[If you missed Part 1 of this feature, which ranked #20 to #11 of 2011’s Dopest Videos, click HERE]
AllHipHop.com presents the talented remaining 10 of our “Top 20 Dopest Music Videos of 2011,” which in this case, also happens to include some of the year’s hottest Hip-Hop songs. If art imitates reality, then these video picks are proof positive that Hip-Hop culture is as zany, rebellious, and creative as ever.
Kick back and enjoy part 2 of our list. Here are #10 to #1:
#10 Kanye West – “All of the Lights” ft. Kid Cudi and Rihanna
Dir. Hype Williams
Hype and Kanye’s homage to the 2009 film Enter the Void is preceded by a warning that the video may cause seizures. Now how can you NOT want to see what the video has the offer?! After a slow-building, artsy introduction with a cute but lonely little girl, the video hits full force with all of the fonts, colors, sounds, and imagery that are to be expected from Mr. West, and he certainly doesn’t disappoint here.
#9 A$AP Rocky – “Purple Swag”
Dir. Jason & A$AP Rocky
Many say this is the video/track that launched the career of Harlem’s “pretty mother f*cker.” Scratch that…this IS the video that launched Rocky in the industry-phere, thus allowing him to sign a rumored multi-million dollar recording contract. White girls lip-synching with grills on? Check! Houston vibe coming from a Harlem native? Check! Purple and lean influences throughout? Check! Swag? Check!
#8 Common – “Sweet”
Dir. Phil the God
The Chi-Town rapper’s prolific and thoughtful lyricism is showcased in this video that was shot on location Haiti. Not only does it show the devastation and destruction caused by the hurricane that ripped Haiti apart, it also showcases the will and determination of the Haitian people as they rebuild their homes and land. “Sweet” isn’t just a “dope video;” it’s one of the best videos in a while. Period.
#7 Lupe Fiasco – “The Show Goes On”
Dir. Hiro Murai
Ultimately, this video is a behind-the-scenes look at Lupe’s trek from backstage to hitting the actual stage for a performance. With it’s anthemic vibe and other-worldy nature, say what you will about Lasers, the album – Lupe never disappoints us visually.
#6 Chris Brown – “Look At Me Now” ft. Lil Wayne & Busta Rhymes
Dir. Colin Tilley
One of the year’s biggest singles had to have an off-the-wall type of video. With graffiti, blacklights, some crazy dancing, a few in-video riots, and three of the music industry’s biggest names all on set, there was little to no way that this visual wasn’t going to turn out extremely “dope.” Which it did.
#5 Big Sean – “A$$ (Remix)” ft. Nicki Minaj
Dir. Mike Waxx & Mike Carson
Sure there’s a ton of things to enjoy and appreciate about this video, but let’s be real. All that needs to be said about the video for “A$$” is “Nicki Minaj.” That is all.
#4 The Roots – undun Short Film
Dir. Clifton Bell
The Roots did something different with their 11th studio offering – they made a concept album. The gritty, black and white “short” is a collection of the group’s previously released videos for four songs from undun, which tells the story of a man named Redford Stephens who chooses a life of crime. undun is the musical accompaniment to that story, and now, thanks to Clifton Bell, there’s a fully conceptual and visual accompaniment as well. Illadelph flavor (nearly) at its best.
#3 Beastie Boys – “Make Some Noise”
Dir. Adam Yauch
This is Fight For Your Right Revisited, starring Seth Rogen, Will Ferrell, and Jack Black AS Mike D, MCA, and Ad-Rock. What’s not to love here? Seriously, what’s not to love?? The Boys’ approach to making not just a music video but an actual short film was one of 2011’s greatest highlights, and it was funny as sh*t!
#2 The Throne – “Otis” ft. Otis Redding
Dir. Spike Jonze
Academy Award-nominated director, fireworks, American flags, Otis Redding, slow-motion, Kanye, Jigga, airplane hangars, and who can forget joyriding in a totally re-designed (destroyed!) Maybach. This is the American Dream personified, so you guys are definitely onto something with this whole “Throne” thing. All hail the kings!
#1 Tyler, the Creator – “Yonkers”
Dir. Wolf Haley
If you didn’t know the names Tyler, the Creator or Odd Future before this video dropped, you surely knew them after. “Yonkers” ultimately made OFWGKTA household names. The man delivers some of the year’s most outlandish and provocative lines, he also eats a cockroach, throws it up, does some crazy sh*t with his eyes, and then hangs himself – all within two actual shots, which is quite impressive. Oh, and for those that don’t know, Tyler directed the video himself, which really shouldn’t come as surprise. Top that.