The 23 Best Hip-Hop Music Videos Of 2014

Although many question the album releases of 2014, one thing that can't be questioned is the positive standing of the video releases. One particular video and arguably the best of the year, is Nicki Minaj's butt-tastic "Anaconda" video. The video broke Vevo's record for most views in a day, with 19.6 million in 24 hours, replacing Miley Cyrus' "Wrecking Ball."

Other videos that shined bright this year, include Bobby Shmurda's "Hot N*gga." The viral video now holds 50 million views on YouTube, all from a guy whom at the beginning of 2014, was just a regular dude. Of course, Chris Brown's "Loyal " can't be forgotten as well as a host of videos from YG, ScHoolboy Q and more. Check out XXL's top videos of 2014.

Nicki Minaj- "Anaconda"

When Nicki Minaj dropped this visual, the world nearly came to a halt. Dubbed a butt-tastic visual at best, Nicki's cheeks had the internet on fleek after the video debuted. Not only were viewers shocked by Minaj's over the top sexual antics but fans were even more blown away by the intense ending, in which the YMCMB rapstress gives Drake the lap dance of a lifetime. "Anaconda" now holds Vevo's record for most views in 24-hours, racking up 19.6 millions views in the first day of its release.

ScHoolboy-"Man Of The Year"

Right before he dropped his highly acclaimed debut project, Oxymoron, ScHoolboy Q delivered the video for "Man Of The Year." The video features Q frolicking on the beaches of Hawaii with a clan of women. They even sandwich the TDE rapper's head between two butts at one point.

Bobby Shmurda- "Hot Nigga"

Now at 50 million views on Youtube, Bobby Shmurda's rugged viral visual, "Hot Nigga" nearly took over 2014. Although, Bobby's tales of surviving in the hood add a rawness that NY hip-hop was at the time lacking, it's the Epic rapper's bold dance moves in the visual that made Shmurda rise on the rap totem pole.

ILoveMakonnen Feat. Drake- "Tuesday"

IloveMakonnen's "Tuesday" marked the second hit by an OVO sound signee to gain major national exposure. As it wouldn't be right not to add the imprint's HNIC in the mix, Drizzy add the perfect flair to both the song and the video.

YG Feat. Drake- "Who Do You Love?"

About a week before he blessed fans with his highly acclaimed debut My Krazy Life, YG dropped off the visual for his Drake assisted hit "Who Do YOu Love?" A third preview to the LP, as fans were already gifted "My N*gga" and "Left, Right," the collaboration was the perfect move to build the album's anticipation even more.

Raury- "God's Whisper"

As the break-out video for the teenage ATL rapper, Raury had all eyes on him with the release of "God's Whipser." In the video, Raury and his rebel friends wreak havoc all over their neighborhood prior to hitting a beach rave, at which things get really wild.

Nicki Minaj- "Lookin Ass Niggas"

As a preview to her new album, The Pinkprint, Nicki Minaj served up "Lookin Ass Niggas." Although the track does not appear on the album, the video displayed Nicki's new natural look for the first time.

Chris Brown Feat. Lil Wayne & Tyga- "Loyal"

Released nearly a year after the first single for Chris Brown's X album, "Fine China," Chris Brown breathed new life into his-then upcoming album with the "Loyal" video. The song, arguably the top song of 2014, had visuals that were just as fun as the song, leading Chris Brown to achieve the 200 million views that video currently holds.

Vic Mensa-"Down On My Luck"

Holding over 3 million views on YouTube, it's safe to say that "Down On My Luck" took Vic Mensa to new levels. The clip trails Vic as he takes on the battles of nightlife. Throughout the video Vic gets arrested, chases a cutie and almost gets into a fight.

T.I. Feat. Young Thug- "About The Money"

As the first single off of T.I.'s ninth studio album, Paperwork, "About The Money" was the perfect prelude for what was to come. The song's ballsy lyrics paired with the stunted out visual, made the song quickly obtain accolades as one of the top efforts of 2014.

