The Top Hip Hop Music Videos of 2013

A countdown of the top hip hop music videos of 2013, including clips from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Jay Z, and Kanye West.

“Started from the Bottom” by Drake

“Started from the Bottom” is a song by Canadian recording artist Drake, released as the first single from his third studio album Nothing Was the Same. The song was written by Drake, Michael Carter, and Noah “40” Shebib. It features production from Mike Zombie and 40. Musically, “Started from the Bottom” is a mid-tempo hip hop song that incorporates an R&B-influenced beat. The proudest moment in this sentimental video is when Drake pops his collar in front of his mother’s childhood home.”

The music video for “Started from the Bottom” was directed by Drake’s long-time collaborator Director X and took two days to film. It was shot in various locations in Toronto, including Drake’s old neighborhood of Lawrence Heights, as well as Toronto’s financial district. The video features cameo appearances by rapper Lil Wayne and NBA player Kyle Lowry. Upon its release, the music video received positive reviews from critics and helped propel the song to commercial success. It has been viewed on YouTube more than 174 million times as of February 2018.

“Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The music video for “Thrift Shop” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis was released on August 29, 2013. The video was directed by Jon Jon Augusta and features Macklemore and Ryan Lewis going on a shopping spree at a thrift store. The video was nominated for seven MTV Video Music Awards, winning three of them, including Best Hip-Hop Video.

“Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” was one of the biggest hip hop hits of 2013, and the music video is just as epic. The video was filmed in various locations around Seattle, and features stunning shots of the cityscape. The video also includes cameos from rapper Schoolboy Q and basketball player Jamal Crawford.

“Holy Grail” by Jay-Z ft. Justin Timberlake

The music video for “Holy Grail” was released on Jay-Z’s YouTube channel on July 8, 2013. The video was directed by Mark Romanek and filmed in late May/early June 2013. Timberlake’s role in the video is minimal, with only a few brief shots of him singing along with Jay-Z. The majority of the video focuses on Jay-Z walking through various iconic locations in New York City, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, and the Apollo Theater. The video also features cameos from celebrities such as Alicia Keys, Steve Buscemi, and Anna Wintour.

“Holy Grail” was nominated for Best Hip-Hop Video at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, but lost to Drake’s “Hold On (We’re Going Home)”.

“Berzerk” by Eminem

“Berzerk” is a song recorded by American rapper Eminem, and produced by Rick Rubin. The song, released on August 27, 2013, is the lead single from Eminem’s eighth studio album The Marshall Mathers LP 2 (2013). The song samples “Fight for Your Right” by the Beastie Boys, as well as “My Sharona” by The Knack. “Berzerk” peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Internationally, the song topped the charts in Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom; and peaked within the top five of many other countries.

“23” by Mike Will Made It ft. Miley Cyrus, Wiz Khalifa & Juicy J

“23” is a song by American record producer Mike Will Made It, featuring American singer Miley Cyrus, and rappers Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J. It was released on September 10, 2013 by Interscope Records as the lead single from Cyrus’ fourth studio album Bangerz (2013). “23” is a trap and bass heavy song produced by Mike Will Made It that incorporates elements of hip hop and EDM. The song’s lyrics refer to basketball legend Michael Jordan as well as recreational drug use.

The track received mixed reviews from critics; some complimented its production and composition, while others criticized its lyrical content. “23” peaked at number 11 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and has reached the top ten in Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand and Sweden. An accompanying music video for “23” was directed by Andreas Nilsson and features cameos from America’s Next Top Model winner Tyra Banks and rappers Travis Barker, Mac Millerand Iggy Azalea. It caused controversy due to sexual references and gun violence.

“I Luv Dem Strippers” by 2 Chainz ft. Nicki Minaj

2 Chainz’s “I Luv Dem Strippers” music video features cameos from some of the biggest names in the hip hop industry, including Nicki Minaj, Wiz Khalifa, and Juicy J. The video is set in a strip club, and features 2 Chainz and his friends enjoying the company of scantily clad women. In addition to the cameos, the music video also includes appearances by several well-known female models, including Amber Rose and Emily Ratajkowski.

“Gentleman” by PSY

“Gentleman” is a K-pop song by South Korean singer Psy. The song was released on April 12, 2013, as the lead single from his sixth studio album Psy 6 (Six Rules), Part 1. The song debuted at number one on the South Korean Gaon Digital Chart, becoming Psy’s third consecutive number-one hit following “Gangnam Style” and “Gentleman”. As of June 2013, the music video has received over 630 million views on YouTube, becoming the second most watched K-Pop video of all time and the fourth most watched YouTube video ever.

“Get Lucky” by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell

“Get Lucky” is a song by French electronic music duo Daft Punk, featuring American singer and guitarist Pharrell Williams. The lead single from Daft Punk’s fourth studio album, Random Access Memories, it reached the top ten in almost every country in which it charted on release. Get Lucky peaked at number one in several countries including Australia, Canada, France and the United Kingdom; as well as number two in the United States and Denmark.

“Blurred Lines” by Robin Thicke ft. T.I. & Pharrell

The music video for “Blurred Lines” was released in 2013 and quickly became one of the most talked about music videos of the year. The video features models Emily Ratajkowski, Jessi M’Bengue, and Elle Evans dancing provocatively around Thicke, T.I., and Pharrell. The video was criticized by some for its misogynistic and sexualized content, while others praised it for its creative visuals and catchy tune.