Welcome to TWIB’s Weekly Top 5 Videos. This is a segment where we will be looking at some exceptional visuals from various acts from around the globe. The music video format has been around for decades and through the 90s and 2000s, it has really taken flight from multi-million budget music videos, to mid to low-budget videos with exceptional features. In this section, we will not discriminate but rather highlight some of the creative visuals that pop up on our radar.

ConSensus – “The Machine”

Alternative hip-hop artist ConSensus opens up our list with “The Machine”, a cinematic track that sees him as a scientist caught in a mistaken aggressive Stop and Search incident. Backed by the moody backdrop, he delivers a fiery and energetic performance ripe with vivid lyricism. The visual makes use of performance shots of ConSensus in his element as an eccentric scientist trying to figure his way out of the craziness around him.

SMILEZ – “Mentally I’m Somewhere Else”

Emerging rapper/songwriter SMILEZ pours his heart on wax in his new single “Mentally I’m Somewhere Else”. The piano-driven track is as reflective as they come as the rapper details his battle with mental health and his steps to recovery. Armed with an impassioned melody-tinged flow and heartfelt lyrics, he gives listeners a glimpse into his life and the ups and downs he has to constantly face. The visuals also tap into this theme with its moody and contemplative motifs that blend sombre performance shots with homemade tapes of the young artist during his innocent childhood.

QU/NTEN – “Superstar Chain”

QU/NTEN‘s “Superstar Chain” is a reflective and candid look at life and success. Backed by a vocal sample-driven soundscape, he proceeds to share his thoughts with an off-beat and stylish flow. The visual has a mix of retro special effects and choppy transitions that uses a DIY element.

Lumikools, jonnychang & sweatyhands – “OBLONGATA”.

The trio of jonnychang, Lumikools and sweatyhands team up for “OBLONGATA”, a heartfelt and insightful tune that dwells on the true essence of family. The emcees make use of a soulful and nostalgic backdrop with no drums and give listeners a glimpse of his family and the unbreakable bond that exists between them.

Madison Beer – “Home To Another One”

Platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and producer Madison Beer drops her new single “Home To Another One” on our video playlist. The summer-drenched retro-pop tune showcases her sultry vocal runs and unapologetic songwriting. The track dwells on betrayal in a relationship and how she is coping with the situation. The visual directed by Madison & Aerin Moreno brings the lyrics to life as she discovers her otherworldly lover has been betraying her their entire relationship The song is lifted from Madison’s forthcoming highly anticipated sophomore album Silence Between Songs, arriving September 15, 2023 via EPIC Records.

Akira Gautama – “albatross”.

LA-based multi-talented composer/beatmaker/rapper Akira Gautama help close out the video list with his new effort titled “Albatross” . The self-produced track is as insightful as they come and sees Akira digging deep into stunted growth and a certain person who is hindering his progress. The self-shot visual style has a DIY vibe and uses some interesting visual effects.