i met a gypsy and she hipped me to some life game/to stimulate then activate the left and right brain

In general, hip-hop videos suck. Everyone knows what to expect: semi- (but more like semi-not-) dressed women looking bored out of their skulls writhing while the rapper throws money around. And yet, sometimes hip-hop artists think completely outside the box, making creative and amusing videos. I've got three artists in particular in mind.

One of my favourite artists, Outkast, always makes sure their videos are fun and original.

What I love about the "Rosa Parks" video is how well it showcases Andre 3000 and Big Boi's personalities and differences. The phone call at the beginning especially, with Big Boi wanting a typical, "pimpin'" hip-hop video and Andre 3000 pulling for a "space/futuristic" theme, until they eventually settle on doing both. And behold, a brilliant video that reminds me so much of my precious Parliament/Funkadelic. And the true stroke of genius? The harmonica solo.

Prototype

Now I had no idea that "Prototype" was a single or even had a video until I was researching this post. I have Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, so I'd heard the song, but watching this video made me realize that Andre 3000 is probably my soulmate.

See also: "Ms. Jackson", which, for some reason, features a house full of animals; "Hey Ya", which, yeah, you've heard a million times, but if it's been awhile for you, listen again, it sure feels nice, doesn't it?; "Roses", another one illustrating the difference between Andre 3000 and Big Boi; "Morris Brown", the colourful, Sesame Street-esque clip I was going to feature before I discovered "Prototype"

Kanye West:


I have been watching Kanye West's "Flashing Lights" video so much lately. It's just purely hypnotizing. I hate how short it is...it leaves you going, "What??"


I think I've mentioned a few times on this blog what a huge fan I am of the song and video for "Can't Tell Me Nothing". It seems sort of like a prequel to "Flashing Lights", with the desert and the car and the girl. It's still my favourite Kanye West song.

See also: "Stronger", featuring the gorgeous Cassie

Busta Rhymes:


I rarely listen to Busta Rhymes, but it seems like whenever I do, I'm impressed. I got into "Don't Touch Me" thanks to the Adam Sevani/ACDC video and its video is typical Busta Rhymes: funny, high energy and very watchable.

The best part of "Light Your Ass on Fire" is the "hmmm"s (the first is around 00:22), but the rest of the video is great too. It's just straight-up fun.
See also: "Touch It", an interesting video for an interesting song.

I'm not saying these are the only hip-hop artists with great videos. Lupe Fiasco, Ludacris, Eminem (what on earth happened to him?), Missy Elliott and a bunch of others have all released creative and funny clips. These are just a few of my favourites. Enjoy!