Top 10 Best Videos of 2011

 •  News  •  by jesse  •  39 Comments

1 of 12
  • 1. Otis
    <b>1. Jay-Z & Kanye West “Otis”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BoEKWtgJQAU?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BoEKWtgJQAU?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Spike Jonze<br /> <strong>Release Date</strong>: August 11, 2011<br />If there is one thing that is clear from watching The Throne’s video for “Otis,” it’s that Jay-Z and Kanye West undoubtedly had a ish load of fun shooting the clip. Rap fans have never even seen Hov smile that much, ever. In between cheesing, viewers also witnessed the duo demolish a Maybach and then take it for a spin with a bunch of models and comedian Aziz Ansari. And then, of course, there were also fireworks. We are not worthy.
  • 2. Tony Montana
    <b>2. Future “Tony Montana”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CNdySYdVe0E?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CNdySYdVe0E?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Jessy Terrero<br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> October 27, 2011<br />Atlanta upstart, Future, flew all the way to the Dominican Republic to shoot the video for his breakout single, “Tony Montana,” and it was definitely worth the trip. The visually stunning clip tells the story of a big shot drug dealer, played by Future, that is called in from the States to handle a robbery situation going on in DR. Complete with birds-eye view shots, real actors and even subtitles, this clip played more like a movie then a four minute music video. Motion picture ish.
  • 3. Yonkers
    <b>3. Tyler, the Creator “Yonkers”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XSbZidsgMfw?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XSbZidsgMfw?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Wolf Haley<br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> February 10, 2011<br />Odd Future were already starting to make noise in the beginning of 2011 in the media, but group leader, Tyler, the Creator’s self-directed music video for “Yonkers,” put the crew on the map for the rest of the world. The disturbing Black and White clip went on to rack up over 32 million views on YouTube, a MTV VMA nomination for Video of the Year and even a co-sign from Mr. Kanye West. Bonkers!
  • 4. Look At Me Now
    <b>4. Chris Brown ft. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne “Look At Me Now”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8gyLR4NfMiI?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8gyLR4NfMiI?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Colin Tilley<br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> March 10, 2011<br />Chris Brown’s colorful clip had a lot of nostalgic elements that kept viewers interested. First, it featured Breezy dressed up as a young Spike Lee from <i>Do The Right Thing</i>, second, it had a lot of young breakdancers doing killer moves while rocking throwback Starter jackets and most importantly, it featured an animated Busta Rhymes rapping 100 miles an hour under a magnifying glass. In other words, there was a lot to look at.
  • 5. Ima Boss
    <b>5. Meek Mill ft. Rick Ross “I’ma Boss”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V1cxP2nCBdU?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V1cxP2nCBdU?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Benny Boom<br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> August 31, 2011<br />Rick Ross’ young gunna Meek Mill brought the cameras to his hometown of Philly when it came time to shoot the video for his exciting summer smash, “I’ma Boss.” And he made his city proud by bringing out local stars, Beanie Sigel, Freeway and Young Chris and shooting them right in front of cheesesteak mecca, Genos. But what really makes this video so great was the amazing shots of Meek and his crew doing tricks on their motorcycles and four wheelers in slow motion. So bossy!
  • 6. All of the Lights
    <b>6. Kanye West “All of the Lights” </b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HAfFfqiYLp0?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HAfFfqiYLp0?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director: Hype Williams</strong><br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> February 18, 2011<br />The electrifying visuals for “All of the Lights” were so intense, it came with a warning that it could potentially trigger a seizure for people with photosensitive epilepsy. Rihanna’s sexy cameo didn’t help either.
  • 7. Mr. Rager
    <b>7. Kid Cudi “Mr Rager”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IofN_sunFvo?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IofN_sunFvo?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Jeremie Rozan<br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> September 8, 2011<br />Inspired by the cult classic film, <i>Old Boy</i>, Kid Cudi’s apocalyptic, brutal video for “Mr. Rager” features a lot of violence and blood. A favorite of <i>XXL</i>’s online video director, Samtubia Edwards, the clip finds Cudder involved in a crazy dream where he has to fight for his life and against his own demons. Rage on.
  • 8. Nasty
    <b>8. Nas “Nasty”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wo97R0ib1CE?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wo97R0ib1CE?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Jason Goldwatch<br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> October 12, 2011<br />After returning to his original namesake and sound, it was only right that Nas came full circle and took it back to the Queensbridge Houses that raised him for the video to his latest single, “Nasty.” This time, God’ Son showed up on the block in a Maybach and quickly handed out gifts to local residents before ending up in a makeshift studio in a project apartment, stripped to merely a black wifebeater and jeans. Back to the basics.
  • 9. I Need A Doctor
    <b>9. Dr. Dre ft. Eminem & Skylar Grey “I Need a Doctor”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VA770wpLX-Q?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VA770wpLX-Q?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Allen Hughes<br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> February 24, 2011<br />Dr. Dre’s high concept clip for “I Need a Doctor” is easily the longest, most expensive and most captivating clip of 2011. Drawing from Dre’s decade-long absence from store shelves, the story line of the video show the West Coast rap legend coming back to life after a near deadly accident with a little inspiration from close friend, Eminem.
  • 10. Super Bass
    <b>10. Nicki Minaj “Super Bass”</b>
    <object style="height: 390px; width: 620px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4JipHEz53sU?version=3&feature=player_detailpage"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4JipHEz53sU?version=3&feature=player_detailpage" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="620" height="360"></embed></param></object><strong>Director:</strong> Sanaa Hamri<br /><strong>Release Date:</strong> May 5, 2011<br />Nicki Minaj pulled out all the stops for the video for her chart-topping smash hit, “Super Bass.” You got ice sculptures of motorcyles, half naked boy toys, spooky lap dances under a black light, pools with pink goo, and a gang of hot backup dancers all wearing daisy dukes, wife beaters and pink wigs. What did she miss?
  • Best_VIDEOS_2011_620x400
    Top 10 Best Videos of 2011
    There was no shortage of great videos in 2011. With the recession seemingly waning, big budgets are once again accessible to artists—as evident in the beautiful clips by Dr. Dre, Kid Cudi and Future. Yet, for MCs more inclined to save their pesos, directors continued to find interesting ways to build something from nothing (see “Yonkers” and “Otis”). Some old video clichés got a new spin (see “Look At Me Now,” “I’ma Boss” and “Super Bass”) and some fresh effects birthed this year (“All of the Lights”) are sure to be commonplace by next December. So, without further ado, <i>XXL</i> is proud to present the top 10 videos of 2011.—<em>XXL Staff</em>
  • #Best_VIDEOS_2011_410x350

