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Right before social media and streaming platforms became a thing, Hype Williams was the maestro of experimental filmmaking in music, leaving an indelible mark in the industry since the 1990s. From his groundbreaking video in 1994 with Wu-Tang Clan’s “Can It Be All So Simple” to Kanye West’s mesmerizing “Gold Digger” and Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love,” Hype Williams has set the bar high for what a truly impressive music video should be.  

Old and contemporary hip-hop fans will always remember how he shaped hip-hop over time with his limitless creativity and unmatchable originality. Let’s explore eleven Hype Williams videos that remain evergreen, regardless of how long they’ve been on our screens. 

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion Brings Hype Williams On Board For “Fever: Thee Movie”

11. Busta Rhymes – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” (1997) 

Busta Rhyme’s “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” remains one of the most iconic and innovative Hype Williams videos ever. In an interview with XXL, Busta Rhyme expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of color and originality in the music videos of that time. So, he teamed up with Hype Williams to create this masterpiece, incorporating all the elements he thought music videos lacked. 

Inspired by the movie Coming to America, “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” is full of color, creativity, and Africanness, making it forever timeless. The video made its debut on MTV in mid-August 1997, gaining widespread attention on both MTV and BET networks. Even now, 27 years later, the video still gets much attention on YouTube, with over 45 million views and viewers applauding its timeless creativity.

10. Jay-Z – “Big Pimpin” Ft. UGK (1999)

Jay-Z and Hype Williams collaborated multiple times to great effect. Hence, it is no wonder why Jay-Z is always effusive in his praise for Williams. The duo combined for a great music video for Jay-Z’s hit song, “Big Pimpin” ft. UGK. “Big Pimpin” was released as the third and final single from Jay-Z’s fourth studio album Vol.3… Life and Times of S. Carter (1999). Although the track was already a hit, Hype Williams took it to a whole new level by visually bringing the lyrics to life with his creativity. According to Williams, the song instantly transported the listener to Carnival, and he wanted the world to experience that visual with him. The video was shot in Trinidad during Carnival, though only Jay and Bun B appeared together. Apparently, Pimp C didn’t want to fly out, so he filmed his portion of the video in Miami Beach.

Read More: Jay-Z Commends Nas For “Belly,” Claims He Never Had The Desire To Act

9. Missy Elliott – “She’s A Bitch” (1999)

“She’s a Bitch” stands tall as proof of the limitless creativity that exists between these two titans in the industry — Hype Williams and Missy Elliott. The Williams-directed video officially dropped on May 1, 1999. He adopted various cutting-edge special effects and stunning customs and set to make the video truly unique. This collaboration raised the bar for other videos with its electroluminescent stage designs and innovative backdrops. 

8. Beyoncé – “Drunk In Love” (2013) 

Filmed at the most exclusive Golden Beach, Florida, this outstanding video features Beyoncé dancing sensually on the sandy shores while waves crash around her. Jay-Z appears, rapping beside her and holding a glass of D’usse. This captivating scene, directed by Hype Williams, received awards for Video of the Year and clinched the Best Collaboration award at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards. 

7. The Notorious B.I.G – “Mo Money, Mo Problems” (1997)

“Mo Money, Mo Problems” featured Mase and Combs in locations designed by Ron Norsworthy. Some of the video’s incredible aspects were the fluorescent lamps and stark white chamber. The video is quite popular for the red shiny jackets worn by Combs and Mase, which helped usher the “Shiny Suit Era” in hip-hop.

6. Kanye West – “Diamonds From Sierra Leone” (2005) 

In “Diamonds From Sierra Leone,” Hype Williams uses a powerful visual commentary to tackle the issue of “conflict diamonds.” The video juxtaposed scenes of wealth and funfair with images of poverty and suffering, highlighting the contrast between the luxury often associated with diamonds and the harsh reality of their origins. In the video, Kanye delivered his lyrics intensely and convincingly. The video’s dark, moody aesthetic adds to its impact, captivating viewers and emphasizing the video’s theme. Overall, the “Diamonds From Sierra Leone” music video is a thought-provoking and visually striking piece that effectively displays Kanye’s message and Hype William’s creative prowess.

5. Kanye West – “Gold Digger” Ft. Jamie Foxx (2005)

Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” is one of his most massive hits ever, revealing his vibrant personality and groove. The song featured catchy instrumentals and told the tale of a woman who valued him only for his material possessions. Hence, a music video for such a song should be an interesting watch, and Hype Williams ensured that was the case.  The video was Kanye’s first attempt to feature signees to his record label — G.O.O.D MUSIC. It received great reviews and is widely considered one of Kanye’s best music videos. 

