The Best Smashed Hip Hop Music Videos of 2017
In this post, we’ll be taking a look at the best smashed hip hop music videos of 2017. These are videos that have been smashed by the likes of DJ Khaled, Kendrick Lamar, and Chance the Rapper.
Best Smashed Hip Hop Music Videos of 2017
The best smashed hip hop music videos of 2017 were creative, action-packed, and full of heart. From Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” to J. Cole’s “4 Your Eyez Only,” these videos represented the best of what hip hop had to offer.
Kendrick Lamar – “Humble”
Kendrick Lamar’s “Humble” was one of the biggest hits of 2017 and its music video was nothing short of iconic. Heavily inspired by the work of legendary photographer Gordon Parks, the video see Kendrick trying on a number of different personas while delivering some of the most jaw-dropping bars of his career. It’s a must-watch for any hip hop fan.
Lil Uzi Vert – “XO TOUR Llif3”
Lil Uzi Vert’s “XO TOUR Llif3” video was released in early 2017 and quickly racked up millions of views. The simple, one-shot video features the rapper walking through a desolate cityscape, looking eerily calm as he raps about depression, substance abuse, and heartbreak. The video culminates in a devastatingly emotional moment where Uzi breaks down crying, hammering home the song’s raw emotion.
J. Cole – “ATM”
director Scott Lazer. The video features J. Cole going about his day-to-day life,
juxtaposing his current lavish lifestyle with scenes from his childhood and humble beginnings.
The scenes from his childhood are activated by him counting money, which then goes into a tirade about how Cole will never let money change him. It’s a transparent look at the artist’s life, and it perfectly compliments the song’s theme of maintaining your values in the face of success.
Cardi B – “Bodak Yellow”
“Bodak Yellow” made history as the first solo female rap song to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in nearly 20 years, and its music video is just as iconic. The visual, directed by Staten Island native Eif Rivera, features Cardi B living her best life as a rich rapper — driving luxury cars, wearing designer clothes and jewelry, and living in a penthouse overlooking the city. It’s a testament to Cardi’s come-up story, and an anthem for anyone who’s worked hard to make their dreams a reality.
Migos – “Bad and Boujee”
“Bad and Boujee” is a song by American hip hop group Migos. It was released on October 28, 2016, by Quality Control Music and YRN Tha Label as the lead single from their second studio album Culture (2017). The song, produced by Metro Boomin, features guest vocals from American rapper Lil Uzi Vert. It peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, becoming Migos’ first number-one single as lead artists.
Worst Smashed Hip Hop Music Videos of 2017
Just as good as some of the songs were this year, there were music videos that didn’t quite make the cut. Here are the worst hip hop music videos of 2017.
6ix9ine – “Gummo”
6ix9ine’s “Gummo” was one of the worst music videos of 2017. It was tasteless, crass, and just plain bad. The video featured 6ix9ine and his friends engaged in a variety of criminal activities, including drug use, violence, and sexual assault.
Kodak Black – “Tunnel Vision”
In February, Kodak Black released the music video for his single “Tunnel Vision.” The video was widely criticized for its offensive and insensitive portrayal of violence against women. In the video, Kodak Black and his friends are shown partying in a luxurious mansion with scantily clad women. At one point in the video, Kodak Black is shown grabbing a woman by the throat and throwing her to the ground. The video was condemned by many as misogynistic and tone-deaf, and it was eventually pulled from YouTube.
A$AP Rocky – “RAF”
ASAP Rocky drops an enormous wad of cash in his new music video for “RAF.” The track, which also features verses from Quavo, Playboi Carti, and Lil Uzi Vert, is a minimalist trap banger with a hypnotic beat and very little in the way of lyrical depth.
The video, on the other hand, is a over-the-top display of luxury that makes Rocky look like a hip hop version of Floyd Mayweather. He flaunts his wealth in a private jet, at a mansion party, and in a Rolls Royce with the top down. There’s even a scene where he feeds dollars bills to a group of women in bikinis.
It’s all very tacky and tasteless, and it’s hard to imagine that Rocky is taking any of it seriously. It’s clear that he’s just trying to have some fun and show off his lavish lifestyle, but it comes across as tone-deaf and out of touch.
French Montana – “Unforgettable”
In the “Unforgettable” video, French Montana features a bevy of women gyrating in very little clothing while he parties on a yacht. There’s also a scene where he pushes a woman’s face into his crotch. The video was widely criticized for its objectification of women.
Yo Gotti – “Rake It Up”
Featuring a bevy of beautiful women, Yo Gotti’s “Rake It Up” music video is pretty much what you would expect from a hip hop video these days. Unfortunately, it’s also pretty cringeworthy, thanks in large part to the ham-fisted attempt at humor (including a scene where Gotti shoves his face between a woman’s breasts) and the overall atmosphere of debauchery.
