On this day in film history, Hype Williams’ 1998 masterpiece Belly was released in theaters. Starring New York legends Nas and DMX, Belly follows the life and times of Tommy Bunds (DMX) and Sincere (Nas). The two get by as run-of-the-mill professional criminals ducking and dodging their way to their idea of a better life. While DMX’s character is fine with continuing to stick-and-move and stack as much money as possible until it catches up with him, Nas’ role is looking to better himself and move his family ‘back to Africa’.
The film’s star-studded cast included Taral Hicks, T-Boz of TLC, Method Man, AZ, the late Louis Rankin, and Oliver “Power” Grant with cameos from Ghostface Killah and Sean Paul.
Although the movie may have been poorly received by critics across the board, this movie helped shape a generation. Hype Williams’ portrayal of this side of rap culture electrified not only those who were experiencing the themes of the film; but, it reached the millennials who were soon to take the reigns of pop culture. Films like Belly created an image that was directly emulated by the next generation of rappers. Without its influence and appeal the lifestyle led by artists like Jay-Z, Dip Set, and even A$AP Mob might have not have been as glamorized.
The film also spawned one of the greatest Hip Hop movie soundtracks of all time, featuring tracks from D’Angelo, Mya, Raekwon, N.O.R.E., Jay-Z, Beanie Sigel, Memphis Bleek, Wu-Tang Clan, and the film’s stars. The soundtrack peaked at #5 on the Billboard 200 and #2 Top R&B/Hip Hop chart making it one of the highest-charting Hip-Hop film soundtracks to date. The album’s sole single “Grand Finale” featuring Nas, DMX, Method Man, and Ja Rule peaked at #63 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop singles chart.
Right before social media and streaming platforms became a thing, Hype Williams was the maestro of experimental filmmaking in music, leaving an indelible mark in the industry since the 1990s. From his groundbreaking video in 1994 with Wu-Tang Clan’s “Can It Be All So Simple” to Kanye West’s mesmerizing “Gold Digger” and Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love,” Hype Williams has set the bar high for what a truly impressive music video should be.
Old and contemporary hip-hop fans will always remember how he shaped hip-hop over time with his limitless creativity and unmatchable originality. Let’s explore eleven Hype Williams videos that remain evergreen, regardless of how long they’ve been on our screens.
11. Busta Rhymes – “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” (1997)
Busta Rhyme’s “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” remains one of the most iconic and innovative Hype Williams videos ever. In an interview with XXL, Busta Rhyme expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of color and originality in the music videos of that time. So, he teamed up with Hype Williams to create this masterpiece, incorporating all the elements he thought music videos lacked.
Inspired by the movie Coming to America, “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” is full of color, creativity, and Africanness, making it forever timeless. The video made its debut on MTV in mid-August 1997, gaining widespread attention on both MTV and BET networks. Even now, 27 years later, the video still gets much attention on YouTube, with over 45 million views and viewers applauding its timeless creativity.
Jay-Z and Hype Williams collaborated multiple times to great effect. Hence, it is no wonder why Jay-Z is always effusive in his praise for Williams. The duo combined for a great music video for Jay-Z’s hit song, “Big Pimpin” ft. UGK. “Big Pimpin” was released as the third and final single from Jay-Z’s fourth studio album Vol.3… Life and Times of S. Carter (1999). Although the track was already a hit, Hype Williams took it to a whole new level by visually bringing the lyrics to life with his creativity. According to Williams, the song instantly transported the listener to Carnival, and he wanted the world to experience that visual with him. The video was shot in Trinidad during Carnival, though only Jay and Bun B appeared together. Apparently, Pimp C didn’t want to fly out, so he filmed his portion of the video in Miami Beach.
“She’s a Bitch” stands tall as proof of the limitless creativity that exists between these two titans in the industry — Hype Williams and Missy Elliott. The Williams-directed video officially dropped on May 1, 1999. He adopted various cutting-edge special effects and stunning customs and set to make the video truly unique. This collaboration raised the bar for other videos with its electroluminescent stage designs and innovative backdrops.
8. Beyoncé – “Drunk In Love” (2013)
Filmed at the most exclusive Golden Beach, Florida, this outstanding video features Beyoncé dancing sensually on the sandy shores while waves crash around her. Jay-Z appears, rapping beside her and holding a glass of D’usse. This captivating scene, directed by Hype Williams, received awards for Video of the Year and clinched the Best Collaboration award at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards.
