The 9 Best Rap Videos of 2018

Nowadays, a music video is a commercial obligation for any artist launching a new track. Some treat it a such, while others have a little fun with it.

Some of my favorite videos of 2018 have incredible production value, others seemed to have been made on a shoestring budget, but still radiate creativity.

See below for a few examples + quips.

9. Smokepurpp : ‘Nephew ft. Lil Pump’

Trap is well-known for throwing together a video in a couple hours. This is one of them, and not a bad one at that.

8. Kanye West / Lil Pump : ‘I Love It’

Hey, say what you will about Kanye, at least he’s having fun.

7. A$AP Rocky / Tyler, the Creator : ‘POTATO SALAD’

My favorite videos are the ones that feel like cool hangs. This should have been a throwaway, but it’s actually a highlight of both artist’s career.

6. Vince Staples : ‘FUN!’

In which Vince Staples use Google Map’s Street View as a narrative device. Cool track too.

5. Ski Mask The Slump God : ‘DoIHaveTheSause?’

Ski Mask channels B-level cinema with Sabotage-level wigs.

4. Bas, A$AP Ferg : ‘Boca Raton’

Nothing is more hip hop than an early retirement. Bas and Ferg give us a glimpse of the idyllic existence that awaits them on the other side.

3. Jay Rock : ‘King’s Dead’

This video has a bigger budget than my entire life, but… Nah, money well spent.

2. Childish Gambino : ‘This Is America’

Symbolism, subtext, commentary. I’m mostly here for the dance moves, though. Another masterpiece signed Hiro Murai.

1. Tierra Whack : ‘Whack World’

2018 will be remembered as the year Childish Gambino made This Is America, and it still wasn’t the video of the year. Tierra Whack won everyone. Wrap it up.