Hip Hop Awards ‘20: Dave Meyers, Teyana Taylor, And Director X All Nominated For Video Director Of The Year
In 1894, Edward B. Marks and Joe Stern, two-sheet music publishers, hired an electrician named George Thomas to prompt the sale of their song, “The Little Lost Child.” Thomas then used a rudimentary image projector to create a collection of still images on a screen to simulate a live performance. This is widely credited as the first step towards the creation of the music video as we know it.
Fast forward to 2020 … and one can argue that music videos are just as important, if not more, than the songs themselves.
Because the world responds to visual stimulation, a good accompanying video has the potential to generate excitement in the hearts and minds of viewers much longer than its parent song would by itself. And that’s why video directors are so important!
These directors have parlayed their talents into new opportunities once never imagined for Hip-Hoppers. Just from their work on rap music videos, they are now getting steady work in the form of movie deals, and even the credit for their part in propelling some musicians into superstardom with their spectacular treatments.
Ahead of the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards, we’re giving a spotlight to the directors who are nominated for “Video Director of the Year.” Whether you know it or not, you’ve undoubtedly seen their work floating down your timeline or whenever you log onto YouTube. Here’s your chance to learn more about the minds behind some of your favorite videos. Check out each of the 2020 “Video Director of the Year” nominees below:
Cactus Jack & White Trash Tyler
White Trash Tyler used to be a garbage picker-upper in Nova Scotia, Canada before becoming a music video director full-time. After taking the big move from his hometown to Los Angeles, he has worked with everyone from Kanye West and Kim Kardashian to Drake and 21 Savage. Now, he’s not only a close friend of Travis Scott’s but is the Astroworld artist’s go-to man, working with him on the Jackboys album’s rollout in 2019 and on a short film of the same name, based on the project. Together, the two have been proven to be unstoppable.
Cole Bennett
The founder of Lyrical Lemonade, Cole Bennett, is one of hip-hop’s most in-demand videographers. The way that he incorporates the cartoony, creative aesthetics of his brand into the vision of rappers who trust him to create magic, is nothing short of legendary. He’s worked with younger artists such as Jack Harlow, Lil Mosey, Lil Durk, and has even made magic with legends such as Kanye West and Eminem.
Colin Tilley
Colin Tilley is a legit filmmaker and legend in the making. His first-ever short film, Mr. Happy, was shot in 2014 and starred Chance The Rapper. Since then, he’s worked with countless artists such as Quavo, City Girls, Post Malone, Kash Doll, and so many more. He has established himself as a tour de force not only in music but through his company Boy In The Castle Productions has made an impact in multiple industries like film and commercial.
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Dave Meyers
At just 17 years old, Dave Meyers was working at Landmark Cinema and realized that he loved filmmaking and that he wanted to study it in college. After working at both Paramount and Fox after graduating from his alma mater, Loyola Marymount University, he jumped into making music videos. He has created imagery magic with Missy Elliott, Katy Perry, Ariana Grande, and more. He most recently directed Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later.”
Director X
With more than 100 music videos under his belt, Director X is, simply put, an all-around icon. The multiple-award winner started his career as a visual consultant on Hype Williams’s Belly and began working with the director on other videos. From there, he would become a legendary director working with some of the best in the business including Mystikal, Ice Cube, Usher, Aaliyah, G-Unit, Lloyd Banks, and more. In 2018, he directed his third full-length feature film, Superfly. This year, he worked with Future and Drake on “Life Is Good” and other high profile videos.
Teyana "Spike Tey" Taylor
Aside from being a powerfully-voiced singer, highly sought after choreographer, wife, and new mother, Teyana “Spike Tey” Taylor has copped another title to add to her ever-growing resume. With her production company, The Aunties Production, she’s directed her own music videos for her K.T.S.E. album. With 18 director credits under her name, and as the only woman on this list, she has blessed artists like Queen Naija, Kyle, Macy Gray, Lil Durk, Schoolboy Q and Monica with her unique style and direction, further showcasing a strong visual style that’s both nostalgic and strong with color. Her name is, of course, an homage to legendary director Spike Lee.
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Watch the he 2020 Hip Hop Awards on BET on October 27 at 9/10c.
