2012 was a big year for music, click through for our list of the best music videos of the year.
Grimes- Oblivion
This was the video that introduced Grimes to the world and it’s a great one. My favorite scenes in the video are the ones shot impromptu at a Canadian football game. Watch Oblivion anytime you need a reminder that it’s OK to dance in public.
Trinidad James – All Gold Everything
In this age where everyone is seeking that viral hit, Trinidad James did it in style with the video for All Gold Everything. I never would have thought that tiny dogs and OD gold jewelery would have went together so well. The success of the video has gotten Mr.James a record deal and will have people yelling ‘Popped a Molly, I’m sweatin’ well into 2013.
DIIV – How Long Have You Known
DIIV has been building a really strong local buzz in New York over the past year and for good reason. Their songs are infectious without ever sounding too sugary. The band has a sound and stage presence that translate well to their live shows as well. This video taps into our natural inclination to want to see random things thrown into a blender. To me it feels like a throwback to the days of Music stations actually playing videos.
Mykki Blanco – Wavvy
This video shows literally shows both sides of the artist known as Mykki Blanco. This video flips back and forth between the back of a chinatown transport truck and an elaborate nightclub seen that has to been seen to be believed. Francesco Carrozzini really outdid himself on the video for Wavvy and now the world is ready to hear and see more from the Illuminati Princess.
Danny Brown – Grown Up
2012 was the year Danny Brown broke through. He deserves the success and without a doubt this was one of my favorite videos of the year. Interesting camera work combined with a kid who looks just like Danny down to the tiger stripe hoody.
RiFF RAFF – TiME
RiFF RAFF signed to Diplo imprint Mad Decent in 2012 and it was on the success of videos/songs like this. Time is a departure from most of RiFf RAFF’s more lighthearted material but still very much RiFf RAFF. 2012 was the year of the internet rapper but RiFF RAFF set himself apart from the pack by bringing this fresh take on what hip-hop in the modern age can be.
2 Chainz – Birthday Song ft. Kanye West
“I got a Big Booty, so I call her Big Booty.” There’s plenty of that in this video which is a playful and colorful take on a kid’s birthday party. This video gives me flashbacks to the glory days of Busta Rhymes and Missy Elliot videos and I mean that in the best way possible. Best birthday song video since 50 Cent ‘In Da Club’.
M.I.A. – Bad Girls
M.I.A. was kind of quiet for a bit but this video brought her name back in the music press with a bang. 3 Wheel motion in the deserts with a fully choreographed dance troop? Yes please. Filmmakers Romain Gavras’ best work yet.
Solange – Losing You
This video is a pastel colored tribute partly inspired by Italian photographer Daniele Tamagnis book Gentleman of Bacongo, which documents the Le Sape Society (“Society for the Advancement of People of Elegance”). The video has a freeflowing energy and is shot in the township of Langa in Capetown, South Africa. ‘Losing You’ is a stylish peek at how day to day life is like in a far off place.
Look out for the cameo appearance by my friend Lizzy Okpo , one half of the William Okpo clothing line that you may check out HERE.
Major Lazer – Get Free ft. Amber of the Dirty Projectors
2012 saw many artist collaborations but one of the best ones was resulted from Major Lazer getting together with Amber of the Dirty Projectors. Travel was a key theme in many of the videos on this list, and this is no exception. The visuals for Get Free were shot in Kingston, Jamica and show the local lightlife and streets teeming with energy.