Rae Sremmurd- "No Type

After already serving up one of 2014's most prominent club bangers with "No Flex Zone," Rae Sremmurd followed up with what many believed was undoable, an even stronger record. The visual, for undeniably one of the top cuts of the year, features the Ear Drummers duo living it up on a boardwalk and coincides with the track's turn up almost effortlessly.

Iggy Azalea- "Fancy"

Who doesn't love a catchy tune paired with an even more appealing video? Iggy Azealia's "Fancy" is just that and the Clueless theme is a great addition. The Def Jam rapstress' most popular song to date, now holds over 403 million views on Youtube.

YG Feat. Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rich Homie Quan, & Meek Mill- "My N*gga (Remix)"

As "My N*gga" was already was already making much steam for YG"s debut album, My Krazy Life, the remix was the launch pad that shot the song into hip-hop's hall of greats, and the video to accompany the track didn't fall short. With YG, Lil Wayne, Nicki Minaj, Rich Homie Quan, and Meek Mill all on one screen, the visual was an undeniable win for hip-hop.

Wiz Khalifa-"We Dem Boyz

"Hol up, we dem boyz," was stuck on just about everyone's mind in spring 2014 and the visual couldn't have been more fitting. Setting the scene in an Atlanta hood, the video follows Wiz on a regular day as he kicks it with his boys.

Chris Brown Feat. Usher & Rick Ross- "New Flame"

For his 6th studio LP, X, Chris Brown teamed up with R&B vet, Usher and the boss Rick Ross on "New Flame." Showcasing what may have been the best dance moves seen in 2014 and possessing some of the best imagery of the year, the visual's out of this world concept is undeniably awesome.

Rich Gang- "Lifestyle"

"Lifestyle" was another undeniable theme song of 2014 and the video showed viewers exactly how Birdman, Rich Homie Quan and Young Thug are living. Juvenile, Soulja Boy and London on da Track all appear in the visual as they fly on private jets and shop till they drop.

Freddie Gibbs & Madlib- "Deeper"

A cut off of their highly acclaimed Pinata album, Freddie Gibbs and Mablib continued the greatness with their "Deeper" video. The plot follows Freddie as he's released from prison and returns home to find out a lot of things have changed.

PARTYNEXTDOOR Feat. Drake- "Recognize"

As the first OVO Sound signee hit to gain major national exposure, "Recognize" had everyone on their toes and the video did just the same. The clip features Kylie Jenner as well as the OVO camp while they turn up in dark themed visual.

ScHoolboy Q- "Studio"

Another record off of his highly acclaimed debut, Oxymoron ScHoolboy again grabbed evryone's attention with the "Studio" video. The video features Q and his lady friend as they try to balance between his career and their romance. As expected, things get a little spicy in the video as the TDE rapper and his lady have a little fun on FaceTime.

J. Cole- "Apparently"

Surely unexpected, to go along with the release of his album, 2014 Forest Hills Drive, J. Cole surprised fans with the visual to "Apparently" on the day of the LP's release. The video shows off old home videos as J. Cole hashes out the tribulations of his past.

A$AP Rocky - Multiply (feat. Juicy J)

The lead single off of A$AP Rocky's second studio album, "Mulitply" served as the prelude to what the Mob rapper will put forth on his next effort. Featuring Juicy J, the A$AP spitter and the Taylor Gang MC ignited the perfect fire needed to start buzz for the project.

French Montana- "Don't Panic"

As the primary introduction to French Montana's upcoming LP, Mac & Cheese: The Album, "Don't Panic," let fans know that French was continuing the turn up with his next project. His ex-boo, Khloe Kardashian also appears in the visual. Around the time of it's release, the video had everyone's attention as the former couple hadn't confirmed their relationship at that point.

G-Unit-"Changes"

The G-Unit reunion was a major staple for 2014 and this song explained the background of it all. Touching on everything from 50 Cent's fall-out with Interscope to Lloyd Banks' love woes, the video gave an in-depth look at the group's struggles. This video is often referred to as the top song released by the group since their reunion.

Filed Under: featured, year-end 2014

Categories: News