Top 100 Music Videos That Helped Shape 50 Years of Hip Hop | News

Missy Elliott‘s “Sock It To Me” blends sci-fi elements with vibrant visuals, featuring a futuristic Missy commanding a spaceship and showcasing her boundary-pushing creativity.

In “Teleport 2 Me, Jamie,” Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius create a surreal and dreamlike world where love transcends time and space, capturing the essence of Afrofuturism’s limitless possibilities.

Flying Lotus and Kendrick Lamar‘s collaboration in “Never Catch Me” seamlessly blends cosmic aesthetics with poignant social commentary. It envisions the transcendence of death, depicting joyous scenes of children escaping the confines of mortality.

TLC’s “No Scrubs” offers a futuristic take on dating, with its sleek visuals and sci-fi elements reflecting a forward-thinking approach to relationships.

Kendrick Lamar‘s “All the Stars” video for the film Black Panther is a visual marvel, blending African heritage with cutting-edge technology and showcasing the synergy between hip-hop and Afrofuturism.

Earl Sweatshirt‘s “Chum” explores themes of self-discovery and alienation against a surreal backdrop, delving into Afrofuturism’s introspective side.

Gorillaz‘s “Feel Good Inc” with De La Soul immerses viewers in a virtual world, fusing animated characters with dystopian landscapes, amplifying the band’s signature blend of music, multimedia, and hip-hop.

Kaytranada’s “Glowed Up” infuses Afrofuturistic elements into everyday life, transforming mundane settings into a cosmic dance party with kaleidoscopic visuals.

Although predating hip-hop’s commercial peak, Herbie Hancock‘s groundbreaking “Rockit” video set the stage for Afrofuturist aesthetics in music videos with its robotic figures and surreal imagery.

Afrika Bambaataa‘s “Planet Rock” is a pioneering Afrofuturistic classic featuring futuristic landscapes and visuals that have inspired generations of artists.

Choreographed by Fatima Robinson, Busta Rhymes‘ video introduced energetic African and Caribbean dances to the hip-hop video landscape. The infectious nature of the moves and burst of energy of the music were inspired by the infamous wedding scene in Coming to America which was choreographed by icon Paula Abdul. 

The “Unforgettable” challenge went viral, with fans worldwide imitating the dance from French Montana and Swae Lee’s video. The dance’s universal appeal brought diverse communities together, showcasing the power of hip hop to create global trends.

Some may argue that G. Dep‘s “Let’s Get It” introduced the world to the Harlem Shake, a dance that evolved from underground parties to mainstream recognition. Its infectious and carefree vibe became a symbol of celebration and self-expression.

MC Hammer‘s “U Can’t Touch This” brought the Hammer Dance to the forefront, turning it into a cultural phenomenon. The dance’s popularity extended beyond the video, becoming a signature move associated with the artist—and anyone and everyone who wanted to bust a move back then.

Kid ‘N Play‘s “Gittin Funky” introduced the duo’s Kick Step, a dance that was first popularized in the duo’s cult classic film, House Party. The two’s playful, synchronized footwork added a whimsical element to their shows and music videos.

Everyone has done Da Butt, whether they know it or not. The uninhibited movement, founded by Washington, D.C.’s go-go band EU (Experience Unlimited), emphasizes the capacity to sway one’s derriere in a circular motion. It quickly became a staple at go-go’s and kickbacks after it was made popular in Spike Lee’s School Daze. The dance’s carefree spirit resonated with the era’s embrace of individuality and regional differences.

Digital Underground’s “Humpty Dance” video gave birth to the dance of the same name, a quirky and animated movement that became an iconic representation of the early ’90s hip-hop scene. Humpty Hump’s eccentric persona and dance moves left a lasting imprint on the culture.

Dem Franchize Boyz brought the Snap Dance to the forefront with “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It.” First bubbling in one of hip-hop’s mecca, Atlanta, Georgia, the snap movement became a viral sensation, with fans across the globe incorporating the distinctive hand gestures into their dance routines.

Cali Swag District‘s “Teach Me How To Dougie” turned the Dougie into a nationwide dance craze. The laid-back yet intricate moves of the Dougie became a symbol of cool, with fans and fellow artists showcasing their own interpretations.

Soulja Boy’s “Crank That” not only popularized the Superman dance but also fueled the rise of viral challenges. The dance’s simple yet catchy steps became a social media sensation, with fans worldwide uploading their own interpretations.