Music isn’t complete until you get to experience it as you listen. I’d like to think of songs as stories, and what’s a good story without representation? A motion-picture display that describes the intent of the artist is an essential part of the experience that comes with listening to good music.
There are music videos with little to zero originality. Many lack depth and you can tell as you watch that, “this artist did not put much thought into this”. However many music videos do not only blow our minds away, it opens our minds to the world of the artistes, telling the story the song couldn’t.
This year gave birth to many iconic music videos, both locally and internationally. From culture-shocking music videos from Lil Nas X, to our very own Starboy topping the billboard charts with Essence. Here are our best music videos of 2021;
MONTERO (CALL ME BY YOUR NAME) BY LIL NAS X
Lil Nas X broke the internet when he dropped his controversial music video to his song “Call me by your name.” The rapper made headlines after clips of him giving the devil a lap-dance flooded social media. Lil Nas X has had quite the controversial year as the openly gay rapper flaunted his sexuality in majority of his music videos. In this music video, Lil Nas X clearly addresses homophobia and the hate thrown at him due to his sexuality. The music video screams, “I do not care what any of you think.” The vibrant and colorful scenes were very pleasing to watch as Lil Nas X pole dances his way to hell, where he proceeds to give the devil a sultry lap-dance.
The music video was directed by Tanu Muino and Lil Nas X himself.
STREETS BY DOJA CAT
Doja Cat has had one of the most successful year as an artist. Due to her zero misses and hit tracks, she has established her stance as an artist that is here to stay. She did this by not only delivering sonically and lyrically, but with the music videos as well. If there’s one thing Doja Cat does not slack off on, it’s her music videos. Earlier this year, Doja Cat’s “streets” began to trend on Tiktok. The song was mashed-up with Paul Anka’s 1959 hit song, “Put your head on my shoulder.” This gave birth to the silhouette challenge which flooded social media. Doja and her team proceeded to make the already trending song a single, and gave it a music video.
Now the music video was absolutely beautiful. It showcased Doja’s versatility as an artist. In the music video, Doja cat is a spider=like predator that lures potential suitors to their death.
LUMBERJACK BY TYLER THE CREATOR
Tyler the creator released his full length studio album earlier this year. His album, “Call me if you get lost”, has received multiple nominations and awards. Now we’ve always known that Tyler is a creative genius, but the rapper solidified this fact when he dropped the music video to his lead single “Lumberjack”.
The music video was vibrant and emitted confidence. Tyler fused high fashion with hip-hop in ways many are unable to do.
THOT SHIT BY MEGAN THEE STALLION
2021 was a year for the hotties and it’s all thanks to Megan thee stallion. With almost zero misses, Meg gave us hot girl summer anthems back to back. Thanks to TikTok and Megan’s compelling bars, creativity and stage presence, the rapper dominated the music industry.
After dropping her debut album “Good News”, Megan has been on a roll. Despite a couple controversies here and there, Megan killed it with the music video for “Thot shit.” The hit song trended on TikTok yet again as many danced to the lyrics “hands on my knees/ shakin’ ass on my thot shit.”
ESSENCE BY WIZKID AND TEMS
We don’t need no other body when we have Wizkid and Tems blasting through our speakers. A honorable mention on this list goes to Essence by Wizkid and Tems. Nigerian artists aren’t particular known for the detail in their music videos, but wizkid and Tems created magic with this one.
The tone of the music video matches perfectly with the song. Tems engulfs us with her beauty as she sings the lyrics to the billboard top ten hit afrobeat track. The music video screamed “this is Wizkid. this is Tems. this is our vibe”, and helped put Nigeria on a map internationally.
