At an age when music videos were just starting to realize their full potential, this classic by Hype Williams set the bar. Boasting strong lyrics, an eye-catching fish-eye lens shot angle and iconic imagery like mermaids–there has never been anything as iconic or memorable than this masterpiece!
This Wu-Tang video remains an iconic landmark in hip hop history. With its iconic scenes of battle rap and warlike footage, no other rap video at the time could rival it in terms of impact.
1. Juvenile – “Ha”
Hip hop began its meteoric rise as both a music genre and cultural movement in the 90s. It dominated charts while producing mind-boggling music videos with Missy, Busta Rhymes or Wu-Tang Clan being prime examples – more than simply entertaining clips, these clips were emblems of black power and self-reliance for an entire new generation.
Juvenile’s debut single propelled him into prominence within New Orleans-based Dirty South hip hop scene. Produced with hard-hitting street soundscape production and featuring lyrics that capture his sense of self in this harsh world, “Ha” helped establish New Orleans as the hip hop capital of the South a time when Master P and No Limit had already begun making waves nationally.
This video serves as an anthem for street hustle, which remains an essential aspect of hip hop’s DNA today. Additionally, its unrestrained fun is something we don’t often see these days as self-serious gangster rap has increasingly overshadowed any absurdly entertaining moments such as these that made this genre such a memorable genre – making both song and video an ideal reflection of 90s pop culture.
Mobb Deep had quickly established themselves as the face of NYC’s gritty, mid-1990s hip hop scene by the time this video for their debut album came out. Styled like an action movie, Prodigy and Havoc star in it as anti-heroes taking down SWAT team assailants with backflips, missile launches, and an impenetrable sense of cool. This visual introduced an entirely new geography to hip hop as a genre while setting precedents for future visuals from Missy Elliott and Hype Williams.
2. Busta Rhymes – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See”
Hip hop truly found its footing during the nineties as both a musical genre and cultural movement. Thanks to new technology and years of familiarity with its format, music videos were poised to reach their full potential as vehicles for conveying song concepts – leading to some of the most iconic hip hop videos ever produced during that decade.
Busta Rhymes had already been rapping for some time before this video to his gangsta love song propelled him to prominence within the industry and marked an inflection point in rap; away from thug culture’s glossy suits and Cristal popping and toward more rawer bravado.
Director Hype Williams clearly took cues from Eddie Murphy’s classic 1988 film Coming to America when crafting this video for this song. With its African-themed mansion complete with Zamunda body paint and clothing, the video is captivating from start to finish, featuring Busta running away from an elephant before breaking out into a well choreographed dance routine while being shot through a fish lens.
Though technically not a Wu-Tang Clan song, this video features members from their collective. Method Man and 2Pac share an incredible chemistry here that makes the clip an early example of “rappers in courtroom” format; additionally it features one of the first shots ever released of Snoop Dogg’s silky perm.
3. Missy Elliott – “Supa Dupa Fly”
Hip hop was transformed in the ’90s when it transcended mere musical genre, becoming a visual art form in its own right. Artists went big and bold, pushing cinematic limits while making visual events of their videos – Missy Elliott was at the forefront for creating creative, futuristic clips that matched her intense lyrics while giving audiences a tantalizing look at life as an ambitious female rapper in a male-dominated industry.
“Supa Dupa Fly”, directed by Hype Williams and released as Missy Elliott’s inaugural visual, introduced viewers to all that she would become as an avant-garde rapper. The animated-like visual features many hallmarks that would later define her work: out-of-this-world concepts, women supporting other women and her unique streetwear aesthetic that leant heavily toward streetwear trends – she even donned bizarre outfits such as wearing a giant black trash bag or sporting an unorthodox fairytale-esque hill in a wig – proof that she wasn’t afraid to stand out as an eccentric rapper who defied conventions!
Missy’s creative spirit began to decline as the decade came to a close, yet she made sure her mark would live on with one last video released before retiring as director: the energetic “Ching-a-Ling/Shake Your Pom Pom.” Featuring guest appearances by Cypress Hill and Ludacris, it showcased Missy’s pop-locking dance sequence as well as her infectious triplets; unfortunately however it suffers from uneven production quality with some elements not fitting together perfectly; still Missy made sure her energy was felt through and even at that late date MCs ease was undeniable!
4. Nas – “Die Mothafuckka”
Hip hop’s visual medium began to reach its full potential during the 1990s. Thanks to new technologies and years of practice with this format, directors could go beyond simply showing quick shots of rappers driving cars; instead they could immerse you deeper into their worlds than ever before possible.
Warren G and Nate Dogg’s music video for their song “Regulate” provides an accurate portrayal of its scenario, placing you right in the heart of West Coast gangsta life. G-funk staples (bouncy synths and slapping snares) combine with artists’ smooth bars to depict an ominous day for West Coast gangsters; plus one of Snoop Dogg’s silky smooth perm is featured prominently here!
Fugees’ hit from the early 90s ‘Down with Biggie, ‘My Name Is’ is hard to top; its powerful message of hopelessness in the wake of Biggie’s death made a statement about the music’s power to transcend tragedy and grow stronger than ever. Additionally, this track marked their change from their signature funky grooves of earlier works toward a more reflective and mature tone – it truly defines their legacy as one of music’s great anthems.
2Pac’s 1996 classic video for his hit single, “Mind Rain,” still remains infectious and enjoyable today. The production–featuring samples from Joe Chambers’ “Mind Rain” and Donald Byrd’s “Flight Time”–is stellar; 2Pac’s rhyme patterns come through clearly with his signature fish-eye lens style lensing as part of Hype Williams’ incredible vision to bring 90s hip hop success.
5. Hype Williams – “Flava In Your Ear (Remix)”
“Flava in Your Ear,” 2Pac’s comeback single released directly following his prison release, was an unforgettable musical video spectacle. Directed by Hype Williams who managed to elevate its aesthetic even further – from flashy outfits and explosions all the way down to Samuel L Jackson lying coffin-bound – its visuals will leave an indelible mark on any viewer of “Flava in Your Ear.”
In the 1990s, music videos experienced their golden age of creativity thanks to newly available technology and decade-long familiarity. Some of hip hop’s most memorable videos can be found among these videos from this era; several even worthy of inclusion into museum permanent collections.
Hype Williams made this video, one of the earliest examples of rappers creating mini movies through music videos, in 1996. It focuses on a group of scientists who crash land their spaceship in downtown Tokyo and must battle an octopus-headed monster to save humanity. Cameo appearances by Puff Daddy, 702, and Total can also be found along with jaw-dropping set pieces with shimmery body paint effects for added bling factor.
Although this video doesn’t showcase classic gangsta rap songs, it does highlight California’s expansive West Coast hip hop community. From Ras Kass’ gangsta anthem to Big Boi, Xzibit and Ice Cube making appearances, this is one of those videos that makes us appreciate how far hip hop has come over time.