Hip-Hop & Soul N°405 – 2010s Music Videos

1 . Fuse ODG – Boa Me (w/ Ed Sheeran & Mugeez)

Fuse ODG’s “Boa Me,” featuring Ed Sheeran and Mugeez, spins a vibrant collaboration that merges cultural identities while keeping one foot firmly planted in its Afrobeat and highlife roots.

The lyrics, sung partially in Twi—a Ghanaian language—highlight the track’s emphasis on community and connection, giving it a sense of place that stands apart in the global pop landscape.

The inclusion of Ed Sheeran, whose voice nestles comfortably into the song’s rhythmic foundation, feels less like a gimmick and more like an earnest extension of its message of unity.

Mugeez offers his vocals in a manner that complements rather than competes, making the trio’s chemistry seamless throughout the single.

The production leans on breezy instrumentation filled with soft percussion and melodic riffs, creating an easygoing atmosphere that avoids feeling overproduced or sterile.

While the song didn’t land on an album, its standalone nature allows it to exist purely as a bridge between continents—proof of music’s ability to ignore borders.

The accompanying music video, filmed in Accra, Ghana, captures an unfiltered snapshot of local life, from bustling markets to joyous communal scenes, further rooting the song in its cultural home.

Ed Sheeran’s decision to record his part in Ghana after being invited by Fuse ODG adds an interesting anecdote, turning a studio collaboration into a deeper cultural exchange.

The track, which peaked at number 52 on the UK Singles Chart, finds success not in grandiose gestures but in its warmth, simplicity, and sincerity.

“Boa Me” may not reinvent the wheel, but its message of gratitude and togetherness is delivered with a charm that’s hard to resist.

Featured on the 2019 album “Africa Nation”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

2 . Mostack – Teach You Gangsta

“Teach You Gangsta” by MoStack stands as a testament to his knack for weaving street narratives with a sharp edge and an ear for melody.

Released in 2018, the track carved its place ahead of his debut album, “Stacko,” which would later claim the number three spot on the UK Albums Chart in 2019.

The song itself didn’t aim for chart-topping dominance, peaking at number 83 on the UK Singles Chart, but it resonated deeply within UK rap circles, capturing the grit and hustle of urban life with precision.

Thematically, it leans heavily into street culture and survival, brimming with defiance and ambition while retaining a sense of resilience and toughness that underscores its appeal.

Production duties by iLL BLU bring a polished yet atmospheric backbone to the track, melding sharp percussion with haunting undertones—a sonic tapestry only MoStack can so deftly navigate.

The accompanying music video opts for urban visuals that don’t romanticize the streets but ground the narrative in an unflinching portrayal of reality, echoing the track’s themes.

Its genre-rooted UK rap structure is unpretentious but finely tuned to convey raw emotion, making it a cut that sticks without overstaying its welcome.

MoStack has proven time and time again that his pen thrives on threading humanity into his hard-nosed tales, and though “Teach You Gangsta” might not reach the commercial peaks of his collaborations with Dave or Steel Banglez, it’s a focused exploration of his roots.

The track feels like a thoughtful extension of his earlier work on mixtapes such as “High Street Kid,” channeling personal grit into an introspection of survival and street smarts without veering into over-sentimentality.

In an era flooded with gimmicks and swagger, MoStack’s take here on what it means to endure and thrive is sharp, understated, and refreshingly deliberate.

Featured on the 2018 album “Teach You Gangsta”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

3 . J Hus – Did You See

J Hus’s “Did You See,” released in 2017, slipped effortlessly into the cultural zeitgeist with its infectious Afro-swing groove, a genre-blurring blend of Afrobeat and dancehall that had been simmering on the UK music scene.

Produced by longtime collaborator Jae5, the track opens with a carefree bounce, pairing minimalist production with J Hus’s understated charisma, creating a vibe more laid-back flex than outright brag.

Lyrically, it captures a confident narrative of success and lush living, subtly delivered through his signature half-spoken, half-sung cadence.

The music video, awash with bright tones, features Hus casually presented in an urban dreamscape dotted with luxury cars—unabashedly aspirational visuals that underscore the track’s themes.

“Did You See” wasn’t merely a chart-climber, peaking at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart; it was a cultural marker, signaling the rise of Afro-swing as a dominant force in British music.

Perhaps its most impressive feat was its ability to sound massive while feeling intimate—a balancing act that resonated from festival stages to streaming playlists worldwide.

The song doesn’t labor to impress but does so effortlessly, a perfect snapshot of J Hus positioning himself as a forerunner in a burgeoning soundscape, well before it became a mainstay of UK music culture.

Featured on the 2017 album “Common Sense”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

4 . Flipp Dinero – Leave Me Alone

Released in 2018, Flipp Dinero’s “Leave Me Alone” quickly became a cultural talking point, propelled by an Instagram story from NBA’s Jordan Clarkson that turned it into an overnight sensation.

With its blend of melodic trap and hypnotic beats crafted by Young Forever and Cast Beats, the song walked the fine line between a club anthem and a personal statement, appealing to a wide demographic.

The track’s lyrics channel frustration and independence, making breakups sound strangely liberating while managing to avoid veering into melodrama.

The music video, dripping with urban flair and indulgent visuals of shiny cars, mirrors the track’s no-nonsense energy and amplified Dinero’s street-smart aesthetics.