7. The Notorious B.I.G – “Mo Money, Mo Problems” (1997)
“Mo Money, Mo Problems” featured Mase and Combs in locations designed by Ron Norsworthy. Some of the video’s incredible aspects were the fluorescent lamps and stark white chamber. The video is quite popular for the red shiny jackets worn by Combs and Mase, which helped usher the “Shiny Suit Era” in hip-hop.
6. Kanye West – “Diamonds From Sierra Leone” (2005)
In “Diamonds From Sierra Leone,” Hype Williams uses a powerful visual commentary to tackle the issue of “conflict diamonds.” The video juxtaposed scenes of wealth and funfair with images of poverty and suffering, highlighting the contrast between the luxury often associated with diamonds and the harsh reality of their origins. In the video, Kanye delivered his lyrics intensely and convincingly. The video’s dark, moody aesthetic adds to its impact, captivating viewers and emphasizing the video’s theme. Overall, the “Diamonds From Sierra Leone” music video is a thought-provoking and visually striking piece that effectively displays Kanye’s message and Hype William’s creative prowess.
Kanye West’s “Gold Digger” is one of his most massive hits ever, revealing his vibrant personality and groove. The song featured catchy instrumentals and told the tale of a woman who valued him only for his material possessions. Hence, a music video for such a song should be an interesting watch, and Hype Williams ensured that was the case. The video was Kanye’s first attempt to feature signees to his record label — G.O.O.D MUSIC. It received great reviews and is widely considered one of Kanye’s best music videos.
“So Sick” is one of Ne-Yo’s biggest hits due to its regular rotations on BET and MTV. The song’s music video was shot in the snow and a mansion. To capture the song’s emotions more, Hype Williams directed Ne-Yo to sing his heart out, creating heart-wrenching scenes. The video topped both the Billboard Hot 100 and the U.K. charts and currently has over 355 million views on YouTube.
3. Missy Elliot – “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” (1997)
Undoubtedly one of the Greatest Hip-Hop Music Videos of All Time, Missy Elliott delivered the incredibly iconic music video for “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” in 1997. The most famous aspect of the video is the patent leather blow-u suit, which resembles a bloated trash bag. The 1990s videos often featured scantily dressed women, but Missy Elliot took a different turn with her hilariously inflated trashy-like outfit.
2. Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur – “California Love” (1995)
Jada Pinkett Smith, Shakur’s long-term friend, initially created the video concept for “California Love.” Her concept was inspired by the 1985 film Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Although Jada was supposed to direct the video, she excused herself from the production, allowing Hype Williams to take over. He did so to great effect. The music video dropped in 1995 and won the 1996 MOBO Award for Best Video.
1. TLC – “No Scrubs” (1999)
“No Scrubs” was one of TLC’s hardest-hitting songs and remains a classic tune to this day. The music video is similar to Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson’s music video “Scream” and ranked No. 1 on the Rhythmic Top 40 for 15 weeks. This is one of Hype Williams’ videos revealing an Afro-Futuristic, millennium outlook, with the performers wearing silver and blue metallic outfits to mimic the iconic “Scream” video.
Hype Williams: A Legend Yesterday, Today, and Forever
It’s impossible to mention legendary music video producers without Hype Williams. From his debut video to his most recent music video, Williams keeps setting the pace for contemporary music video directors. His creativity and ability to bring the most astounding music videos to life remain unmatched, regardless of how long he has been on the scene. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, these Hype Williams videos give us an insight into his unrivaled creative prowess in hip-hop and the music industry at large.
Hype Williams is a pivotal figure in the evolution of music video aesthetics. He has built a considerable fortune, with his net worth estimated at $14 million as of 2024, according to CelebrityNetWorth. Known for his visually distinctive and highly stylized video techniques, Williams has worked with a plethora of music’s biggest stars, helping to shape the visual landscape of hip hop and R&B music since the 1990s. His creative direction has defined a generation of music videos and elevated the art form to new heights.
Revolutionizing Music Videos: The Signature Style Of Hype Williams
Busta Rhymes, Kelis and Hype on the set of Rhymes’ new video ‘What It Is’ from the upcoming album. “Violator The Album: V2.0”, directed by Hype Williams in Los Angeles, Ca. 6/6/01. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images.
Hype Williams began his career in the early 1990s, quickly distinguishing himself with his unique visual style that often included wide-angle shots, fisheye lens visuals, and vibrant, often surreal color palettes. His breakthrough came with his work on videos for artists like Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, and Tupac Shakur. One of his most iconic projects, the video for The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly) by Missy Elliott, is hailed as a landmark in music video production, introducing techniques and visual effects ahead of their time. This innovative approach set new standards in video production and made Williams a sought-after director in the industry.