4. Ne-Yo – “So Sick” (2006)

“So Sick” is one of Ne-Yo’s biggest hits due to its regular rotations on BET and MTV. The song’s music video was shot in the snow and a mansion. To capture the song’s emotions more, Hype Williams directed Ne-Yo to sing his heart out, creating heart-wrenching scenes. The video topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the U.K. charts and currently has over 355 million views on YouTube.

3. Missy Elliot – “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” (1997)

Undoubtedly one of the Greatest Hip-Hop Music Videos of All Time, Missy Elliott delivered the incredibly iconic music video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” in 1997. The most famous aspect of the video is the patent leather blow-u suit, which resembles a bloated trash bag. The 1990s videos often featured scantily dressed women, but Missy Elliot took a different turn with her hilariously inflated trashy-like outfit. 

2. Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur – “California Love” (1995)

Jada Pinkett Smith, Shakur’s long-term friend, initially created the video concept for “California Love.” Her concept was inspired by the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Although Jada was supposed to direct the video, she excused herself from the production, allowing Hype Williams to take over. He did so to great effect. The music video dropped in 1995 and won the 1996 MOBO Award for Best Video. 

1. TLC – “No Scrubs” (1999)

“No Scrubs” was one of TLC’s hardest-hitting songs and remains a classic tune to this day. The music video is similar to Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson’s music video “Scream” and ranked No. 1 on the Rhythmic Top 40 for 15 weeks. This is one of Hype Williams’ videos revealing an Afro-Futuristic, millennium outlook, with the performers wearing silver and blue metallic outfits to mimic the iconic “Scream” video.

Hype Williams: A Legend Yesterday, Today, and Forever

It’s impossible to mention legendary music video producers without Hype Williams. From his debut video to his most recent music video, Williams keeps setting the pace for contemporary music video directors. His creativity and ability to bring the most astounding music videos to life remain unmatched, regardless of how long he has been on the scene. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these Hype Williams videos give us an insight into his unrivaled creative prowess in hip-hop and the music industry at large.

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The relationship between Hip Hop and sports has long been documented. Naturally, Hip Hop culture is felt across various sports, but the history with basketball is by far the longest and richest. Rucker Park, (or simply The Rucker) sits at the epicenter of these two worlds. Or at least it used to be. Nestled in the heart of Harlem, New York, The Rucker is a cherished spot in the annals of these two cultural influences.

Read More: Kyrie Irving Spotted At Iconic Rucker Park

One Man’s Legacy 

The name of Rucker Park honors local teacher and New York City Department of Parks and Recreation playground director Holcombe Rucker. Born in 1926, Rucker grew up on 141st Street with his grandmother. Standing at 6 feet and 3 inches, he found his calling playing guard at Benjamin Franklin High School until World War II, when he dropped out of school to enlist in the war. After the war was over, Holcombe Rucker returned with one last mission: to give back to his community through the education and the game he loved so much.

In 1950, Rucker’s vision came to fruition through a basketball league that would keep kids off the streets and encourage them in both studies and hoops. This was how the Rucker Tournament was born. It was originally held on various Harlem courts until 1954 when it found its home at the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard. However, it wasn’t until 1974 that the park was officially named after Holcombe Rucker. This felt especially special because his legacy had extended far beyond the court. Rucker’s tournament wasn’t just about basketball though. It was also about education, dignity, and meaning. Over 700 individuals secured college basketball scholarships thanks to his initiative’s efforts. 

Rucker Park: The Birth Of Streetball Culture

Rucker Park soon emerged as a mecca for street basketball in the 1950s. It offered a platform for local athletes to showcase their skills on its gritty asphalt courts. Situated amidst the bustling streets of Harlem, the park embodied the raw, unfiltered essence of playground basketball. Therefore, players from across New York City flocked to Rucker, drawn by the prospect of testing their skills against the city’s best. Wilt Chamberlain was the first household name to grace Rucker Park, and the names after him could fill a book. With its chain-link fences and raucous crowds, Rucker Park became synonymous with the vibrant subculture of streetball. There, flashy moves and playground legends reigned supreme.

