"Free Uzi"
The best kind of low budget music video one can ask for, “Free Uzi” was the first solo track we received since 2018’s “New Patek.” Not endorsed by his label nor released on streaming services, “Free Uzi” finds Uzi dancing and laughing in a convenience store. This solidified Uzi as a necessity to the game.
Best Moment:
The best kind of low budget music video one can ask for, “Free Uzi” was the first solo track we received since 2018’s “New Patek.” Not endorsed by his label nor released on streaming services, “Free Uzi” finds Uzi dancing and laughing in a convenience store.
Listen: Lil Uzi Vert, "Free Uzi"
“Old Town Road (Remix)”
Dubbed as the official movie to the biggest song of the year, “Old Town Road (Remix)” deserved nothing short of a high budget production. Lil Nas rides through an old town before linking up with Billy Ray to shut down an elders event that quickly turns into a dance session.
Best Moment:
The brief interaction between Vince Staples and Lil Nas X
Listen: Lil Nas X (ft. Billy Ray Cyrus), “Old Town Road (Remix)”
“Follow God”
A quick look into Kanye’s life in Wyoming, “Follow God” finds Kanye and his father cruising through the snow on a large ATV. All smiles between the two, Ye opts to not lip sync over the track until the very last scream. This video is simple and is easy on the eyes, but what makes it special is the bond between Ye and his father.
Best Moment:
Kanye doing tricks in the snow with his ATV
Listen: Kanye West, “Follow God”
“Yellow”
A complex video directed by Dave Meyers, “Yellow” is a video that metaphorically reflects Rich Brian breaking stereotypes for his identity as an asian in the music industry. Originally constricted, he breaks free of all ties and smashes the window to the house, finally seeing all.
Best Moment:
Rich Brian’s self-reflection in the latter half of the video
Listen: Rich Brian, “Yellow”
“Sacrifices”
A simple video with no direct concept, “Sacrifices” looks exactly like it sounds. Shot inside what appears to be a run down fortress, the Dreamville members and guests each take a part of the location and rap their verse with a genuine emotion. Cole ends the video with a humble passion.
Best Moment:
Cole hiding in his own shadow as he reveals that he has another kid on the way
Listen: Dreamville (ft. EARTHGANG, Saba, Smino, & J. Cole), “Sacrifices”
“Numb Numb Juice”
Taking multiple directions, the video for “Numb Numb Juice” is editing elegance. Keeping up with the fast pace of the song, the video follows the aggressiveness of the lyrics with a special cameo from Tyler, The Creator.
Best Moment:
Q and the crew using a paint roller to paint the road red
Listen: ScHoolboy Q, “Numb Numb Juice”
“Higher”
Filmed before Nipsey’s death, “Higher” is angelic. Nipsey shines brightly in an all blue outfit while he overlooks the LA skyline, providing words of knowledge for the youth. Long live Nipsey Hussle.
Best Moment:
A shot that shows kids playing while Nipsey stands away from the camera, emphasizing his impact on the youth
Listen: DJ Khaled (ft. Nipsey Hussle & John Legend), “Higher”
“Disappear”
A video that goes along with the somber tone of the song, Bea finds herself reflecting on a relationship that has recently frayed. However, in remembering the good moments, she appears to let him back in by the end of the video.
Best Moment:
Remembering good times in the flower field
Listen: Beabadoobee, “Disappear”
“Suge”
In the music video for “Suge,” DaBaby pays visual homage to Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight, playing the role of an aggressive music manager who can get what he wants by his own rules. He also packs the mail, literally.
Best Moment:
When DaBaby hits his signature dance with the label workers
Listen: DaBaby, “Suge”
“EARFQUAKE”
One of the most awkward TV performances of all time, Tyler nails the role of Igor as he sings “EARFQUAKE” live before setting the stage into chaos with smoke. After he burns himself and continues performing, another version of Tyler finishes the song in a firefighter suit.
Best Moment:
When the fan blows on Igor’s hair during his performance
Listen: Tyler, The Creator (ft. Playboi Carti), “EARFQUAKE”