Expanding Horizons: Film & Television Ventures
QUEENS, NEW YORK–APRIL 21: Rapper Ol’ Dirty Bastard (Russell Jones) of The Wu-Tang Clan appears in a portrait with director. Hype Williams (aka Harold Williams)during a break in filming the music video for “Shimmy Shimmy Ya” in the Queens borough of New York City on April 21, 1995. (Photo by Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images).
Beyond music videos, Hype Williams has also ventured into film and television. He also directed the cult classic Belly (1998), starring DMX and Nas. Although the film received mixed reviews, it has been celebrated in later years for its artistic qualities and unique visual style, akin to his video work. Williams’ foray into narrative filmmaking demonstrated his ability to translate his video direction skills into longer-form storytelling, expanding his repertoire and influence in the entertainment world.
Lasting Impact & Current Endeavors
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 06: Hype Williams speaks onstage during the WSJ. Magazine 2019 Innovator Awards sponsored by. Harry Winston and Rémy Martin at MOMA on November 06, 2019, also in New York City. (Photo by Lars Niki/Getty Images for WSJ. Magazine Innovators Awards )
Moreover, Williams has continued to innovate, embracing new technologies and techniques to keep his work relevant in an ever-changing media landscape. He has returned to music videos, working with contemporary stars. Further, he has also engaged in advertising, bringing his cinematic eye to commercials for major brands. His ongoing influence is evident as he mentors younger directors and continues to be a reference point for discussions about music video production’s artistic and commercial potential.
Hype Williams’ reflects his enduring success and influence in the music and film industries. His visionary contributions have defined a genre and continue to inspire new generations of artists and directors. As he moves forward, Williams’ legacy as a pioneer in music video direction remains secure, with his artistic and commercial achievements standing as a testament to his iconic career.
Latto’s latest single “Sunday Service” has a lot involved with it. Mainly, audiences viewed it as her response track to Ice Spice’s “Think U The Sh*t (Fart).” The two artists have been throwing shade at each other in a variety of ways for the past few months. Listeners have mostly been drawing their own conclusions about what triggered this feud, especially since it appeared to bubble from nowhere. However, on the day the music video dropped, Latto cleared the air on Instagram Live, claiming the song was not a diss. Still, many feel as though this supposed beef is worth tuning into if the ladies keep it in the booth.
In 2024, virality is the name of the game when it comes to promotion and both artists took advantage of this in different ways. Ice Spice’s initial meme-based promo, unfortunately, only brought more scrutiny to her career. However, it’s clear that the song still has 2024 in a chokehold, thanks to platforms like TikTok. Meanwhile, Latto’s already had listeners in high anticipation from what many thought was the cover art alone. It featured her in a room with pictures from other women in the rap game from all generations, including a few ladies whom she supposedly has issues with. However, their eyes had black bars over them and Latto’s did too.
When an artist pays homage to another artist, audiences see it as a sign of respect. Latto’s “Sunday Service” music video has references to other artists and the media world overall. The hook of Latto’s “Sunday Service” features the lines “I don’t sing R&B but, b*tch, I’m really her” in a creative reference to the R&B singer H.E.R. In the music video, there’s a scene where Latto’s hair is styled like hers and she’s also sporting some circular shades. This is H.E.R’s signature look, especially with the sunglasses that she once wore to conceal her identity and make people focus on her music. Now, the shades have become a part of her identity. Latto’s homage shows that she has love for artists that aren’t in her genre of music but she admires them still. This quick but effective visual reference helped enhance the creativity of Latto’s lyrics.
One of the most prominent artists Latto references in her music video for “Sunday Service” is Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes. In one scene, she wears a yellow leather jacket while holding a flip phone. Many artists in the early 2000s wore jackets like this from a brand called Avirex. During this moment, she raps to a fisheye camera lens, a perspective viewers have seen many times in videos from those iconic rappers. Longtime fans know this is a tried-and-true technique from director Hype Williams. He used this effect in several of his music videos, including Missy Elliott’s classic “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly).”
During the fisheye lens scene, Latto was in front of an obvious green screen. This choice doubled down on the nostalgic aspects. Many videos from that era look dated in comparison to today’s technology but it shows how far we have come. Viewers also noticed that Latto’s name and the name of the song were in the bottom left corner of the screen during this scene. This was common for music videos throughout the early 2000s, especially ones that played on music video countdown shows.
Latto also paid homage to the iconic opening scene from the Hype Williams directed film Belly. The deep rich blue lighting and glowing eyes are unmistakable. Latto recreates the exact look in her music video and even replicates the slow-motion camera movement. Multiple artists have referenced this scene across the years since the film’s release in 1998. Hype Williams is an all-time legend in directing music videos. It’s a full-circle moment for his star-studded film to be referenced in music videos too. Once again, Latto has referenced the greats that paved the way for her.
