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.
Savior of Sound – “No Fantasy”
Gwinnett County-based Savior of Sound delivers the video for his new single “No Fantasy”. The record is a reflective tune that sees him detailing all the ups and downs he faced as he pursues his dreams in the music industry. The production is crisp and sombre and his lyrics are unapologetic. The visual style is stylistic and cinematic and captures his distinct performance style and heartfelt songwriting.
Kingdom Kome – “Bosses” ft. Omniscient” (Prod by Motherhood)
Kingdom Kome and Omniscient embody the spirit of “Bosses” in their new release. Bolstered by the cinematic soundscape provided by Motherhood, the Miami rappers proceed to deliver hard-hitting bravado-laden bars with much gusto. The song also comes with the perfect visuals that capture their Lo-Life style. Shot outside of the Aztec Pyramids in Mexico with their Lo-Life fam making appearances. Kingdom Kome is on a musical tear with his most recent project being a collaborative LP with Hometeam producer Onaje Jordan entitled Most High. He revealed that this loosie is just one of many seasoned dishes he plans to drop this year.
Bryan Chase – “Restart It”
South Korean hip-hop artist Bryan Chase returns to the forefront with “Restart It” which serves as the first single and video from his upcoming debut EP, 2U. The track produced by 24 has a dark and cinematic feel and is made up of thick 808s, dark cinematic synths and rich snares that gel perfectly with Bryan Chase’s smooth flow. The visuals pay homage to Bryan’s beginnings with The Cohort, the crew he came up with during Seoul’s burgeoning rap scene, while also capturing the whirlwind of emotions that comes with the start of a new chapter.
Copywrite – “That Medicine” prod. by DJ Swab
Columbus, OH staple Copywrite drops a new visual entitled “White Sean Price”. The track pays homage to the late great Brownsville legend Sean Price, while DJ Swab provides the cuts and backdrop for this hard-hitting gem. Copywrite is in his element with his fiery and off-kilter raps. The accompanying visuals have a DIY and 90s VHS vibe and once again capture Copywrite’s no holds barred style to the fullest. The song can be found on “The High Exalted II: Scene A” out now on all platforms via Man Bites Dog Records.
V Knuckles x Songstress – “That Medicine” prod. by Phoniks
V Knuckles and Songstress provide us with “That Medicine”. The summer tune produced by Phoniks is as smooth as the summer breeze and sees V Knuckles in his element as he pays homage to the stoner culture while Songstress adds her sublime vocal runs to the chorus. The visuals shot by Chow Films follow V Knuckles as he goes to different stores to re-up on his stash and also showcases his lifestyle in all its glory.
LUCIIA – “SAME THING NEW MAN”
Grammys-nominee LUCIIA delivers the visuals for her song “SAME THING NEW MAN” which is taken from her upcoming EP WITH II EYES, set for release in October 2023. The track has a futuristic element with it’s edgy R&B sound and captures her distinct vocal runs and unapologetic songwriting. The accompanying visuals accentuate the track with its storyboarding and moody motifs that capture the Cuban/Swedish artist’s style.
Tipene – “Freedom”
Aotearoa hip-hop artist Tipene drops the official video for his song “Freedom”. The visual directed by acclaimed director Shae Sterling is simple and powerful as it uses engaging set pieces and motifs that dive deep into the insightful lyrics that dig deep into his indigenous Māori roots. “Freedom” is taken from his We No Muck Around EP.
“Freedom” is the third collaboration between Tipene and Shae Sterling, all centred around Tipene’s We No Muck Around EP. Written in the small Coromandel town of Whitianga, the EP was written, recorded, mixed and mastered in less than a month. We No Muck Around is not only the title for the EP, but a prevailing theme throughout the entire process – not mucking around, and getting the job done.
Devontaii – “My Side”
RnB artist, writer, and producer Devontaii helped close the list with “My Side”, a smooth love ballad that talks about those who have endured toxic relationships and how they want something different. He promises to be a better man and take steps to restore her faith in love. The accompanying visual directed by BoJack Films has a dark and moody vibe and uses interesting cut scenes, silhouettes and storytelling scenes to drive home the message.