As Rucker Park gained prominence in the basketball world, it also became a cultural epicenter for Harlem’s burgeoning rap scene. The park’s vibrant atmosphere attracted not only athletes but also Hip Hop artists, DJs, and fans who shared a common love for the game and the music. Spontaneous rap battles and freestyle sessions became as integral to the Rucker experience as the basketball games themselves. As a result, Rucker Park helped blur the lines between sport and art. The symbiotic relationship between basketball and hip-hop flourished with players drawing inspiration from the rhythm and energy of the music while rappers paid homage to the park’s iconic status in their lyrics and music videos.

Read More: Fat Joe Recalls Classic Story About Kevin Durant’s 66-Point Game At Rucker Park

A Cultural Fusion

Importantly, Rucker Park has witnessed the rise of numerous streetball legends whose electrifying performances have become the stuff of urban folklore. In 1982, Greg Marius founded the Entertainers Basketball Classic (EBC) at Rucker Park, transforming the park into an urban amphitheater. The EBC attracted top players from across the country, including NBA stars like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James, who relished the opportunity to showcase their skills in the hallowed grounds of Rucker. The tournament’s unique blend of competitive basketball and entertainment drew crowds of spectators and media attention. This solidified Rucker Park’s reputation as a premier destination for streetball enthusiasts worldwide.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Rucker Park gained further notoriety through its association with the And1 Mixtape Tour, a traveling showcase of streetball talent. Featuring players known for their flashy moves and playground flair, the And1 tour brought the excitement of Rucker Park to cities across the globe, popularizing the park’s unique brand of basketball culture. The tour’s mixtapes, which showcased the players’ jaw-dropping highlights set to Hip Hop beats, became must-watch videos among basketball fans. This also helped elevate the profile of streetball worldwide. To this day, even rappers like Machine Gun Kelly have Rucker to thank for giving them a platform.

The Rucker Park Blackout Of 2003

By the 20th season of the tournament, the Rucker’s visitors began to include the likes of Former President Bill Clinton and NBA Commissioners David Stern, Adam Silver and Stephon Marbury. But no matter who came around, the palpable excitement of Rucker marked a typical day on the court. However, one notable incident that would have shut down both the ballin’ and rappin’ worlds was the game that was never held in 2003. Jay-Z and Fat Joe were battling to be the King of New York, not just on the charts but also in business and basketball. 

Their EBC teams were stacked with top talent like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant, Jermaine O’Neal, LeBron James, and more. As the competition heated up, both men kept adding to their rosters, even making last-minute changes. Jay-Z even left his tour to appear at The Rucker with Beyoncé and Steve Stoute. The anticipation was high, with rumors of surprise appearances and last-minute shake-ups. Joe also revealed that he had a surprise waiting at 57th Street with Mike Bibby and Allen Iverson, planning to bring them to the game for halftime. Jay-Z also arranged for Shaquille O’Neal to join in at the last minute. With both teams ready, and thousands in attendance, the power went out.

An Enduring Legacy

Rucker Park’s cultural influence extends far beyond the confines of the basketball court, permeating various aspects of urban life and popular culture. The park’s iconic blacktop has served as a canvas for graffiti artists and a backdrop for music videos, immortalizing its place in the annals of rap history. From the iconic Above The Rim film, which featured acting credits from 2Pac and Bernie Mac, to lyrical tributes by pioneers like Nas and Jay-Z, Rucker Park has left an indelible mark on the worlds of sports and music. It embodies the spirit of resilience, creativity, and community that defines Harlem’s rich heritage.

Unfortunately, the park is no longer what it used to be. However, its legacy remains intact. In 2022, Rucker Park famously made history again. It became the first outdoor venue for The Basketball Tournament, a single-elimination winner-take-all event with a $1 million prize. The echoes of legends past reverberated as new stars stepped onto the hallowed ground. So the next time you pass by the corner of 155th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, remember Holcombe Rucker- the visionary who turned a playground into a symphony of basketball, Hip Hop, and most of all, community. 

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Hip hop and Sesame Street have more in common than people realize. For one, they’ve both been around for relatively the same amount of time. Sesame Street celebrated 50 years in 2019 and we know hip hop celebrated 50 years in 2023. Both are also staples in American history and have changed and progressed with the times.

Sesame Street has continued to find more and more ways to appeal to their current audience as time has progressed. However, having current musical personalities as guests will always be one of their sure-fire methods to bring smiles to viewers across the generations. SZA is the latest artist to appear on Sesame Street. While she is certainly not classified as a “hip hop artist,” she did some rapping on her Grammy-winning album SOS.

