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Top 100 Music Videos That Helped Shape 50 Years of Hip Hop

20 videos that highlight Afrofuturism and feature the flyest dances to take over the culture.

When hip-hop and Afrofuturism converge, artists are able to weave narratives that transcend the limits of time and space. Afrofuturism, deeply rooted in  African diasporic culture, has become a transformative force in shaping the visual language of hip-hop music videos. From the cosmic landscapes of virtual realms to the dystopian futurism of a distant era, each video on this list encapsulates the boundless possibilities when Afrofuturism aesthetics intertwine with the storytelling prowess of hip-hop.

Hip-hop music video’s magnetic allure also extends onto the rhythm of the dance floor. Below, these dances are more than just steps. They’re a reflection of the era, a language of expression that resonates with fans worldwide.

Take a ride on these 20 visual odysseys where Afrofuturism and dance become a celebration of cultural heritage.

And if you want to dive into more hip-hop visual masterpieces that have stood the test of time, tune in to Notarized: Top 50 Greatest Hip Hop Videos of All Time, airing the week of Jan. 1 on BET, BET JAMS, and BET SOUL.

  • “Sock It To Me” by Missy Elliott

    YouTube

    Sock It To Me, Missy Elliott

    Missy Elliott's "Sock It To Me" blends sci-fi elements with vibrant visuals, featuring a futuristic Missy commanding a spaceship and showcasing her boundary-pushing creativity.

  • “Teleport 2 Me, Jamie” by WZRD (Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius)

    In "Teleport 2 Me, Jamie," Kid Cudi and Dot Da Genius create a surreal and dreamlike world where love transcends time and space, capturing the essence of Afrofuturism's limitless possibilities.

  • “Never Catch Me” by Flying Lotus feat. Kendrick Lamar

    YouTube

    Never Catch Me, Flying Lotus

    Flying Lotus and Kendrick Lamar's collaboration in "Never Catch Me" seamlessly blends cosmic aesthetics with poignant social commentary. It envisions the transcendence of death, depicting joyous scenes of children escaping the confines of mortality.

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  • “No Scrubs” by TLC

    No Scrubs - If we didn't know what a scrub was before, we definitely got the hint with one of TLC's biggest hits, "No Scrubs." For real though, scrubs are not the move ladies.(Photo: Courtesy LaFace Records)
    No Scrubs - If we didn't know what a scrub was before, we definitely got the hint with one of TLC's biggest hits, "No Scrubs." For real though, scrubs are not the move ladies.(Photo: Courtesy LaFace Records)

    TLC’s "No Scrubs" offers a futuristic take on dating, with its sleek visuals and sci-fi elements reflecting a forward-thinking approach to relationships.

  • “All The Stars” by Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA

    YouTube

    All the Stars, Kendrick Lamar feat. SZA

    Kendrick Lamar's "All the Stars” video for the film Black Panther is a visual marvel, blending African heritage with cutting-edge technology and showcasing the synergy between hip-hop and Afrofuturism.

  • “Chum” by Earl Sweatshirt

    YouTube

    Chum, Earl Sweatshirt

    Earl Sweatshirt's "Chum" explores themes of self-discovery and alienation against a surreal backdrop, delving into Afrofuturism's introspective side.

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  • “Feel Good Inc” by Gorillaz feat. De La Soul

    YouTube

    Feel Good Inc, Gorillaz feat. De La Soul

    Gorillaz's "Feel Good Inc" with De La Soul immerses viewers in a virtual world, fusing animated characters with dystopian landscapes, amplifying the band's signature blend of music, multimedia, and hip-hop.

  • “Glowed Up” by Kaytranada

    YouTube

    Glowed Up, Kaytranada feat. Anderson .Paak

    Kaytranada’s "Glowed Up" infuses Afrofuturistic elements into everyday life, transforming mundane settings into a cosmic dance party with kaleidoscopic visuals.

  • “Rockit” by Herbie Hancock

    YouTube

    Rockit, Herbie Hancock

    Although predating hip-hop's commercial peak, Herbie Hancock's groundbreaking "Rockit" video set the stage for Afrofuturist aesthetics in music videos with its robotic figures and surreal imagery.

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  • “Planet Rock” by Afrika Bambaataa & the Soulsonic Force

    YouTube

    Planet Rock, Afrika Bambaataa

    Afrika Bambaataa's "Planet Rock" is a pioneering Afrofuturistic classic featuring futuristic landscapes and visuals that have inspired generations of artists.

