The Best Hip Hop Music Videos of 2015
Contents
A countdown of the best hip hop music videos of 2015.
Introduction
The best hip hop music videos of 2015 managed to be funny, thought-provoking, and just plain cool all at the same time. Childish Gambino, Kendrick Lamar, and Run the Jewels all released highly acclaimed music videos this year, while Yo Gotti’s “Down in the DM” video became an Internet sensation. These are the best hip hop music videos of 2015.
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” was one of the most talked about and widely acclaimed music videos of 2015. The video, which was directed by Colin Tilley, features Kendrick rapping in front of various iconic landmarks in his hometown of Compton, CA. The video is interspersed with footage of police brutality and protests, making it a powerful commentary on the current state of race relations in America.
Vince Staples – “Lift Me Up”
“Lift Me Up” is the first single from Vince Staples’ debut album Summertime ’06. The song was released on June 30, 2015. The music video for “Lift Me Up” was released on September 1, 2015 and was directed by Alex Nazari.
The music video features Vince Staples rapping in front of a number of different backdrops, including a beach, a forest, and a cityscape. The video ends with Staples walking towards the camera as the sun sets behind him.
Big Sean – “I Don’t Fuck with You”
“I Don’t Fuck with You” is a song recorded by American rapper Big Sean. It was released on September 19, 2014, by GOOD Music and Def Jam Recordings as the first single from Sean’s second studio album, Dark Sky Paradise (2015). The song features Chicago-based rapper E-40. “I Don’t Fuck with You” peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was ranked at number ten on the 2015 year-end US chart.
Rae Sremmurd – “No Type”
Rae Sremmurd’s “No Type” was one of the biggest songs of 2014, and the duo decided to go even bigger for the video. The result is a grandiose, ridiculous visual for their breakout hit. Shot in Los Angeles and featuring cameos from Wiz Khalifa, Mike Epps, and Juicy J, the video is a sensory overload of beautiful women, bright colors, and fast cars. It’s an expertly executed piece of filmmaking that perfectly captures the spirit of Rae Sremmurd’s carefree attitude.
Nicki Minaj – “Anaconda”
“Anaconda” is a song by American rapper and singer Nicki Minaj, from her third studio album, The Pinkprint (2014). It was released on August 4, 2014 by Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records as the second single from the album. The song was produced by Polow da Don, Anonymous, and Da Internz. The song heavily samples “Baby Got Back” (1992) by Sir Mix-a-Lot. “Anaconda” peaked at number two on the US Billboard Hot 100, consequently becoming Minaj’s highest charting single in the United States to date. It went on to spend eight consecutive weeks in the top ten of the Hot 100 chart; peaking at number four on September 21, 2014 and spending its final week in the top ten on November 9, 2014. The song also peaked within the top ten in Australia, Canada, Denmark and New Zealand.
A music video for the track was filmed in August 2014 and was directed by Colin Tilley. The visual produced heavy criticism of Minaj for its use of particularly light-skinned women with large buttocks as far as objectifying them throughout most of the video while she raps sexually suggestive lyrics.joey bada$$’s “anaconda” took aim at nicki minaj’s raunchy video for her own song of the same name.
Childish Gambino – “Sober”
Childish Gambino’s “Sober” was one of the best hip hop music videos of 2015. The video tells the story of a young man who is struggling with addiction and trying to get clean. The video is powerful and moving, and it is clear that Childish Gambino is passionate about the issue of addiction.
Drake – “Hotline Bling”
“Hotline Bling” is a song recorded by Canadian rapper Drake, which serves as the lead single from his fourth studio album Views (2016). The song was released to digital retailers on October 19, 2015, under OVO Sound and Young Money Entertainment. Musically, “Hotline Bling” is a minimalist R&B song with a half-sung and half-rapped vocal style. The song contains an synth-driven production that incorporates 808 heartbeats.
The music video for “Hotline Bling” was directed by Director X and premiered on October 19, 2015 on Drake’s Vevo channel. It features a simple set up with Drake dancing in front of various bright backgrounds. The dancing in the video has been compared to that of reaction GIFs featuring Drake. Since its release, the music video has been parodied and emulated numerous times by people across the globe.
Future – “Fuck Up Some Commas”
Released in early May, “Fuck Up Some Commas” quickly became one of the year’s most popular songs. The video, which features Future and a number of other rappers in a lavish mansion, is equally impressive. With over 55 million views, it’s one of the most-watched hip hop videos of the year.
Conclusion
After reviewing the best hip hop music videos of 2015, we have come to the conclusion that the genre is stronger than ever. With creative visuals and catchy beats, these videos are sure to get you moving. Whether you like your hip hop fast-paced or laid-back, there is something for everyone on this list. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!
