There was a massive amount of new videos for this week of May; we got stuff from Katy Perry, Big Sean, Harry Styles, Fleet Foxes, Miley Cyrus, and more. Check out everything I rounded up below, along with my reactions.
Big Sean – Jump Out The Window
Damn it looks like Big Sean’s on pace to have a video for every song off I Decided. This time back with another dope visual for one of my favorite songs off the project, “Jump Out The Window.” We get some super slick SNES inspired animation as he races to save his princess. I’ve liked all of the visuals he’s put out so far and at this point he might as well just release a visual album for the project.
Rob $tone – Rolling $tone
I, like most people, became aware of Rob $tone after the very dope song, “Chill Bill.” I haven’t heard anything from him since then but I haven’t really been checking either. “Rolling $tone” is a dope ride through sunny San Diego where he hails from and the beat knocks reasonably hard. There’s absolutely zero chance the Rolling Stones sample gets cleared for album use though.
JMSN – Slide
JMSN has really been putting in work as of late and his latest album, Whatever Makes U Happy, was yet another extremely dope offering from the skillful singer. The video is a very clear homage to the cult classic Natural Born Killers and somehow it fits the song well. If you haven’t heard of JMSN yet you need to get on board cause the boy can sing.
Harry Styles – Sign of the Times
Much like his former counterpart, I don’t know a single song from One Direction because they’re a boy band and boy bands suck of course. But, it’s still been impossible to avoid seeing and hearing his name everywhere. I have no idea if he’s an actual artist or just manufactured but now that he’s going solo he’s got an opportunity to really prove himself. “Sign of the Times” is a nice, albeit simple, offering that shows at the least a solid singing voice. The video looks like a clothing commercial but the flying/hovering effects are extremely well done.
Fleet Foxes – Fool’s Errand
I don’t know what it is but I really like the down to earth, wholesomeness of indie folk music and Fleet Foxes are currently some of the best in the genre. “Fool’s Errand” has a great ethereal ambiance to it that pairs well with the typical artsy visuals.
G-Eazy x Carnage – Down For Me
Coming back with the second video off their joint project, G-Eazy and Carnage have hit us with neon dripped visuals for their bouncy single “Down For Me.” There’s nothing particularly special about this in either the visuals or song but it’s solid filler material.
Allan Kingdom – The Fusion
Allan Kingdom really showed me something with his last project. Nothing groundbreaking or revolutionary but just a lot of really good music. “The Fusion” was one of those really good songs off the project and he’s returned with some Dexter’s Laboratory inspired visuals that has probably about 100 too many quick cuts. If you’re seizure prone this might be a hard pass.
Train – Drink Up
DJ Khaled isn’t the only one who can amass a ridiculously large amount of celebrities together for a music video. Train upped the ante with a long and eclectic list of celebrities for their latest video for “Drink Up.” Why you ask? I have no idea, but it leads to some Wedding Crasher hi-jinx as they crash Marshawn Lynch’s (yes that Marshawn Lynch) wedding. As for the song, it’s a pretty solid summer anthem.
THEY. – Back It Up
The R&B collective have returned with yet another seizure inducing visual, this time for the very dope “Back It Up.” I absolutely love that sample, love the knocking bass, and THEY. sound great. Now for the video, sometimes less is more.
Miley Cyrus – Malibu
Now that her rebellious period seems to be coming to an end (aka she’s vultured enough of the culture to be cool), she’s returned with a decidedly stripped down, folky tune in “Malibu.” It’s not a bad song, but I can’t help but laugh at all these comical transformations. But whatever works I guess. The video really pours it on with the innocent/pure imagery.
Meek Mill – Left Hollywood
Meek Mill is determined not to let his recent, seemingly non-stop string of L’s slow him or his music down. No matter how I feel about his often overly emotional antics, he has been putting out some really dope music ever since his botched back and forth with Drake. “Left Hollywood” is that solid street music that’s becoming rarer and rarer in hip-hop and say what you want about him, it’s hard to deny his lyrical ability. The video is a simple return to his block and his roots which is the whole point of the song.
Katy Perry – Bon Appétit
Taking a page out of Miley Cyrus’ playbook, Katy Perry enlists the help of rap’s hottest group to gain an edge and some “cool” points. We’ll see if it works out for her but I’m not sold on “Bon Appétit.” I mean, I’ve heard worse pop songs but this one just doesn’t really stand out in any meaningful way. The video is weird, as fuck. They prepare her to be served as a meal before the tables literally turn. Trying to be edgy just for the sake of it.
What’d you think about this week’s videos? Which ones were your favorites? Did I miss any that I should check out? Let me know in the comments below and be sure to subscribe to stay up with all the new content.
