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.
Fungai x L33ze – “Goated”
Zimbabwean-born rapper Fungai and L33ze team up for the anthemic track titled “Goated”. The piano-driven track serves as the perfect winning anthem for the uprising rapper who reminds us that he is next on the podium. The song comes with an animated visual and it’s quite engaging.
Johrell the StarChild – “Do What I Do”
Johrell the StarChild shares this insightful track “Do What I Do” which focuses on the life of a black father in this modern era. Over a sombre and punchy backdrop, Johrell delivers a fiery performance ripe with vivid lyrical schemes and a glimpse into his life as he chases his dreams and raises his seed at the same time. The accompanying video follows the rapper in his stomping grounds with his squad.
Grxnd Mxrquis – “Outta My Head”
Grxnd Mxrquis‘s “Outta My Head” is a relatable ode to the hustler’s daily struggles as he tries to balance love and money. Backed by an upbeat soundscape, he details a certain situation he is going through and how he makes a move to secure the bag. The accompanying visual uses a motif that blends love and money in the same vein.
Lord Willin x Timothyzic – “Feel Like Memphis” prod. by Mularz”
Lord Willin and Polish rapper Timothyzic team up for “Feel Like Memphis”, a dark hard-hitting banger produced by Mularz and sees the emcees paying homage to the legendary Tennessee hip-hop crew Three Six Mafia. The result is a downtempo mid-west jam that blends raw lyrics with a huge tribute to the aforementioned crew. The visuals shot by Alink Multimedia follow the emcees in their element.
Rio Thomas – “Long Way Home”
Rio Thomas takes us on a reflective journey in “Long Way Home” which sees him trying to find his true North. Over a soulful backdrop made up of lush keys and soothing vocals, the emcee gives us a glimpse of his state of mind and how he plans of reaching his true goals. The visual has a DIY feel and capture the nostalgic and reflective vibe of the song itself.
Big O – “Ms. Takes” (Feat. L.O.U, Frannie EL & P-Rawb)
Big O drops the visuals for “Ms. Takes” Featuring L.O.U, Frannie EL and P-Rawb. The song has a soulful and sombre vibe and focuses on the dynamics of past toxic relationships and the lessons one can learn from them. Each emcee shares their thoughts and gives listeners something to ponder. The visual has a retro, DIY feel with its VHS analog aesthetic. “Ms. Takes” is the first single from my upcoming album In the Company of Others.
7even7ide7moke – “Nobody Knows” (feat. DBx2)
7even7ide7moke and dbx2 are currently working on a collaborative mixtape and in the interim, they share the single “Nobody Knows”. The heartfelt track is made up of dark moody textures and punchy drums all underpinned by expressive flows and insightful lyrics that dwell on the pitfalls of the streets. The visual taps into the gloomy vibe of the track with its dark and cryptic motif and cinematic set pieces.
Bryan Chase – “2U” (feat. A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie)
Bryan Chase closes out the playlist with the AI-inspired visual for his song “2U”. The heartfelt track sees him teaming with A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and the duo delivers the perfect anthem for the detractors and haters who are still waiting for their fall. Over the smooth and atmospheric backdrop provided by 24, the duo’s melodic verses complement each other and the production creates an immersive, cinematic experience. The music video for “2U” was created by Takayuki Moriya, executive producer of the award-winning Japanese virtual human company Aww Inc., and YKBX, an acclaimed animator and video director.
“2U” is the title track and lead single from Bryan Chase’s debut EP of the same name.