Latto Stands Out
Listeners have praised Latto’s “Sunday Service” for its bars and music video. In terms of her beef with Ice Spice, they have concluded this track was miles above the one from the “Deli” rapper. Latto and her team seem committed to showcasing her at the highest level possible and the intentionality with the promo and music video for this track are a testament to that. Knowing where you come from is the only way to know where you’re going and the homage that was shown in this video shows that Latto fully understands that.
What did you think of the video for “Sunday Service?” Let us know in the comments section.
During a recent interview with Complex, Jay-Z addressed rumors that he was originally set to appear in Hype Williams’ 1998 film, Belly. According to him, the rumors aren’t true. He further explained why the speculation doesn’t make sense, claiming that he was too “guarded” at the time for a venture on the big screen.
“That’s a rumor. Because of how guarded I was, I hated acting,” he admitted. “This is why I don’t act, because I would get in my way. I would be thinking, ‘No, I don’t wanna do something that I ain’t gonna look cool.’” Jay-Z continued, “But you know, I was young and immature. Or I was young mentally. You know, if you see our own movies, I was in for like 30 seconds and I wasn’t even speaking.”
Jay-Z Shuts Down Rumors He Was Supposed To Be In Belly
Nas.jpg” alt=”Jay-Z Commends Nas For “Belly,” Claims He Wasn’t Cut Out For Acting” class=”wp-image-725972″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas-300×225.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas-768×576.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />Jay-Z (L) performs with Nas during Jay-Z’s Concert at The Apollo on November 13, 2007 in New York. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/FilmMagic)
Though the Roc Nation founder wasn’t willing to dip his toe in the world of cinema, Nas was. Jay-Z went on to praise the artist for being able to pull it off. “I had no idea how Nas did that because I felt like he was in the same place as me. But he did it and he made it work,” he explained. “But I never was meant to be in Belly. I don’t even know where that came from.”
While he didn’t appear in Belly, Jay-Z did work alongside Williams for various music videos. According to Jay, getting any kind of performance out of him was a pretty significant feat. “I don’t know if I was coachable as far as a performance at that time,” he revealed. I don’t know if anyone could coach me, you know, because I was so guarded.” He adds, “I think about the early videos that I have and I listen to myself talking and it’s kind of hard for me to watch. That’s not even how I speak.” What do you think of Jay-Z praising Nas for his Belly performance? Are you surprised that he hated acting? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates on Jay-Z.
JAY-Z heaped praise on Hype Williams during a rare interview with Complex published on Wednesday. The legendary rapper says Williams’ influence was responsible for 50 percent of the success of the music at the height of his career. The topic began with JAY-Z reflecting on the making of “Can’t Knock The Hustle.”
“‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ felt like cinema,” JAY-Z told the outlet. “We also have to talk about Malik [Haseen Sayeed], the cinematographer Hype worked with. The cinematography was just so beautiful and the way it was shot it just elevated it to another level. We weren’t spending that sort of money then to finish the pyrotechnics. So when the limousine blows up it’s really janky, you know. But the vision and the cinematography was just beautiful and his eye was just different. The combination between Hype and June [Ambrose] elevated our look and feel. I remember people talking about how great a video it was.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 17: Hype Williams speaks onstage VH1 Hip Hop Honors: The 90s Game Changers at Paramount Studios on September 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images)
JAY-Z continued: “I would say that Hype could take credit for 50 percent of the success of the music at that time. If not 55 percent. We gave people an audio experience that they imagined in their mind and when he put those visuals to it, it took it to a whole new level. I remember hearing [Busta Rhymes’] ‘Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See’ on Hot 97 and thinking this song is crazy. We played it a thousand times that night. But when I saw the visual, I was like, oh, this is a rock n’ roll record. This is way bigger than a nice club song. This is a cultural moment for us.”
Hype Williams has directed music videos for many of the biggest artists in hip-hop over the years including Notorious B.I.G., LL Cool J, Boyz II Men, Wu-Tang Clan, 2Pac, Busta Rhymes, and many more. He also directed the cult classic 1998 film, Belly, which starred Nas and DMX.
From a graffiti artist in Queens to a well-accomplished filmmaker, Hype Williams is an icon in the Hip Hop scene. The legendary director has undoubtedly been one of the most sought-after creative geniuses in the music industry for decades. Born Harold Williams, he rose to acclaim thanks to his ingenuity, as well as his impressive storytelling shorts. A classic example of his creativity and uniqueness is the music video for Busta Rhymes’ “Woo Hah.” Williams masterfully showcased his genius, giving birth to the cartoonishly magnified viewpoint of the rap songs from that era.
