Ah, rappers and music videos. Some are vehicles for self-promotion, others are tools used to promote a message, a gaggle of asses or some good ol' wholesome debauchery. In the case of the Houston rap class, music videos are always eye opening glimpses into the future, either telling what a talent could possibly become or how such a talent can make a low budget idea turn into a big budget reward. Here are three recent entries from Houston rappers each with their own story.
Artist: UZOY Song: "Fast Forward" Director: Joseph Graham
The Video: Zombies, zombies & more zombies. For her third official video from The [Def]inition, UZOY makes certain everything arrives in splashes of gunshots, dead people and more. From the cute warning label to kissing mom and promoting her own tunes before going on a "save the world" rampage, the rapper makes certain that she's still the center of attention when busting her AK. A creative concept for the avid gamer who thanks to a mosquito virus (think West Nile meets the T-Virus from Resident Evil), can use a shotgun on the police. How's that for civil disobedience?*
Artist: Rob Gullatte Song: "The Way Things Are" Director: Chief Doodle
The Video: Chaos, mentions of Houston at a break neck clip and general aggression from one of the more underrated rappers in the city. While the man previously known as Kritikal is all smiles in a slight goofball nature, once the Johnny Julliano beat drops he looks like a skinny Tazmanian Devil, armed with bars and angst. It's like watching a man stuck in captivity for a decade plus be released back into society. Or watching Caesar from that awesome Planet Of The Apes flick from last year understand his surroundings and proceed to revolt. Gullatte's on the verge of releasing an EP entitled Abortion, obviously not making Mitt Romney a fan of his music but I doubt he cares.
Artist: Slim Thug Song: "Houston" Director: Michael Artis Featuring: Paul Wall & Z-Ro Cameos: J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing, Duane Brown, Arian Foster, Delo, Propain, L.E.$., The Chile
The Video: While the Cincinnati Bengals were not invited on the set of "Houston," the city was. Hell, Reilant Stadium makes a prominent role in the Michael Artis directed shot where Slim Thug, Paul Wall & Z-Ro put up the horns an estimated 73 times between the three of them. Sparklers, cheerleaders, tailgating fans, the works were pulled out to show pride over the Texans finally making the playoffs. Sadly, there's no shot of Bryan Braman running down somebody without his helmet, or Arian Foster mushing like seven defenders like he was Bo Jackson in Tecmo Bowl otherwise it would have been the greatest Houston rap video ever.**
* Bonus points for using the local kids from North Shore High School ** About sports, nothing's ever topping "Mind Playing Tricks On Me" by the Geto Boys