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  • https://twitter.com/ Max_Dragan

    Dr. Dre ft. Eminem & Skylar Grey I Need a Doctor, is one of the best videos of the year for sure!!!!!

  • http://shady.com.br Sergio M.

    I’m an Eminem Fan but Tyler’s Yonkers was the best video of the year, no doubt.

    • http://Airmaxmusic.com airmaxmusic

      agreed Yonkers was by far the best video of the year. Tyler the creator was revolutionary in that video and that video was a essential part in his rise to prominence in the rap game. By far the best video of the year, others can just not compete.

  • https://twitter.com/#!/Max_Dragan Max_Dragan

    I think that Tyler’s Yonkers video was kind of lame!!!! . l0l, but Dr. Dre ft. Eminem & Skylar Grey I Need a Doctor was quite creative music video!

  • HipHopFan

    Martians vs Goblins shits all over these

    • http://mywoods.tumblr.com For sure

      Right you are. Martians vs Goblins is a dope video, should be on the list.

  • –

    EMINEM & DRE & SKYLAR.

  • http://www.BasedBible.com Errol

    Gunplay – Rollin was def the best video of the year

  • jacob

    Yonkers was definitely the best video i need a doctor was a close second

  • Dortiz

    A$AP Rocky – Pe$o best video. Harlem.

    • noushi_boi

      repped, sick vid for a sick.

  • Ng

    And XXL is gonna kip sucking Jay and Ye’s Dick all year. How the hell is otis a better video(Not Song) than I need A Doctor, huh ? Or better than Yonkers ? PunkAss!

    • https://twitter.com/#!/Max_Dragan Max Dragan

      Ng l0l! I’m gonna become a famous Singer/Rapper in the future and if you wanna call me bad words call me a bad word in real life not on the internet when you can’t even touch me l0l! in fact no one ever abled and no one ever will be able to ever disrespect me in real life and get away with that! I’L like to see you try do that in future! when I’l be famous l0l!!!!!! HAHAHHA

  • scott

    kid cudi had the best, the mr rager video was epic

  • Haroun

    Cudi’s Mister Rager was fucking awesome, so was Dre’s & Tyler’s. Ima go wih Cudi.

  • Donte

    I dont even fuck with tyler but yonkers was something that i have never seen before in a music video so i think its yonkers hands down

  • http://twitter.com DreDaDon16

    The right video won. fuck super bass. OFWGKTA

  • potassium

    Kid Cudi’s Video was crazy ..
    the video for i need a doctor seemed like a advertisement :\

  • http://dssence.net D.Scott

    Look At Me Now was dope. Mr. Rager was crazy lol

  • Adrian

    yonkers video was stupid as fuck and didnt have any meaning..CUDI or DRE

    • El b 1

      IF YOU WANT A VIDEO WITH MEANING WATCH A MOVIE.. THE MEANNG COMES FROM THE SONG AND THE VIDEO FOR YONKERS GOES WITH THE MEANING

  • Mr. rager

    Mr. Rager is the best it shows Cudi killing his later ego or else his ggo would’ve killed him with all the drugs mood swings etc. He enters with yellow and wakes up with the black jacket Cudi is smart

  • Mr. Rager

    Mr. Rager is the best it shows Cudi killing his alter ego or else his ego would’ve killed him with all the drugs mood swings etc. He enters with yellow and wakes up with the black jacket. Cudi is so smart.

  • El b 1

    YONKERS IS AN INSTANT CLASSICC!!!

  • Jeck

    Eminem King Votes..

  • Lord Maximus

    Poer by Kanye was the best, and it’s not even on here smh

  • pipen

    50 Cent – I Just Wanna feat. Tony Yayo

  • http://xxlmag.com desmondE

    i need a doctor is a very bad song ( i usually love Eminem and dr dre) but even though the song is bad the video is great in itself and deserves to be on the number 1 spot here

  • Michael

    I don’t understand how Kendrick Lamar’s HiiPower video isn’t in the top 10…smh @ xxl

  • yo! beats

    I like tyler’s video becuz it was something different and i thought Dr.dre’s video was amazing also

  • Dwayne

    Where’s Kanye when you need him?

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  • jjgaudet

    in these fans voting polls the most popular like kanye or lil waynee are never goona win Tyler has better fans than all of these people

  • t

    meek mill ima boss was the realist vid riding them quad’s through philly with ross

  • adam

    Currensy she dont want a man

  • russell

    that nasty video from Nas was da TRUTH!

  • Nyrsan

    Eminem King

  • http://facebook.com V.ll

    i need A doctor !!!! yeah Emiem !! the best and dr drE

  • baar

    dre had the best video haha