In a year in hip-hop where music videos became less and less creative, The Source took the time to recognize those that stood out. From hallucinating at the strip club, to an unforgettable backyard birthday party, to the coolest bar mitzvah we’ve ever seen, and more – here are our Top 12 Music Videos Of 2012.
12. Nas – The Don
Nas’s music video for “The Don” was more than just a dope clip showcasing his hometown of New York City. It marked the return of Escobar Season. Keeping it classy and hood at the same time, Nas reminds us why he earned the title of “The Don” in the first place.
11. Killer Mike – Reagan
Always outspoken Killer Mike released his politically and socially charged video “Reagan” in 2012. Using an animated approach to the video, Killer Mike hones in on how the Reagan Era has affected America and the way hip-hop today is viewed by the youth. “Reagan” is one of the best and more powerful music videos of 2012.
10. G.O.O.D. Music – Mercy
Just about the whole G.O.O.D. Music clique starred in the black and white visuals for Our #1 Rap Song Of The Year, “Mercy”. 2 Chainz, Kanye, Pusha T, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, and Teyana Taylor traipsed around a room in ninja-esque outfits. Kid Cudi’s dance moves are really the icing on the cake.
9. Lil Wayne – No Worries
People were bashing Lil Wayne for a lot of 2012, but no one denied that his track “No Worries” off of Dedication 4 was a hit. I don’t think any of us were expecting the insane video that accompanied the track. Weezy gave us “Fear and Loathing In Las Vegas” inspired visuals – trippy!
8. Frank Ocean – Pyramids
Normally, no one would want to take the time out to watch an 8-minute long music video, but Frank Ocean made it worth it with his, interesting, to say the least, visuals for “Pyramids”. Frank’s journey takes him across the desert on a motorcycle to a strip club with strippers who seem to be transforming before his eyes – I think it’s safe to say Frank took shrooms before he hit the club. Definitely the most creative strip club visuals we received this year.
7. 2 Chainz ft. Kanye West – Birthday Song
2 Chainz and Kanye West gave us one of the most bizarre rap videos of 2012 with “Birthday Song”. Accompanied by some bad chicks, a clown, midgets, and small children, Kanye and Dos Chainz hold what’s either the worst or best birthday party of the year. We really can’t tell.
6. Joey BadA$$ ft. Capital STEEZ – Survival Tactics
Joey Badass and Capital Steez burst onto the Hip-Hop scene grossing millions of views for “Survival Tatics.” The video had some of the industries tastemakers placing labels like, Wu-Tang, Public Enemy, N.W.A. and even Souls Of Mischief. Nevertheless, Pro.Era is here to stay, even with the passing of Steez this Brooklyn clan is a force to be reckon with.
5. Action Bronson – The Symbol
Action Bronson is one of the biggest characters to emerge in hip-hop recently, so it was no surprise that he delivered us one of the most creative videos of the year. Action is totally badass in the clip, brawling with and killing everyone in sight, living up to the “Action” in his name. In his downtime, he smokes trees, hangs with some exotic dancers, and buys cocaine – what a guy.
4. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis – Thrift Shop
The former Unsigned Hype alum, Macklemore made his way to the top 10 charts with “Thrift Shop.” The Heist was one of the most successful albums of the year on an independent level. However the video for his “Thrift Shop” was a fun way to move away from over-expensive retail.
3. Danny Brown – Grown Up
Danny Brown is an eccentric rapper to say the least, but his eccentric-ness sets him apart from the rest. That can be seen in his video for “Grown Up” as it is one of the best videos of the year. “Grown Up” provides Danny Brown’s blueprint from going from rambunctious adolescent to growing up to be the greatest.
2. Drake ft. Lil Wayne – HYFR
If you didn’t know Drake was Jewish, there was no confusion after he released his video for “HYFR”. The YMCMB signed rapper invites his close friends Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, Trey Songz and more to help him celebrate his re-bar mitzvah. Looked like a hell of a party – we’re pissed we didn’t make the guest list.
1. Lupe Fiasco – Bitch Bad
Lupe had one of the most controversial videos of the year for his thought-provoking track, “Bitch Bad”. The message that the song relays focuses on the perception of women these days in music videos and radio hits and how it affects the malleable minds of the youth. However, the video goes deeper, portraying actors in blackface, showing that its more than the women who have trouble coming to terms with their true identity.