Hip Hop Awards 2022: See Some of the Hottest Cole Bennett-Directed Rap Videos From This Year
Director Cole Bennett has directed videos for some of the industry’s newest and veteran stars since 2013. The Illinois native’s collaborators have included acts such as Lil Yachty, J.I.D., YBN Cordae, Latto, and many more. Cole earned his first-ever BET Hip Hop Awards nominations in 2020 for “Director of the Year” and again in the same category the following year. This year, the videographer is up against several veteran filmmakers, including Benny Boom, Colin Tilley, Director X, and many more. Ahead of this year’s event, check some of the hottest Cole-directed clips from 2022.
Dot Da Genius — “Talk About Me” feat. Kid Cudi, Denzel Curry & J.I.D.
“Talk About Me,” featuring Kid Cudi, Denzel Curry, and J.I.D., is the lead single from Dot Da Genius’s upcoming solo debut album. The visual finds the group rapping about their haters and success in front of various sets, including mirrored walls and a floral decor room.
Lil Durk — “What Happened to Virgil” feat. Gunna
Rappers Lil Durk tapped Cole for his musical tribute to the late Virgil Abloh. The legendary fashion designer passed away last November following a private and lengthy battle with a rare form of cancer. The visual opened with a quote from Abloh that reads: “Life is so short that you can’t waste even a day subscribing to what someone thinks you can do versus knowing what you can do.”
Nardo Wick — “Burning Up” feat. The Kid Laroi
Rising emcee Nardo Wick and Cole are longtime buddies who’ve worked on a few projects together. So it was no surprise when the Florida-based rapper reached out to Cole to direct the visual for his 2021 single “Burning Up,” following fellow up-and-coming emcee Kid Laroi.
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Central Cee — “Doja”
Cole is known for working with many newer artists, although he’s previously worked with more seasoned artists. Among the more recent acts, he’s recently worked with UK drill-rapper Central Cee. Cole directed the music video for Cee’s smash single “Doja.” Shot in London, England, the visual sees the emcee rapping in front of his entourage of friends and other scenes on a roof and walking a dog as he raps the lyrics to his song.
Yeat - “Poppin”
The Cole-directed music video for rapper Yeat’s hit single “Poppin” has been viewed over 14 million times since its release last March. This is the second video—“Still Countin”—was also shot by the Hip Hop Awards nominee and released the same year.
Watch the Hip Hop Awards on Tuesday, October 4, at 9 PM ET/PT on BET
