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Hype Williams: Five Videos That Established Hip Hop’s Staying Power
It would be difficult to discuss Hip Hop’s 1990s mainstream breakthrough and dominance without mentioning Queens born music video director Hype Williams. He relied on bright, eccentric colors, captivating camera angles, and employed the fish eye lens to bring life to Hip Hop records.
A song supported by a Hype video could help it become a hit and reach new audiences due to his popularity on MTV. His first big break came when he directed Wu-Tang Clan’s Can It Be All So Simple in 1994. From there he would go onto work with Nas, 2Pac, Outkast, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, among others. Since 1991, he has produced over 150 music videos.
- Busta Rhymes- Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See
Shot in a mansion, the video was heavily inspired by the film Coming to America. Hype incorporated themes of from the movie including the opening scenes and bright Zamunda inspired body paint and clothing. However, his creativity shined when he cast an elephant to run alongside Busta Rhymes and closed the video out with an African inspired fire and dance scene. Most of the video is shot with the fish lens giving it an intense, yet…
