Venerated music video director Hype Williams showcases his favorite creations in this compilation featuring 10 innovative hip hop videos, including MTV hits "Feel So Good" by Mase, "No Scrubs" by TLC, "Doin' It" by LL Cool J, and "Flava in Ya Ear" by Craig Mack, as well as songs by Nas, Busta Rhymes, R. Kelly, Ja Rule, Jay Z and Wu Tang Clan. Stylistically characterized by a bright color palette, flashy cinematography, festivity-filled scenes, occasional tribal elements, and elaborate sets and attire, Williams' work primarily spotlights hip hop and R&B artists (but he also dabbles in commercials, has done videos for pop rockers such as Nelly Furtado and No Doubt, and directed the feature film Belly). DVD bonus features include 5.1 Dolby Digital sound, a Hype Williams video interview, and song-specific commentary. Drawing inspiration from a variety of sources, including films such as Pulp Fiction, Casino, and Citizen Kane, Williams says of his earlier work, "it's crazy to watch this stuff now." Hey, it was crazy for me too as a teen in the '90s, when I first caught this pioneering luminary's videos on MTV. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Williams)
Hype Williams: The Videos
(2002) 65 min. VHS: $14.98, DVD: $19.99. Palm Pictures (avail. from most distributors). Color cover. Volume 17, Issue 4
Hype Williams: The Videos
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