  • “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” by Busta Rhymes

    YouTube

    Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See, Busta Rhymes

    Choreographed by Fatima Robinson, Busta Rhymes' video introduced energetic African and Caribbean dances to the hip-hop video landscape. The infectious nature of the moves and burst of energy of the music were inspired by the infamous wedding scene in Coming to America which was choreographed by icon Paula Abdul

  • “Unforgettable” by French Montana feat. Swae Lee

    FRENCH MONTANA FEATURING SWAE LEE - UNFORGETTABLE - (Photo: Epic Records)

    Photo: Epic Records

    FRENCH MONTANA FEATURING SWAE LEE - UNFORGETTABLE - (Photo: Epic Records)

    The "Unforgettable" challenge went viral, with fans worldwide imitating the dance from French Montana and Swae Lee’s video. The dance's universal appeal brought diverse communities together, showcasing the power of hip hop to create global trends.

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  • “Let’s Get It” by G. Dep

    YouTube

    Let’s Get It, G. Dep

    Some may argue that G. Dep's "Let's Get It" introduced the world to the Harlem Shake, a dance that evolved from underground parties to mainstream recognition. Its infectious and carefree vibe became a symbol of celebration and self-expression.

  • “U Can’t Touch This” by MC Hammer

    YouTube

    Can’t Touch This, MC Hammer

    MC Hammer's "U Can't Touch This" brought the Hammer Dance to the forefront, turning it into a cultural phenomenon. The dance's popularity extended beyond the video, becoming a signature move associated with the artist—and anyone and everyone who wanted to bust a move back then.

  • “Gittin Funky” by Kid ‘N Play

    YouTube

    Gittin’ Funky, Kid ‘N Play

    Kid 'N Play's "Gittin Funky" introduced the duo’s Kick Step, a dance that was first popularized in the duo’s cult classic film, House Party. The two’s playful, synchronized footwork added a whimsical element to their shows and music videos.

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  • “Da Butt” by EU (Experience Unlimited)

    YouTube

    Da Butt, EU

    Everyone has done Da Butt, whether they know it or not. The uninhibited movement, founded by Washington, D.C.'s go-go band EU (Experience Unlimited), emphasizes the capacity to sway one's derriere in a circular motion. It quickly became a staple at go-go’s and kickbacks after it was made popular in Spike Lee’s School Daze. The dance's carefree spirit resonated with the era's embrace of individuality and regional differences.

  • “Humpty Dance” by Digital Underground

    Humpty Dance - Humpty Hump, the alternate ego of Bay Area rap group Digital Underground's frontman Shock G, had everyone leaning to the side like their legs were broken, shakin' and twitchin' with the advent of the Humpty Dance. If you look real close in the 1990 video for the song, you can even see a young Tupac going all in on the dance.(Photo: Tommy Boy Records)
    Humpty Dance - Humpty Hump, the alternate ego of Bay Area rap group Digital Underground's frontman Shock G, had everyone leaning to the side like their legs were broken, shakin' and twitchin' with the advent of the Humpty Dance. If you look real close in the 1990 video for the song, you can even see a young Tupac going all in on the dance.(Photo: Tommy Boy Records)

    Digital Underground's "Humpty Dance" video gave birth to the dance of the same name, a quirky and animated movement that became an iconic representation of the early '90s hip-hop scene. Humpty Hump's eccentric persona and dance moves left a lasting imprint on the culture.

  • “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It” by Dem Franchize Boyz

    YouTube

    Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It, Dem Franchise Boyz

    Dem Franchize Boyz brought the Snap Dance to the forefront with "Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It." First bubbling in one of hip-hop’s mecca, Atlanta, Georgia, the snap movement became a viral sensation, with fans across the globe incorporating the distinctive hand gestures into their dance routines.

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  • “Teach Me How To Dougie” by Cali Swag District

    7. Cali Swag District "Teach Me How to Dougie" - (Photo: Courtesy 319 Music Group)

    Photo: Courtesy 319 Music Group

    7. Cali Swag District "Teach Me How to Dougie" - (Photo: Courtesy 319 Music Group)

    Cali Swag District's "Teach Me How To Dougie" turned the Dougie into a nationwide dance craze. The laid-back yet intricate moves of the Dougie became a symbol of cool, with fans and fellow artists showcasing their own interpretations.

  • “Crank That” by Soulja Boy

    2. He's the Creator of Crank Dat\r - Without Soulja Boy, there would be no "Crank That." The song and dance craze that started on the Web back in 2007 is now a staple in hip hop.\r \r(Photo: ColliPark Music/HHH/Interscope Records)
    2. He's the Creator of Crank Dat\r - Without Soulja Boy, there would be no "Crank That." The song and dance craze that started on the Web back in 2007 is now a staple in hip hop.\r \r(Photo: ColliPark Music/HHH/Interscope Records)

    Soulja Boy's "Crank That" not only popularized the Superman dance but also fueled the rise of viral challenges. The dance's simple yet catchy steps became a social media sensation, with fans worldwide uploading their own interpretations.

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