All for the Love of Hip Hop: The Top Ten Videos of All Time

Hip hop has evolved enormously in a very short period of time. Every day my list of favorites grows, and it was very difficult to narrow the focus of this article down to ten artists. I chose the rap artists listed based upon what I call the "instant capture" of the video/lyrical combination. As a serious published poet, lyrics matter hugely to me, but as you'll see, they certainly aren't necessary to make my top list. Here we go!

Queen Latifa - U.N.I.T.Y
It is impossible for me to overlook this incredible artist. The Queen was and IS completely off the chain, and an incredible rapper. Back in the day, this young lady delivered her progressive message to the world with slammin' beats, a little jazzy sax, humor and explosive feminine dignity. I don't know if there is any other rapper that I can think of who can pull off such a combination and still be cool as hell.

Public Enemy - Night of the Living Baseheads
This video is a wonderful mass of chaotic musical fusion combined with some devastating lyrics from Chuck D. The video is great, and besides the mad cameos that you get in this video, you get to see Flav back in the day before an entire show of psychotic women pretended to dig him. The ever socially conscious Public Enemy stands like a mighty redwood in hip-hop history.

Jay Z - Show Me What You Got
Bigger than life, this video is beautiful, and the track is reminiscent of the Shaft/Isaac Hayes Black-Superhero-70's era, sure to knock your socks off. The sound is full and rich, and Jay's lyrics are tremendous. It is impossible for anyone who likes to dance to sit still on this one.

Common - GO!
This video is scintillating, sensual and exotic, and the track has a high-energy smooth club feel that is instantly mesmerizing. Common, a Chicago native, is one of the best, and often his lyrics explore life like deep poetry. Not here. On this track, he invites you to "run back to your fantasy", and describes his in ways so tasteful that it kinda make you salivate.

Nas - One Mic
Nas is an incredible lyricist. A poet extraordinaire, Nas raps incredible imagery, and fully represents his walk. This video suits his rootsy style, and allows all who view it to hang onto his substantive verbiage. Even the best rappers envy this man's style.

Dr. Dre - Nothing but a G Thang
Without a doubt, this west coast video is a milestone in popular rap, and is regarded by many as one of the best hip hop videos of all time. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg take you into everything that makes and means west coast rap; they even take us cruisin' in low-riders to the tune of Compton sunshine. Combined with the slammin' track, this hit is the perfect storm.

Notorious B.I.G. - One More Chance
Here Biggie delivers his smooth style with celebrity guests in tow including P.Ditty, Faith Evans, Luke Campbell, Aaliyah, Mary J. Blige. His mesmerizing lyrics trance you into the classic piano instrumental on the track. This is undoubtedly one of his greatest accomplishments.

Busta Rhymes - Woo Hah
Busta Rhymes is so unique that he could not be excluded from this list. Both his humor and meaning shine through contorted facial expressions, costume changes and visual insanity. This video is highly entertaining and a must-see for all the young ones who think their rap style has seen and done it all.

Grandmaster flash and The Furious Five - The Message
This piece is an undisputable classic, filled with meaning and enormous truths. The Message describes inner city, straight-hood living conditions endured - in amazing detail. The genius lyrics effectively dumb down and bring a vulnerable and very real humanity to the stereotypes that all too many are hardened and immune to.

Geto Boys - My Mind Playin' Tricks On Me
This video is amazing. Striking. Absolutely one of my favorites, the storyline shows the dark side of dealing white. The lyrics are as descriptive as Hemmingway and completely off the hook. It is a narrative, and the storyteller/drug dealer is filled with fright, paranoia and depression. A truly memorable effort by the Geto Boys.

So go check out this ecclectic mix of hip hop talent, then check out some more. Some of the hip hop artists that you'll run across may not suit your taste, but many will, and those finds are well worth it. The research is the best part. Good luck!