Welcome to TWIB’s Weekly Top 5 Videos. This is a segment where we will be looking at some exceptional visuals from various acts from around the globe. The music video format has been around for decades and through the 90s and 2000s, it has really taken flight from multi-million budget music videos, to mid to low-budget videos with exceptional features. In this section, we will not discriminate but rather highlight some of the creative visuals that pop up on our radar.

 

 

 

Teenear – “Ain’t Mine”

Emerging R&B singer/songwriter Teenear shares visuals for her song “Ain’t Mine”. The track samples the classic brandy/Monica duet “The Boy Is Mine” and flips it into something new. With that famous synth layered over punchy beats and lush textures, Teenear shares a tale of infatuation from a distinct perspective. The track deals specifically with a man who has his eyes on Teenear but the catch is he is already in a relationship. She delivers a smooth sultry performance ripe with unapologetic lyrics and a commanding tone while addressing the situation head-on. The visual beautifully captures the tale and showcases her sexiness and confidence to the fullest. From being interrogated by a private eye to her sultry performances, viewers get thrown deep into the mix. The “Ain’t Mine” clip is an installment in a four-part video series

 

 

 

 

Lauryn Perkins – “Reality”

Singer/songwriter Lauryn Perkins releases the official visual for her single “Reality”, an uplifting tune produced by Michael-David Asgedom. Over a sublime and soulful backdrop, she delivers a soul-stirring performance ripe with motivational and uplifting lyrics about focusing on reality. She is adept with the pen as well and throws in a solid rap verse in the second verse. The visual directed by Jamie Tobias is a blend of psychedelic and retro aesthetics that showcases Lauryn’s expressive performance style and eclectic fashion style.

 

 

jonnychang – “Game”

Jonnychang‘s new video “Game” continues his slew of visual releases from his collaboration with Solomon Chang. The new video has a somber and reflective vibe that shows Jonnychang deep in thought as he dives into different topics from self-doubts, love, and finding one’s true north in this world that we live in. The visual sees him as the center of attraction performing his rap on stage.

 

 

 

Cristale – “13 Going On 30”

Cristale’s “13 Going On 30” gets a befitting visual that helps add life to the track. The track is bolstered by a punchy drill backdrop and showcases her fiery rap style and evocative songwriting. She dives into her troubled childhood and the effects of her surroundings forcing her to grow up way too quickly. The visuals directed by Yukki, depict settings of innocence that we all remember from our youth, juxtaposed by an introspective, thought-provoking performance from Cristale.

“13 Going On 30” is taken from Cristale’s debut EP What It’s Like To Be Young.

 

 

 

ARDY – “Livin’ A Lie”

Iranian-Canadian rapper and songwriter ARDY help close out the list with the visuals for his song  “Livin’ A Lie”, a bravado-laden tune that dives into his struggles and tribulations. Over a cinematic backdrop, he delivers a commanding performance ripe with vivid lyricism and a commanding flow. The visual is shot in black and white and is performance-focused whereas ARDY’s energetic style is on full display for all to see.