Music has been an integral part of Sesame Street since it’s been on the air. Artists from all genres have appeared on the show, joining the Muppets to sing about a variety of letters, numbers, and positive topics. Several rappers have appeared on Sesame Street across the years and in some cases, they didn’t even rap in their appearances. In this list, we’re looking at seven rappers who have appeared on Sesame Street.

Read More: Sesame Street Introduces New Black Muppets To Teach Kids About Race

Ice Cube is a hip-hop artist who appeared on Sesame Street in 2014. Though a pioneering figure in gangsta rap, Ice Cube certainly shifted towards a more family-friendly image as the years went on. He began to mostly use it for a comedic context which longtime supporters continue to have mixed perspectives on.

However, his appearance on Sesame Street is not surprising given his starring roles in the family comedies Are We There Yet? and Are We Done Yet? In his time on the show, Elmo and him discuss the word “astounding.” Cube performs some magic tricks with his final one being turning himself into a literal ice cube. Interestingly enough, his connection to Sesame Street does goes back to his days as a rapper. He sampled an original song from the show called “Big Bird Writes A Poem” in his song “A Bird In The Hand.”

Ice – T (2007)

Similar to Ice Cube, Ice-T is an integral figure in gangsta rap, though as time went on, he also began to embrace a more mature presence in the media. As a result, he appeared on Sesame Street, though his appearance on the show wasn’t his first time brushing shoulders with the cast. Elmo was there during his appearance on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon in 2009.

During his segment on Sesame Street, the rapper appeared on the set of Law & Order. While weaving the crime thriller’s essence into the family-friendly show, he came through with some educational bars surrounding rhyme schemes.

Read More: Lil Nas X & Elmo Put New Spin On “Elmo’s Song”

Queen Latifah (1992)

Queen Latifah established herself as hip-hop royalty early on and her appearance on Sesame Street arrived at the height of her music career. Her friendly personality translated well to her segment where she did a rap about the letter “O.” Her segment was actually a music video complete with costume and background changes where she was joined by Muppet co-stars Merry Monster and Prairie Dawn, who were dressed like her. Telly Monster is also on the song and his dilemma is the center of the song’s subject. The flow and production on the song may cause some to think of “That’s The Way We Flow,” which this song parodies.

Chance The Rapper is one of the two rappers from the current generation who’ve appeared on the show. And surprisingly, his segment doesn’t deliver any bars. The rapper’s appearance focused on the letter “T” and how it stood for “theater”. He was in a play with Cookie Monster that Elmo directed but there was a small humorous miscasting with their roles. The segment showed Chance’s comedic side which has shown up throughout his career and music. It came to the forefront when he became the host of Punk’d in 2020.

Read More: Chance The Rapper In Talks To Join “Sesame Street” Movie

Out of everyone on our list, Pharrell may be the least surprising entry. Pharrell has expanded far past the world of hip-hop with his entrepreneurship, fashion and other endeavors. Appearing on Sesame Street in 2016 was another notch on his endless resume. During his appearance, he performed a song that focused on his singing abilities. This one was also a music video with several shots of Elmo and Cookie Monster dancing along to the song. The song was about the letter “B” and more specifically – how it’s the first letter in the word “book.” Pharrell sings about the importance of imagination with books and as many of his supporters know, innovation, imagination, and creativity are pillars of his brand and image.

Common (2012 & 2019)

Common is a hip-hop artist who has always had a positive image and message in his music. It’s very fitting that he would appear with the Sesame Street characters. It’s even more fitting that he wrote an original song for them about the forever important concept of respect. The song titled “Give It, Live It, RESPECT” was shared via a music video that featured practically all the Sesame Street Muppets. Appearing alongside Common in various areas of a recording studio, they happily rapped the chorus and other parts with him. This did not take place on a specific episode of Sesame Street but was part of their campaign to celebrate 50 years of Sesame Street in 2019.

Common also appeared on the show in 2012 alongside Colbie Caillat to perform a song called “Belly Breathe.” Elmo was also included in this song. The song taught children how to calm themselves when they were upset by just putting their hands on their stomachs and taking deep breaths. Common’s rapping once again was utilized here positively and educationally.

Anderson Paak is the second current generation hip-hop artist on this list. Unlike Chance, music was at the forefront for his segment on Sesame Street in 2022. Once again, Elmo and Cookie Monster were the featured characters. In it, the trio sings and raps about holidays of all kinds from around the world. Anderson .Paak’s fun personality translated well through his performance in the segment where his wide smile was on display as expected. He also played the drums while performing the song, a feat he often does in his music too.

What are some of your favorite hip-hop moments from Sesame Street? Let us know in the comments section.

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