This week’s edition of YO! HIP HOP RVA highlights my favorite hip-hop videos out of Richmond this year. The transcendent cinematography, lyricism and creativity in these videos truly made me say “wow.” Among the pack are Richmond mainstays Big No & Noah-O, Peter $un and Fly Anakin, as well as breakout stars TROY and Rap-Unzel.
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Rap-Unzel – “Say Dat” (Single)
Rap-Unzel is the lone woman amongst these featured videos, but she holds her own with this impressive visual. The pixie-cut donning Rap-Unzel—unlike the storybook character Rapunzel—shines in this spooky, dimly-lit video. The Rap Game alumnus’ deep, raspy voice and sharp bars cut through i18n’s ominous, boomy production. The video is shot under pale moonlight, which creates a ghostly aura in the video frames and stark shadows along the rapper’s face as she floats over the beat. Follow Rap-Unzel on Instagram.
Video credits: Directed by Ayden Lawman (Lawless Creative LLC)
TROY – “Dying” (Single)
2023 was a breakout year for TROY—his astounding visuals played a large part in that. Over the last few years, he and local videographer Arcani have fostered a synergy that rivals Shaq and Kobe in the early aughts. TROY’s boozy, yet nimble lyrics and Arcani’s dynamic creative direction delivers time and time again. “DYING” is another testament of their seamless collaboration on display. Give TROY a follow on Instagram.
Video credits: Directed by Arcani
Peter $un – “Things Can’t Stay the Same” (Single)
Let’s give a hand clap to the videography team of this visual. It is a masterclass in color grading and light framing. ROYGBIV hues dreamily highlight the faces of Peter $un and the extras in the video as the moody bass line plays on. The video’s story arch is a familiar one—man does his lady wrong, she’s fed up with him and he’s sad about it. But the craftsmanship of this video isn’t familiar—it’s extraordinary. Follow Peter $un here.
Video credits: Directed by Cherry
Fly Anakin – “Affirmations (feat. Pink Siifu)” (Single)
In the first half of the year, Mutant Academy stalwarts Fly Anakin and foisey joined forces on the lushly-produced Skinemaxxx. The video weaves in realism and surrealism as caricatures of Fly Anakin and Pink Siifu traverse a madness of stop-motion graphics and animations. We salute Noah Porter and Slick Devious for the countless hours they likely put in creating this video because stop-motion is not for the faint of heart. Give Fly Anakin a follow here.
Video credits: Directed by Noah Porter and Slick Devious
BIG NO & NOAH-O – “Uncle Phil” (single)
Two worlds collided to create the instant hip-hop classic RICHMOND BRAVE. Big No, an aptly named MC standing over six feet tall with a gruff tonality to match and Noah-O, a smooth-talking, dexterous lyricist. The trunk-rattler “Uncle Phil” was one of the many standouts on the LP and it’s already earned a banner in the rafters of Richmond anthems. Give Big No and Noah-O a follow on Instagram.
Video credits: Directed by Dyfferant
Top photo courtesy of no.
