To celebrate the release of Nothing Was The Same today, Drake dropped the visuals for “Hold On, We’re Going Home.” What I was expecting to be a fairly basic love fest in the form of a music video, turned out to be quite the cinematic experience.
Vimeo
Jay Z “Picasso Baby: A Performance Art Film”
We all know by now that Hov has a love for art and all that surrounds it. So why not perform inside the MoMA and shoot it as your video? That’s exactly what Mr. Carter did. Incorporating actors, art dealers, writers, street dancers, 9th graders and legends only adds to the allure. From the ever so powerful Marina Abramović, to the comical Judd Apatow, to youthful blackbelt Toby Kinberg, Jay-Z brings extraordinary energy to whomever is in his presence.
Kendrick Lamar – “Backseat Freestyle” [Official Video]
King Kendrick drops another video from his notorious good kid, m.A.A.d. city, which was arguably the best album of 2012. The contrast between Paris and his roots (“where my damn Dominos at?!”) makes for a rather artistic vibe.
Frank Ocean – SNL Performance & Pyramids Video
Frankie did his thing on SNL last night, as well as dropping well-timed visuals for “Pyramids.”
AHM Network: Romain Gavras
Due to the most recent video directed by Mr. Gavras for Jay-Z & Kanye West’s “No Church In The Wild,” I figured it was time for a post dedicated to his stunning visuals. The Athens-born 30 year old French director has a knack for high energy, gritty, controversial music videos. He has the ability to take a song and transform it into something formidable. The visuals and the storyline make it impossible to turn away for even a couple seconds. Warning: The videos are very intense and include violence and nudity. NSFW.
AHM Network: Ep. 10
The much anticipated self-titled video from Drake’s Take Care was delayed over a week and now we end up with a double-video release from the Canadian artist.
Backed by the sound of Gill-Scott Heron, remixed by Jamie xx, the “Take Care” video has well-orchestrated visuals. Rihanna looking like a lost puppy in an empty room is consistently comforted by Drake, signifying strength (the bull). Along with the warm embrace in a cold scene, you see beautiful imagery including a bluejay, tropical fish and an acrobat doing his thing. In addition, two scenes straight out of Lord of the Rings.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Drake’s Re-Bar Mitzvah, or something along those lines. Featuring Lil Wayne in a panda mask. The outlook portrayed is very care-free, participating in what you believe while having a good time is achievable. Again, very fitting visuals with a slight Lonely Island-esque goofiness to it. Special guest appearances from Birdman, DJ Khaled,Trey Songz and more.
Visuals In The Cut
Jay-Z & Kanye West – Ni**as In Paris [Official Video]
This Shit Cray.
Most of the video takes place at live shows where Jay & Ye went HAM 5,6,7,8,9 and I had the pleasure of seeing 10 times. We get to see Will Ferrell in his obscure reference from Blades of Glory. Lions roaring and a crowd that just don’t give a fuck.
