all together.

The visuals have a DIY vibe with its simple cut scenes, transitions and performance shots.

Mitchy Slick x Sir Veterano – “Dago Nights”

This is purely a West Coast affair as veteran rapper Mitchy Slick and OG producer Sir Veterano team up for “Dago Nights“. Bolstered by Sir Veterano’s slick West Coast future G-funk bass synths and smooth textures, Mitchy Slick takes us on an exclusive tour through Cali while Talkbox King” Bosko adds a soulful touch on the hook. The visuals directed by Yellow Nguyen are fitting and tap into the exquisite aesthetics of the track with solid performance shots, cut scenes and an overall view of the city of angels.

The track is lifted from Mitchy & Vet’s forthcoming collab album Everybody Hates Mitch.

Illa J x Amp Fiddler – “Get Down”

Illa J returns with a brand new visual this week as he drops his new release titled  “Get Down” featuring Amp Fiddler on the hook. The smooth laidback tune is his second single and showcases his versatile style as he delivers a feel-good jam ripe with futuristic textures and an undeniable drum groove. The visuals make use of a live performance setting with Illa J and his band. It’s quite simple and gets the job done as it shows viewers Illa J’s workmanship and eclectic style.

. “Get Down” is from his upcoming album No Traffic, which is entirely written and produced by Illa J himself.

Kjahn – “Government Cheese” ft 4BDN

Rising rapper Kjahn gets his hands on the “Government Cheese”. The reflective tune dive into the daily hustle and being focused on one’s grind as he attempts to provide for his family. He is joined by fellow rapper 4BDN and both give us a glimpse into the hustle-or-die situation in the inner city. The visual is quite engaging and has a DIY and cinematic feel and the use of smooth transitions and performance shots all come together perfectly.

“Government Cheese” is taken from Kjahn’s upcoming project, Stay Till Morning, slated to release on June 17, 2023

Donae’O x O.G Relli – “Swaggy”.

UK artists Donae’O and O.G Relli help close out the list with this upbeat club jam titled “Swaggy”. The title also says a lot and listeners will be forced to jump out of their seats in a jiffy as the punchy drums and catchy synths come in. O.G Relli is in his element as he drops bars ripe with cultural references ranging from Jamaica to West Africa. The visual also comes correct with its celebratory feel and use of vibrant cut scenes and motifs that drive the visual from start to finish.