The Best Hip Hop Music Videos of 2016
Contents
Looking for the best hip hop music videos of 2016? Look no further! We’ve got the top 10 videos right here, complete with links so you can watch them all.
“Formation” by Beyoncé
Formation is a song by American singer Beyoncé from her sixth studio album Lemonade (2016). The song was released on February 6, 2016, alongside “Sorry” and “Hold Up”, as the lead single from the album. “Formation” peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number two on the UK Singles Chart. The song features heavy use of Louisiana Creole English and depicts police brutality against African Americans, while its lyrics also reference Hurricane Katrina.
The music video for “Formation” was directed by Melina Matsoukas and shot in New Orleans, Louisiana. It premiered on February 7, 2016, exclusively through Tidal. Upon its release, the video was met with critical acclaim; critics praised its political message as well as Beyoncé’s unapologetic display of black pride. The video went on to win three MTV Video Music Awards: Best Pop Video, Best Choreography in a Video, and Best Direction in a Video.
“Hotline Bling” by Drake
“Hotline Bling” is a song recorded by Canadian rapper Drake, which serves as the lead single from his fourth studio album Views. The song received critical acclaim upon its release, with many critics praising Drake’s return to his “roots” in hip-hop, as well as its production which samples R&B artist D.R.A.M.’s song “Cha Cha”. The music video for “Hotline Bling” was directed by Director X and released on October 19, 2015. The video became a viral internet sensation, and has been widely credited with popularizing the “dad dancing” meme.
“All the Way Up” by Fat Joe and Remy Ma
Fat Joe and Remy Ma have been making music together for almost two decades, and they show no signs of slowing down. Their latest collaboration, “All the Way Up,” is a certified banger, and the music video is just as hype. The video features cameos from French Montana, Jay Z, and Fabolous, and it’s clear that everyone is having a great time. If you’re looking for a fun, high-energy hip hop video, look no further than “All the Way Up.”
“Famous” by Kanye West
Kanye West’s “Famous” video, which was released in June 2016, is one of the most controversial and talked-about music videos of the year. The video, which features West and a number of nude celebrities in bed together, was met with both criticism and acclaim. While some praised the video for its artistry and creativity, others condemned it for its objectification of women.
“Panda” by Desiigner
“Panda” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Desiigner. The song was released to the public on December 15, 2015, serving as the lead single from his commercial debut mixtape, New English (2016). The song peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and at number one on the UK Singles Chart. “Panda” is Desiigner’s highest charting single to date. The official remix for the song features guest verses from rappers Big Sean and Pusha T.
“No Problem” by Chance the Rapper
“No Problem” is a song by American hip hop recording artist Chance the Rapper featuring Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz. It was released on May 13, 2016, by Chance the Rapper’s website as the lead single from his third mixtape, Coloring Book. The song peaked at number 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics of “No Problem” concern the difficulties that artists face when trying to secure features from other artists.
“Work” by Rihanna
Rihanna “Work” from ANTI – The new album from Rihanna.
In 2016, Rihanna cemented her place as one of the most popular musicians in the world with the release of her eighth studio album, Anti. The album’s lead single, “Work,” quickly climbed to the top of the charts and became one of the year’s most-played songs. The accompanying music video was directed by Director X and featured cameos from Drake and Rihanna’s real-life friend and assistant Melissa Forde.
The video was shot in Los Angeles and Toronto, and it features Rihanna dancing in a number of locations, including a club, a warehouse, and an empty lot. Throughout the video, she is joined by a group of dancers who perform choreographed routines.
“Work” was nominated for several awards, including Best Music Video at the MTV Video Music Awards and Best Female Video at the BET Awards. It won the award for Best Male/Female Video at the BET Hip Hop Awards.
“Never Really Over” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s “Never Really Over” music video is one of the best hip hop music videos of 2016. The video features Perry in various settings and costumes, including a beach party and a lavish mansion party. The video also includes cameos from rappers Snoop Dogg and Big Sean.
“Truth Hurts” by Lizzo
Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts” was one of the defining hip hop music videos of 2016. The song, which samples Ready for the World’s “Love You Down,” is an anthem for anyone who’s ever been lied to by a lover. The video, directed by Karena Evans, features Lizzo in a variety of glamorous settings, including a pool party and a roller skating rink. “Truth Hurts” is both catchy and empowering, making it one of the best hip hop music videos of the year.
“Good as Hell” by Lizzo
“Good as Hell” is a song recorded by American singer and rapper Lizzo. It was released on October 7, 2016, as the lead single from the soundtrack to the 2016 film Barbershop: The Next Cut. The song was written by Lizzo, Duncan Tinagli-Brown and Nate Hill, and produced by Ricky Reed.
The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its “catchy” hook and called it a “perfect” anthem for self-love. Commercially, the song peaked at number 32 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and also became a top 40 hit in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and France.
An accompanying music video for “Good as Hell” was directed by Karena Evans and premiered on October 7, 2016. The video features Lizzo working at a hair salon called House of Atera while giving customers makeovers.