His work is known for its innovative visuals, high-energy editing, and star power. Williams’ clientele also cuts across some of the biggest names in Hip Hop and R&B, including The Notorious B.I.G., TLC, Missy Elliott, and Beyoncé. Overall, his work has had a lasting impact on the music video industry, and his videos continue to be enjoyed by many. Specifically, it is his artistic mind that earned him a 2017 recognition at the VH1 Hip Hop Honors, as well as BET’s Best Director Award. Here are seven of Hype Williams’ best music videos:
“Big Poppa” is one of the most iconic Hip Hop singles of all time. The song firmly helped establish Biggie’s reign as a singular influence in hip-hop. Moreover, the video is focused primarily on the Notorious B.I.G., the party, and the crowd to highlight what it means to be Big Poppa. The legend is seen in a variety of lush settings, from a private lounge to a mansion. Williams’ use of slow-motion and close-ups helps to create a sense of wealth, status, and power. The video also features cameo appearances from Sean Combs, Busta Rhymes, and Mary J Blige. Indeed, on paper, it’s a regular video about living the fast life. However, Williams’ direction tells a succinct story about who would later become one of the greatest MCs of all time.
Hype Williams has said that Beyoncé is his favorite artist to make videos for. The Grammy-winning “Drunk in Love” is a testament to their respective collaborative genius. The video uses a single location shot on the beach in Miami, as the two bounce off each other’s energies. In this simplistic, yet groundbreaking video, Hype Williams utilized close-up shots to evoke a sense of sensuality and desire. Beyoncé herself has also shared that the music video is one of her most personal, as it was her at her freest, at the time. In a chat with Out Magazine, she revealed that she didn’t want to overthink the video, and “really just tried to trust our instincts, embrace the moment, and keep it fun.” This evidently proved successful, as the music video is one of the most-watched in Williams’ catalog, with over 700 million YouTube views.
Earning a diamond plaque in 2021, “Stronger” is a powerful and moving video that tells the story of Kanye West’s recovery in a technological medical facility. The video features West located in Japan, including in a hospital bed and a facility basement. In this iconic video, Hype Williams opted for symbolism and fade-out sequences. Consequently, this helped create a sense of emotional flashbacks and vulnerability.
“No Scrubs” is a classic women’s empowerment anthem that still resonates today with its fun and catchy hook. The music video features TLC rejecting men who don’t meet their standards. To create this gem, Hype Williams used grayscale colors in order to make the singers pop. This helped create a captivating and empowering atmosphere where the singer looked and felt in control. The video also features a dance routine that is still imitated today, which is a testament to its legacy.
3. Kanye West – “Diamonds From Sierra Leone” (2005)
The music video for “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” is an emotional and eye-opening one. It features Kanye West rapping about the strife of the oppressed and various institutions of the oppressor. The video covers the architectural layout of Prague, the oppressor, and their fondness for diamonds, as well as children in the background with bloody dark pupils. Williams uses black & white editing to emphasize certain emotions across the video and also to depict the race lens at the time.
This West Coast anthem features 2Pac and Dr. Dre rapping about the beauty and danger of California. In the timeless video, the pair are seen saving women from the villains. The video immaculately embodies the set and styling of the 1985 Mad Max movie. Hype Williams also uses his storytelling expertise to expand on the partying and club lifestyle in the City of Angels. Furthermore, the use of both wide and aerial shots helps capture the “Wild West” theme. It is undeniably one of Williams’ most memorable videos in existence.
1. Missy Elliott – “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” (1997)
Missy Elliot has been at the forefront of innovative music videos since her debut. Notably, “The Rain” was a groundbreaking track from Missy’s 1997 album, Supa Dupa Fly. Consequently, the music video could also be argued to have helped launch her career as a visual artist. It was also Missy Elliott’s first project with Hype Williams. The video showed Missy rapping and dancing in a variety of futuristic and surreal settings. Most notably, the inflated black leather suit she dons remains a piece of pop culture over the decades. Elliott has since revealed the hilarious tidbit about the iconic suit. Williams’ use of special effects and innovative camera angles helped to create a visually stunning music video way ahead of its time.
Nas.jpg” alt=”Jay-Z Commends Nas For “Belly,” Claims He Wasn’t Cut Out For Acting” class=”wp-image-725972″ srcset=”https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas.jpg 1024w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas-300×225.jpg 300w, https://wp.hnhh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Jay-Z-and-Nas-768×576.jpg 768w” sizes=”(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px” />
