HYPETRAK Top 10 Videos of 2013

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After covering the audio part of our 2013 recap, it is now time to turn our attention to this year’s most intriguing visual companions. A lot of things have changed since the YouTube era with countless DYI clips has taken influence on the way we consume and perceive visualized music. While absurd viral videos seem to flood into our daily lives, creativity seem to have flourished in 2013’s music videos as well. Our personal highlight was Tyler, the Creator’s “dolled-up” visualization of his Pharrell-assisted Wolf single “IFHY,” which is followed by other outstanding works that come in the shape of James Blake’s Nabil Elderkin-directed clip for his Overgrown title track as well as Travi$ Scott’s “Upper Echelon” as well as Kanye West’s animated “Black Skinhead.” Have a closer look at our top selection as well as our reader’s poll below.

Ifhy

Tyler, The Creator

Self-directed under Tyler’s Wolf Haley alias, Wolf‘s Pharrell Williams-powered lead single has been blessed with an emo dollhouse treatment, which displays the Odd Future frontman as a doll serenading his plastic love/hate interest. Mixing childish domestic dreams with adult thoughts, the water-colored video serves as the perfect visual foray into Tyler’s unparalleled imaginative mind that knows how to paint intricate emotions on a moving canvas. This uncanny visualization of a twisted love song blatantly proves the tremendous directing talent of the 22-year old which has further been showcased in various short movies and commercials throughout 2013 and will hopefully lead up to more of his work behind the lenses in the years to come.

Overgrown

James Blake

For the title track of James Blake’s excellent sophomore offering famed director Nabil Elderkin designs a surreal landscape that serves as a setting for a gloomy trip through forests and hills. A perfect match for Blake’s hauntingly beautiful composition.

Upper Echelon

Travi$ Scott

Having supplied fans with visuals off Owl Pharaoh, Scott’s self-directed video for his 2 Chainz and T.I.-featuring cut “Upper Echelon” is an appreciated “out of the box” approach filled with bizarre imagery and characters. The world needs more rap videos of that sort.

black Skinhead

kanye West

Kanye and Nick Knight release the interactive video to “Black Skinhead” which allows viewers to speed up, slow down, and capture images from it. With it’s stunning imagery and volatile content, Yeezus secured his spot on many year-end lists.

Rap God

Eminem

With Eminem standing in as the world’s first computer-generated TV host, Max Headroom, Rick Lee’s video for “Rap God” is filled with countless pop-culture references and balances its bold color compositions with somber grayscale artistry.

Ingenue

Atoms For Peace

For the very first music video by Atoms For Peace, lead singer Thom Yorke teams up with The Royal Ballet’s resident choreographer Wayne McGregor for an abstract performance of contemporary dance. It doesn’t get much more awesome than that.

Picasso Baby

Jay Z

Hova’s six-hour marathon live performance video shoot at the Chelsea Pace Gallery, features regular citizens and celebrities in the audience and an actual member of Picasso’s family. World-premiered by HBO, and produced by Timbaland. Power moves.

Y.A.L.A.

M.I.A.

The Daniel Sannwald-directed video is an explosion of vibrant colors and psychadelic prints, offering the perfect stage for M.I.A.’s fueled response to “Y.O.L.O” culture. An opening message warns viewers of its bold composition and flashing images.

Back To Me

Joel Compass

Using the cinemagraph technique, Joel Compass and directing duo Ian & Cooper offer a captivating black-and-white visual that consists of still images tied together, depicting a story of a mesmerizing story of father and son. Amazingly eerie.

Don’t Kill My Vibe

Kendrick Lamar

Breaking visual and cultural conventions with an a-typical funeral to mark the death of “Molly,” The Lil Homies & OG Mike Mihail’s “Bitch Don’t Kill My Vibe” features prominent cameo appearances and even includes a pool full of liquor.

Notable Mentions