2017 definitely wasn’t light on the visuals for music. Everyone from Kendrick Lamar to 21 Savage had extravagant videos to get us hype for their tracks.
But along with the flashy looks came interesting stories that hit at the heart. Folks like Jay-Z and SZA brought the real when it came to their videos, and some pretty intense subjects were explored.
Swipe through to find out what five music videos were the hottest of the year, and what five were the realest.
The Hottest
“HUMBLE” by Kendrick Lamar
The Compton rapper doesn’t hold back when it comes to striking visuals. We’ll leave it up to you to interpret the various images throughout “HUMBLE,” including a flaming head Kendrick. A hot music video indeed.
The Hottest
“MotorSport” by Migos, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B
The fashion game is top notch in this neon filled clip, and it seems the future is filled with race car suits and ankle-length braids. No complaints from us.
The Hottest
“That’s What I Like” by Bruno Mars
Bruno continues to bring the fire dance moves in this subtle, yet hype music video. Watch comic book-like animation try to keep up with Bruno in one of the year’s funnest clips.
The Hottest
“Bank Account” by 21 Savage
No video was more entertaining this year than watching Mike Epps fend off bank robbers in the middle of a heist. With fighting moves like his, we wouldn’t be surprised if an action-comedy is in Mike’s near future.
The Hottest
“Rolex” by Ayo & Teo
Star dancers Ayo & Teo have built a name for themselves with viral clips and music video appearances with stars like Usher. For their smash single’s music video, they haven’t forgotten where they came from. Appearances are made by other viral stars and the Ursh-man himself.
The Realest
“Freudian, a Visual” by Daniel Caesar
With the visuals for “Freudian,” Canadian crooner Daniel Caesar seems to paint the pros and cons of having multiple baes. A full house can come with a price, including hurt feelings and the creeping possibility of loneliness.
The Realest
“Supermodel” by SZA
We can all feel inadequate after a rough breakup. SZA gets back at her ex-lover in more ways than one — by restoring her self-confidence and throwing popping fireworks at his feet. Savage.
The Realest
“Power” by Rapsody ft. Kendrick Lamar and Lance Skiiiwalker
In this cinematic clip, the North Carolina spitter shows the many manifestations of power. From hype fraternities to Black love, it seems like power has many faces.
The Realest
“Smile” by Jay-Z ft. Gloria Carter
With his 4:44 album, Jay-Z is at his most transparent. He even talked family business, tracing his mother’s journey as a lesbian. In the music video for “Smile,” a powerful picture is painted of a woman trying to survive and be herself.
The Realest
“1000” by N.E.R.D & Future
In the first year of Trump‘s presidency so many devastating things have happened and with “1000,” N.E.R.D isn’t scared to revisit. However, they don’t stray away from moments of triumph. Check out the clip below and you’ll find archaic symbols coming down and plenty of fists raised.
