The Top 5 Saddest Hip Hop Music Videos
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From Tupac to Aaliyah, these are the saddest hip hop music videos ever.
2Pac – “Dear Mama”
“Dear Mama” is a song by American hip hop recording artist 2Pac, released on February 21, 1995 as the lead single from his third studio album, Me Against the World (1995). The song features a guest appearance from rapper Snoop Doggy Dogg and is produced by Tony Pizarro. In “Dear Mama”, Shakur reflects on his upbringing by a single mother and promises to adopt her way of thinking in hopes of improving the world for future generations.
Critics praised “Dear Mama” for its strong emotional tone and delivery, with many considering it one of Shakur’s best tracks. The record remains one of pac’s most popular songs and is widely considered to be one of the greatest hip-hop tracks ever recorded. The single peaked at number nine on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming 2Pac’s highest-charting solo single at the time.
The Notorious B.I.G. – “Mo Money, Mo Problems”
The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Mo Money, Mo Problems” might be one of the most iconic hip hop music videos of all time. The video, which features cameos from Puff Daddy, Mase, and Lil’ Kim, is a celebration of Biggie’s newfound success. But, the video also features a number of scenes that focus on the darker side of celebrity life. In particular, the scene where Biggie’s friends and family mourn his untimely death is both sad and eerily prescient.
Jay Z – “Glory”
“Glory” is a song dedicated to Jay Z’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, and was released just two days after her birth. The music video features home footage of Jay Z and Beyoncé throughout Blue Ivy’s early life.
The video is intercut with scenes of Jay Z rapping in a dark room, which are meant to represent the struggles and challenges he has faced in his life. The video ends with a dedication to Blue Ivy, saying that she is “the best thing” in his life.
Nas – “Daughters”
Nas’ “Daughters” is a track off of his 2012 album Life Is Good. The song is an ode to his daughter, who was just a toddler at the time he wrote it. In the music video, Nas’ daughter grows up into a young woman and eventually has a child of her own. The video ends with Nas holding his granddaughter and looking at pictures of his daughter when she was younger.
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Alright” is a song about hope in the midst of struggle. The music video features footage of police brutality and racial injustice, set to the backdrop of Kendrick rapping about how “we gon’ be alright.” The video is powerful and moving, and it stands as a reminder that despite the odds, we can always hope for a better tomorrow.
