Joint Contrast

The music video. An art form if actually put together properly. Back in the day, when MTV and other “music video channels” actually played music videos for music fans this platform was what helped connect it all together. It also introduced new sounds to a new audience. And as was expressed in KEEPING CAMERA ROLLING (4), it worked from where we sat. At least for the likes of Dank Lucas, TimS and J.C.

Thankfully, some of our favorite artists are still creating music videos. And they’re doing so with a message attached more times than not. But even when merely having fun and experimenting with styles the music video at least brought a new perspective to the viewer. The cinematic quality of videos old and new should be celebrated for the masterpieces they are. And you best believe we’ll continue celebrating our favorites, from all genres, from here on out…

• The Roots – “In The Music / Here I Come / Don’t Feel Right” – You get a three-for-one with this music video from one of the great musical groups of our time. There are shadows creeping through the night, old buildings folding into new ones and a Black Thought hooked up to a lie detector test. – J.C.

• Public Enemy – “By The Time I Get To Arizona” – This group never had a problem touching on issues that most people steered clear of. This time around the Governor of Arizona is the target that Public Enemy is after. Check out the extended version of By The Time I Get To Arizona to learn more. – J.C.

• Xzibit – “What You See Is What You Get” – First off this song fucking bangs. Secondly, the one shot camera angle is straight Richard Linklater-style. – TimS

• The Pharcyde – “Passin Me By” – One of the most uniquely dope groups of all time delivers a uniquely dope video by a uniquely white guy. – TimS 

• Beastie Boys – “So Whatcha Want” – Come on man, I’m a small town, white boy hip-hop head. The Beastie’s are cooler than Eazy E’s balls in my book. – Dank Lucas

• Jay-Z – “99 Problems” – Rick Rubin ridin shotgun to Hov! The only thing this video left me wanting was more of this duo. – Dank Lucas