The Roots, Black Thought and ?uestlove Freestyle
This is one of those videos that hip-hop’s lore was built upon. It’s unofficial rawness is purely official, as the grainy cam captures the youthful exuberance of Black Thought and ?uestlove in their most natural environment: making music.
Nas, It Ain’t Hard To Tell
Nas’s babyface is as synonymous with this video as his jaw dropping lyrical dexterity that flashes throughout. It puts an exclamation point on the prodigal talent that set the stage for Nas to forever be mentioned in every single Top 10 debate for the rest of hip-hop’s history. That unflinchingly unbiased portrayal of NYC in the winter doesn’t hurt either.
The Roots, What They Do
The Roots at their most meta, “What They Do” soaks up all of hip-hop’s cliches for a flick that simultaneously reaps its benefits while staying well above the fray. Whether it’s booties by the water or “pimp reflections,” this video is a reflection of hip-hop then and now, as well as The Roots staunch opposition of that time capsule.
Nas, The World Is Yours
From the cinerama slant of the camera work to the black and white sharpness, “The World Is Yours” is the most iconic of the videos off of Nas’ debut masterpiece. Like the album itself, the video reflects the balance of cold bleakness and the thirst for something, anything bigger. In this case, champagne from a jacuzzi.
The Roots, You Got Me
This video almost doesn’t get a pass for allowing Eve’s conspicuous absence, but considering that it haunts ?uestlove already, we’ll let it slide. That, and the fact that this song may define The Roots more than any other to the general populace. The track’s solemn undertone is brought to the forefront visually, as the corpse-ridden streets overshadow the music’s message of hope and love.
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