The 15 Best R&B/Hip-Hop Music Videos of 2014
DISCLAIMER: This list does not contain Taylor Swift videos, so if you want to watch “Blank Space” on repeat, here is your chance.
15. J. Cole — “Intro”
“2014 Forest Hills Drive” was J. Cole’s holiday present to the world. He dropped the album in the near aftermath of Ferguson to remind us that black lives do matter. The “Intro” video is a introspective journey where Cole asks his audience (and himself) “do you want to be happy?”
If you liked this: Check out J. Cole’s video for his first single “Apparently” or watch him perform a Mike Brown Tribute on Letterman.
14. Raury — “Cigarette Song”
If only I was this cool when I was 18. Shit, I wish I was half as cool as Raury now. “Cigarette Song” is a fiery testament of young lust and fidelity; two things I had no concept of when I was that age, or now for that matter.
If you liked this: Watch Raury act even more like a rebellious teenager in “God’s Whisper”.
13. Kendrick Lamar — “i”
Kendrick was on fire in 2014. He is still working on his highly anticipated third album, but leaving a trail of great features and performances along the way. In “i” Kendrick preaches self-love over an Isley Brothers sample. It’s so soulful that Ron Isley even gets a cameo appearance in the video.
If you liked this video: Watch his performance of an untitled song as the final musical guest of the Colbert Report. The interview is pretty funny, too.
12. Beyoncé — “7/11"
Picking the best Beyoncé video of 2014 is like picking the best Cheez-it out of a handful: they are all delicious. Yet, “7/11" is no arbitrary choice; the smartphone photography and gif-ready editing make this video a sign of our love/hate relationship with 2014, which includes our obsession with Queen Bey.
If you liked this video: Obviously you liked this video. If you want to see more female empowerment, watch “Flawless” or literally any other video on BeyonceVEVO.
11. John Legend — “You & I”
John Legend is a jack of all trades: singer, songwriter, graduation speaker, activist, feminist, all-around sweetheart. This video is a reminder to everyone that John Legend thinks you’re beautiful, so you should, too.
If you liked this video: Normally, I don’t suggest that others watch ads, but Dove has some very worthwhile videos about the ridiculous standards of beauty for women.
10. Flying Lotus ft. Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat — “Never Catch Me”
Any video with children as the lead will tug your heartstrings. This video from Flying Lotus is no exception. It’s starts off morbid but evolves into something magical.
If you liked this video: Check out the groovy basslines of Thundercat in his performance for Pitchfork Nightcap.
9. Vic Mensa — “Down On My Luck”
Chicago-native rapper Vic Mensa hit the scene very hard with this club track. The video captures everything awful about going to the club.
If you liked this video: The revival of house is here. Check out British upstart MNEK’s “Wrote A Song About You” and get your dance on.
8. Childish Gambino — “Sweatpants”
If you watched Derrick Comedy in high school, you would understand why Childish Gambino’s videos are so out there. In this age, it pays to be offbeat and Donald Glover is definitely getting paid.
If you liked this video: “Telegraph Ave” might blow you away. Also, check out “The Worst Guys”
7. A$AP Rocky ft. Juicy J — “Multiply”
There is no quicker way to elevate your street cred than including Juicy J in your video, especially if you have him dancing in front of fireworks. All cred aside, A$AP Rocky has managed to maintain his title as the most art-directed guy on the streets. It’s like watching Basquiat with a grill.
If you liked this video: A$AP has produced a slew of great videos over the years, both individually and with the Mob. Check out A$AP Twelvyy’s video for “Glock Rivers” and get a sense of where the crew is coming from.
6. Chet Faker — “Gold”
Faker is the only white artist that I have included on this list — not quite sure if that was intentional. Either way, this guy sounds like the Joe Cocker (RIP) of 2014. He’s got soul. If his voice isn’t enough, the video of professional roller skaters will definitely leave you breathless.
If you liked this video: I swear I have no problem with white people. Here’s evidence: check out Kiesza’s “Hideaway” video or Tove Lo’s “Habits (Stay High)” video.
5. SchoolBoy Q — “Hell of A Night”
SchoolBoy Q actually got a grammy nomination this year. He’s not gonna win, but that’s still awesome. I imagine that the video below is just a celebration party for that announcement, in the most SchoolBoy Q, drugged-out fashion ever.
If you liked this video: Then you are probably a little crazy and might like “Danny Glover” by Young Thug.
4. SZA — “Babylon”
SZA is still a mystery to me. The song “Babylon” features Kendrick on the album, but SZA makes clear in the video that she can carry this one by herself.
If you liked this video: Give Jhené Aiko’s “Wading” a chance.
3. Jungle — “Busy Earnin’”
I imagine Jungle as one big family raised by legendary B-Boy parents. This video includes impeccable choreography that shows the traditional hip hop roots of this soulful collective.
If you liked this video: Check out “Time” by Jungle. The racial and sexual tension between two old, male dancers has never been so apparent.
2. FKA twigs — “Two Weeks”
I just learned that FKA stands for “Formerly Known As.” With this video FKA twigs will always be known as an incredible performance artist as well as singer-songwriter. She is a pretty damn good Goddess in this video too.
If you liked this video: Check out FKA twigs show off her dancing abilities in “Video Girl.”
1. ILOVEMAKONNEN ft. Drake — “Tuesday”
The biggest question that I am left with in 2014 is what the hell is a MAKONNEN? Is it a new fighting game? Or is it really just the newest addition to the OVO crew? Either way, him and papa Drake laid down one of the catchiest hooks of the year and this video shows that universal appeal.
If you liked this video: I haven’t included any Nicki Minaj, so I have to give her some props for “Only” ft. Drake and Lil’ Wayne.
Need more videos? Subscribe to my Best Hip-Hop/R&B Music Videos of 2014 playlist on Youtube.
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