Well this makes two unexpected Michael Jackson appearances for the summer (the first being on Drake’s latest album), but unlike that reemergence, “Behind the Mask” isn’t a new unheard rendition but it does get an official video for it. Not sure why they chose to do so now but I think they do a good job of capturing that MJ style and feel of his videos, especially later on in his career. If nothing else, it shows why he’ll always be the king of pop. Pusha T has built a strong history of collaborating with unexpected artists and he does it again with his latest feature on alt-J’s “In Cold Blood.” It’s heavy on the electro and the video highlights that aspect with a trippy CGI world that looks like it’d fit right in with one of those old PS1 Final Fantasy games. We’re still not quite sure why Juice WRLD is blowing up and buzzing as much as he is but hip-hop does seem to be going through a bit of an emo phase and his music definitely fits in that category. “Lean Wit Me” may seem like he’s glorifying the use of drugs but the video paints a more powerful message of the true consequences of drug abuse, which is a nice change up from the usual.
Fresh off his phenomenal Freddie tape, Freddie Gibbs takes us on a wild day with his ‘Uncle Fred’ for the knocking single, “Automatic.” Somehow the Bad Grandpa-esque video works with the aggressive single and it’s good to see a somewhat more lighthearted side of Gangsta Gibbs. With the challenge started by Shiggy sending “In My Feelings” to a whole other stratosphere, there was absolutely no way that it wasn’t the song next up to get the visual treatment off Scorpion. And Drake pulls out all the stops and really tries to show off his acting chops with a full on mini-movie. I didn’t love the album, but the videos have all been top notch and we’d be lying if Drake didn’t have us cracking up; and of course he gives Shiggy the shine he deserves.
Check out everything I rounded up below and let me know which ones you’re most pumped for.
Michael Jackson – Behind the Mask
alt-J – In Cold Blood (Feat. Pusha T) (Twin Shadow Version)
Tink – M.I.A.
Curren$y – Spaceship (ft. T.Y.)
Curren$y – Targa
Kayo Genesis – Distance
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie – Best Friend (ft. Tory Lanez)
Freddie Gibbs – Automatic
Wale – Black Bonnie (feat. Jacquees)
Lil’ Kim – Nasty One
Juice WRLD – Lean Wit Me
Drake – In My Feelings
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.
