Summer 2008's 10 Best Hip-Hop Videos

Any artist today claiming to be in the genre of hip hop may need to know a thing or two about visual art. And if they don't, they should be ready to compensate well for video production. In order to have a hit song, there must be a well-thought-out video to compete with the mainstream videos already in place. The video production aspect of hip hop is ever-growing, and sometimes these producers do not get proper respect. It is time to pay homage to those producers behind the art of hip-hop video production. Let's start with the top ten hip-hop videos for summer 2008.

10. Rick Ross- "Boss"
I have not heard too many conversations not include Rick Ross' stomach. A man bold enough to have his stomach forever canvassed on tape gets my vote. The video does include your usually ingredients of a lavish life style, flourished by many women. The video was directed by Diane Martel.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtjNhOr4Yxk

9. Trina- "Single Again"

The list had to include the hottest female emcee out right now. Trina is back for the summer with an anthem for the ladies. The video includes so many well chiseled men, I'm sure the women can't help but love this one. It is a change from the male faces that parade the music game. The video was directed by Billie Woodruff.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyWZOnllh5A

8. Nelly feat. Fergie- "Party People"

Fusions in hip hop videos almost seem like a must. Nelly and Fergie are a great example. There video has a very upbeat feel with a rock influenced beat and style. Fergie looks hot as always in this video. The video was directed by Marc Webb.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DHLAJapUm0

7. Talib Kweli- "Hostile Gospel Part 1"

This video makes the list based upon the value of scenery. Not many of us get a chance to travel to Lagos, Nigeria. Talib offers us culture in the video, as well as sending a social message. A beautiful piece. The video was directed by Nigerian native Andrew Dosunmu.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EArGQ12v-8Q

6. Snoop Dogg- "Sensual Seduction"

Who doesn't enjoy a video that makes you laugh and groove at the same time? Snoop never takes himself too serious, and offers the fun side of hip hop in this video. With an 80's classic feel to the video that includes afros and funkadelic colors. The video was directed by Melina.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pKz-RXSeIYA

5. N.E.R.D- "Everybody Nose"

As the song says "all the girls standing in line for the bathroom" N.E.R.D has been out of the spotlight for awhile. They came back and fit right in with their artistic version of girls partying and making their multitude of trips to the b-room. The video was directed by John Colombo.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arZMBKbqs4k

4. Kayne West- "Homecoming"

Here is another video of fusion between hip hop and other genres. Kayne even took it a step further and offered real artistic value to the video. The video relates well with the message of Chicago. The black and white does give the homecoming feeling. We all love Chris Martin. The video definitely enhances the song. The video was directed by Hype Williams.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hotjeKvovg

3. Usher feat. Young Jeezy- "Make Love in This Club"

The video has another popular combination; the mix between hip hop and R&B. Usher wows us again with his dance sequence. He even added a touch with Keri Hilson as his love interest in the video. Ms. Hilson has been trying to break her way through the music industry. She is more known for her song writing abilities as a member of the Clutch. This may just be what she needs to get her face around to an easily wavered young audience. The video was directed by Paul Brown.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqqY07OZWps

2. Gnarls Barkley- "Run"

What is there not to say about this video?? It offers a wide range of things in a matter of minutes. The beginning reminds me of Soul Train, which by the way was a Saturday morning must. The video features a background of black and white shapes that could be seen in kaleidoscope. I can't forget the mention the cameo appearance of Justin Timberlake as the 80's dance host. The video was directed by Happy.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GA3a15xF0c

1. Kayne West- "Flashing Lights" All Versions (Especially Number 2)

So Kayne makes the list twice, but also tops the list. Kayne always tries to offer something different from most artists in his genre. I have to say this is one of the best videos I have seen in awhile. Kayne understands the beauty of a woman and her love of fashion. We all love to see a party girl seemingly free, but we get to see it all fall down. Kayne offers a story that chronicles the life of people in the spotlight, and what they go through to keep fame at arms reach. Kayne offers a very great video, great concept, and artistry. The video was co-directed by Kayne and Spike Jonze.

Click here to watch video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe68r-SBQK4

All the videos are sure to be playing well through summer!

Videos supplied courtesy of youtube.com