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.

 

 

King Scythe – “Journal 83”

King Scythe opens up this week’s list with “Journal 83”, a heartfelt single that sees the Jacksonville, Florida rapper reflecting on life and the unpredictable journey and experiences it gives us. Over a mellow and nostalgic backdrop, he pours his heart on wax and gives listeners some gems to live by. The visual has a sepia-tone aesthetic and makes use of several performance shots of the rapper in different spots.

 

LnO – “Off World”

Seattle-based up-and-coming artist LnO takes us “Off World” in his new release. The song sees him in his bag as he blends off-kilter flows ripe with graphic lyrical schemes and a distinct flow. The production has a throwback soulful blaxploitation vibe and the rapper sure kills it. The video blends performance shots that capture his classy fashion style.

 

 

WestWrldSyd – “No Time (Official Visuals)”

 

WestWrldSyd returns to our site with the visuals for his single “No Time”. The sombre guitar-driven backdrop sees him in his element as he reminds us that he has no time for the haters and naysayers. For the visuals, the West Philadelphia Artist teams up with Dominican videographer, Martin Reyes, who combines cinematic and vibrant cinematography skills that capture the rapper’s style and the beautiful scenery in the Caribbean.

 

Salvatore – “Next Chapter” prod. by John Solinas

NY-based Hip-Hop artist Salvatore recently put out his debut EP (produced entirely by John Solinas) and now shares the video for the song “Next Chapter“. Armed with his low but gruff vocals and laidback flow, Salvatore gives a detailed view of his journey thus far and what is next in store for him. The visual follows suit as it blends Salvatore’s laid-back demeanour with engaging shots.

 

 

Joshua Singh x Sahir x k o k u m – “Breakfast in Bed”

Mumbai-based acts Joshua Singh, Sahir and k o k u m  team up for “Breakfast in Bed”, a heartfelt tune that blends experimental hip-hop, RnB, and electronica in a unique fashion. The artists showcase pure chemistry and versatility with themes of inclusivity, love from the multilingual, multicultural city of Mumbai. Blending English and Hindi in a seamless way in the song, they give listeners the best of both worlds on the track.

The melting pot that is Mumbai also inspires the sonics of Breakfast in Bed. Despite its brief playtime, this single is packed with both ‘loud’, and ‘quiet,’ moments, reflecting the lived experiences of many Mumbaikars. The occasional ‘busyness’ of the production is a transmutation of the constant noise of pre-lockdown Mumbai, providing a counterbalance to the minimal Hindi verse by Sahir and electronic English RnB vocals from Joshua and k o k u m. The wide palette of sounds and influences, from textured vocal samples to classical raaga synthesizers, is a reflection of modern, urban Indian. This is not fusion. It’s completely Indian, our own indie atmanirbhar.

 

 

 

Te July – “Poducer Performance: Te July”

Te July closes out the list with the live performance of his songs on the “Poducer Performance: Te July”. The 15 minute performance shows him doing what he does best blending different musical styles that captures his versatile flow and use of lofi soundscapes.