20.
Anderson .Paak (ft. Jay Rock):

“Lockdown”

A protest anthem that demands justice for Black lives, the visual for the track is powerful. Featuring celebrity cameos and his son, the music video carries a melancholic tone that is representative of the recent injustices.

Best Moment:
Jay Rock rapping his verse to Syd outside a gas station in LA

Listen: Anderson .Paak (ft. Jay Rock), “Lockdown”

19.
21 Savage & Metro Boomin:

“Runnin”

After winning a Grammy for Best Rap Song last year, 21 Savage brought the trophy back to the hood. The Grammy represents a win for Atlanta, and 21 makes sure the community that brought him up knows he appreciates them.

Best Moment:
The happiness on everyone’s face when they hold the trophy

Listen: 21 Savage & Metro Boomin, “Runnin”

18.
Freddie Gibbs (ft. Big Sean & Hit-Boy):

“4 Thangs”

Fresh off of a championship victory from the Los Angeles Lakers, Freddie Gibbs & Big Sean celebrate with a championship of their own. This one, however, includes strippers in the locker room after the game.

Best Moment:
The post-game interview with Sean & Gibbs

Listen: Freddie Gibbs (ft. Big Sean & Hit-Boy), “4 Thangs”

17.
Roddy Ricch:

“The Box”

The visual for a track that not even Justin Bieber could overtake for the #1 spot, “The Box” explores the ambiguity behind what the box actually is. After watching the video, it seems to have multiple interpretations.

Best Moment:
Roddy dunking from the free throw line

Listen: Roddy Ricch, “The Box”

16.
Lauv:

“Modern Loneliness”

A creative visual that showcases what modern day loneliness looks like, Lauv goes through the motions of life facing the constant social pressures. While people are more “social” than ever, they are more isolated than ever.

Best Moment:
Lauv showing he faces the same social pressures as everyone else

Listen: Lauv, “Modern Loneliness”

15.
Taylor Swift:

“cardigan”

Following the light, Taylor Swift finds herself in different fantasies, seemingly searching for something new. Watching the journey is magical and visually matches the sonic tone of the track.

Best Moment:
Lost at sea with the piano as her lifeline

Listen: Taylor Swift, “cardigan”

14.
Gunna:

“SKYBOX”

One of the most colorful, visually appealing videos of the year, Gunna shines as he flexes his different fits in the setting of a another country. Shout out to Spike Jordan for not directing what could have a generic rap music video.

Best Moment:
Wunna rapping next to a camel

Listen: Gunna, “SKYBOX”

13.
Lil Tjay:

“Move On”

A short and sweet video that reminds me of something that could have been in Glee in another life, Lil Tjay constantly appears as a reminder to a girl with another man.

Best Moment:
Tjay acting in different types of movies

Listen: Lil Tjay, “Move On”

12.
BLACKPINK:

“Lovesick Girls”

Dance, drama, and color, “Lovesick Girls” is everything viewers have come to love about BLACKPINK videos. The visual accurately captures the tone of freedom and innocence.

Best Moment:
Driving the car with the top down

Listen: BLACKPINK, “Lovesick Girls”

11.
Pop Smoke (ft. Quavo):

“Shake The Room”

Directed by Virgil Abloh, Pop Smoke & Quavo toast to their success with fast cars and five-star food. This video is a trap version of Tyler, The Creator & A$AP Rocky’s “Potato Salad.” Long live Pop Smoke.

Best Moment:
Pop Smoke & Quavo in Paris

Listen: Pop Smoke (ft. Quavo), “Shake The Room”

Return to top