Tyler, The Creator
Buffalo/Find Your Wings – Oct. 1
Directed by: Wolf Haley (himself)
Tyler, The Creator gets a lot of hate for his rapping style and controversial lyrics, but one thing that nobody can deny is his artistic ability. Tyler won the MTV Video Music Award for "Best New Artist" back in 2011 for his performance of "Yonkers" and has been putting out captivating videos ever since.
The music video starts off with "Buffalo" from his third studio album, "Cherry Bomb." The video depicts Tyler completely covered in chalk-white makeup hanging from a tree before the branch breaks. He then escapes the noose as a small mob of angry people wielding pitchforks chase after him. After a short time evading the mob, the scene switches and Tyler is cheered on as he speaks behind a podium to a small gathering of people.
The transition into the second part of the video is a short compilation of clips from his previous videos. Tyler is now on a ‘70s TV show with his band as they get ready to perform "Find Your Wings." Mikey Alfredo, from Illegal Civilization and fellow Odd Future member, is the host of the show. He introduces Tyler and asks him some questions about the song he’s about to perform. Other Odd Future members who make cameos include Left Brain as the drummer and Syd tha Kyd, from soul band The Internet, on stage as part of the background vocals. The Colombian singer from Virginia, Kali Uchis, who is featured multiple times throughout "Cherry Bomb," is on the stage as well. The video ends after Tyler and his band complete their performance.
Tyler is a creative genius known for his striking visuals and is one of the most forward-thinking artists of our generation. He has stated numerous times in interviews that he doesn’t want to be remembered as a "controversial rapper" and have his image tainted from the lyrics in his songs from over five years ago. Tyler, The Creator has come a long way and continues to serve as an inspiration for creativity and individuality.
Ty Dolla $ign
When I See Ya feat. Fetty Wap – Oct. 2
Directed by: Elliott Sellers
On Friday, Ty Dolla $ign released the video for his single "When I See Ya" from his debut album, "Free TC," which drops Nov. 13. The video has a dark and ominous setting and opens up to a light bulb flickering with bats swarming around it. It then goes into a slow overview of a city as a mysterious eye appears in the sky.
The next scene is a dark hallway, and we see Ty Dolla $ign standing in a room with three women sitting still behind him. The video constantly shifts throughout the other dark rooms and corridors of the building as Ty Dolla $ign performs his song. The scenes fade in and out as bats are flying all around. Meanwhile, the same mysterious eye shows up in different places. Fetty Wap briefly makes appearances until he remains in one room during his verse at the 2-minute-and-30-second mark.
The video ends with the camera slowly zooming out of Ty Dolla $ign, who remains standing in the hallway until the scene completely fades out. Overall, the video is extremely trippy and doesn’t make a whole lot of sense — but the visuals are impressive.
Run The Jewels
Oh My Darling (Don’t Meow)
Just Blaze Remix – Oct. 2
Directed by: Hectah
Late last month, Run The Jewels teamed up with several producers and released "Meow The Jewels," a complete remix of their album "Run The Jewels 2," that’s entirely made up of various cat sounds. Yes, I’m being serious. While the remixed album was a gift in itself, the video for "Oh My Darling (Don’t Meow)" just might be the greatest thing ever.
The video features two cats attacking a miniature model of New York City as they walk through the buildings and swat at toy helicopters. Other highlights include the cats jumping on and off of the buildings, rolling around on top of cars and gracefully walking through the streets, which are on fire.
The video is only a little over two minutes long, but you’ll probably rewatch it at least four times.
Dej Loaf
Back Up Feat. Big Sean – Oct. 5
Directed by: Alex Nazari
On Monday, Dej Loaf debuted the video for her hit single, "Back Up," which features Big Sean. The Detroit goddess stays true to her roots by hitting the streets of her hometown in her new video. The video begins with a quick glance of Detroit before showing some people checking out skates at a local roller rink.
The video goes back and forth between several younger people dancing in various locations throughout Detroit and the roller rink where Dej Loaf is surrounded by the people of her hometown.
Fellow Detroit rapper Big Sean makes an appearance in the video, but remains alone in a room illuminated by a black light, creating the illusion that he’s at the roller rink as well.
The video for "Back Up" is a hometown shout-out from Dej who clearly hasn’t forgotten where she came from. The Detroit duo’s single "Back Up" is on Dej Loaf’s extended play "#AndSeeThatsTheThing" that was released in July.
