VIDEO BATTLE OF THE WEEK This week’s video battle is a serious scrap indeed – a battle royale. Don’t sleep on any of these artists, because each has something special in the world of Hip-Hop. Here are the combatants:
Kanye West’s “Paranoid”
VS
Fabolous featuring The Dream’s “Throw It In The Bag”
VS
Killer Mike’s “My Chrome”
VS
Mully Man’s “I Go Harder”
Kanye West has yet another single for his 808s & Heartbreak, but with the video for “Paranoid,” there is a tremendous twist. Fabolous has been away for too long, but he’s fully ready to step up and reclaim his spot. While T.I. is away, there are several people that can hold down Grand Hustle, but your best bet is on Killer Mike. Lastly, there is Mully Man, one of the reasons the scene is Baltimore is so vibrant and alive.
“Ding-Ding” – Lets get ready to rumble!
Kanye West – “Paranoid”
Kanye West has been very vocal that this crystal clear version of “Paranoid” is not the official version. In fact, it was some how leaked to the internet. Nevertheless, the video presents a very artistic look aesthetically in stark contrast with your typical rap video. But, nothing about Kanye is typical and this is hardly a rap video. Still, it is Mr. West and Rihanna is the real star of “Paranoid.”
Fabolous featuring The Dream – “Throw It In The Bag”
“Throw It In The Bag” is a slick, well-produced video that highlights all of the things regular people cannot afford in or outside a recession. But, like most music videos, people indulge for the fantasy – not reality. So, watching Fab and The Dream stalk ladies as they shop. Somehow, the FBI enters the video, by way of the subplot. Perhaps this one isn’t as much fiction as previously thought.
Killer Mike featuring Big Boi – “My Chrome”
This 2005 lost gem is from Big Killa before his “fired his boss” Big Boi of Outkast. The song is interesting, because it offers a club-ish feel, yet also presents some of the coarseness many desperately want to see in danceable Hip-Hop. One the flip side, “My Chrome” definitely displays the cohesion that Big Boi and Killer Mike had to offer. This video is good reason to get back together, even for a song.
Mully Man – “I Go Harder”
Somebody better give Baltimore some shine or they are likely to steal it from their neighbors. Mully Man’s video exudes pure hunger and angst. The video is fast-paced and lyrically Mully Man is in his own lane, which is a good thing. What is interesting is both Grand Master Melle Mel and Bizzy Bee cameo in this video. Having a pair of pioneers co-sign him is a good look for the young Mully Man. Frenzied and fresh, peep “I Go Harder.”
Time to VOTE!