Charting at #20 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and earning triple Platinum status from the RIAA, the song became a quintessential backdrop for late-2010s playlists curated by streaming giants like Spotify and Apple.

This breakout moment not only reshaped Dinero’s career but also earned him industry attention, locking in a deal with DJ Khaled’s We the Best Music label.

Cleverly riding the viral wave while sidestepping clichés, “Leave Me Alone” became a defining track of its year, a bold middle finger to toxicity that resonated across audiences.

Featured on the 2019 album “Love for Guala”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

5 . Russ Millions – Gun Lean

Russ Millions’ “Gun Lean” barrels into the conversation with an infectious drill beat and a swagger-loaded dance move that became a viral sensation, transcending music charts to invade social media and sports arenas alike.

Released in late 2018, the track’s rhythmic punch and straightforward lyricism embody the essence of UK drill—a genre focused as much on cadence as on sheer attitude.

More than just an aural experience, “Gun Lean” thrives on its dance-fueled visuals in the Kaylum Dennis-directed music video, where Russ’s unique choreography feels less polished and more authentically communal.

By hitting number 9 on the UK Singles Chart, the song carved a lane for drill music in mainstream spaces previously uninterested in its gritty undertones, even if those detractors missed the humor in Russ’s delivery.

The minimalist production by Gotcha relies on taut drums and sinewy basslines, leaving ample room for Russ’s rhythmic braggadocio to sit front and center without veering into melodrama.

Though devoid of poetic metaphors or layered storytelling, the track revels in its simplicity, celebrating movement and streetwise energy over introspection.

It’s impossible to ignore the cultural lift the song brought UK drill, its biggest export arguably not the tune itself but the unabashed fun people found mimicking its choreography at festivals or on TikTok challenges.

Tracks like these might lack polish or depth for some, yet they remind us that music, occasionally, thrives best in its most addictive and raw forms.

Featured on the 2018 album “Gun Lean”.

Lyrics >> More by the same : Official Site

6 . Flo Rida – Good Feeling

“Good Feeling” by Flo Rida appears like a sonic distillation of euphoria, stitched together with a potent blend of hip-hop swagger and electro-pop theatrics.

Building on Avicii’s “Levels,” which itself drew from Etta James’s commanding rendition of “Something’s Got a Hold on Me,” the track cleverly bridges musical generations without losing its modern club punch.

Producer Dr. Luke and his team craft a beat that pulsates with relentless joy, layering vibrant synths and thumping drums to create a high-energy anthem seemingly engineered for dance floors worldwide.

The song’s infectious optimism clings to every note, channeling the kind of grit-meets-glory narrative that resonates universally—perfect for commercial soundtracks, sports events, and, apparently, the synched choreography of “Just Dance 4.”

The lyrics, while simple, exude an unshakable confidence, making it less about storytelling and more about manifesting a mood: unrelenting triumph.

What sets this apart isn’t lyrical depth or innovation but its ability to tap into an almost primal need to celebrate, an ethos Flo Rida embodies with his high-octane delivery.

Yet, for all its polish, there’s a sense of calculation—every hook, drop, and vocal inflection feels destined for mass appeal, which leaves little room for spontaneity or risk.

The accompanying video mirrors the song’s adrenaline-charged ethos, presenting Flo Rida engaged in scenes of urban bravado and daredevil stunts, further cementing the track’s persona of endless exuberance.

“Good Feeling” is less an invitation to think and more a directive to feel, a brightly-packaged reminder that sometimes, music is about letting go and embracing the sheer pulse of the moment.

Featured on the 2012 album “Wild Ones”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

7 . Jay1 – Million Bucks

“Million Bucks” by Jay1 captures the glimmer of ambition with a swagger that’s as understated as it is self-assured.

Released as a standalone track on November 18, 2021, the song doesn’t offer the weight of an album context, yet it thrives in its own lane, embracing themes of success and luxury without overindulgence.

Produced by Nastylgia, the beat is crisp and polished, complementing Jay1’s signature delivery—laid-back yet calculated, each line slotting neatly into his narrative of confidence and self-made status.

The accompanying music video doesn’t shy away from visual cues of opulence: crisp suits, sharp locations, and champagne aesthetics provide the backdrop, reinforcing the track’s aspirational undertone.

That said, “Million Bucks” shows no interest in pushing boundaries; instead, it takes pride in its straightforward message of having “made it.”

It sidesteps collaborations, focusing purely on Jay1’s solo magnetism, though this narrow approach limits its replay depth.

While not a chart-climber or groundbreaking entry into the UK rap archives, its sleek production and undeniable confidence carved out a respectable niche within the genre.

Unpretentious yet undeniably calculated, it lives comfortably in Jay1’s discography, a minor ode to ambition that neither startles nor disappoints.

Featured on the 2019 album “Million Bucks”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

8 . The Plug – Tell The Truth (w/ D-Block Europe & Rich The Kid )

“The Plug – Tell The Truth” brings together the polished bravado of D-Block Europe and Rich The Kid, stitching UK rap and American trap into a slick, streetwise anthem.

The track wastes no time flaunting opulence, set against a backdrop of atmospheric beats that nod firmly to contemporary trap and drill trends.

D-Block Europe’s melodic flow finds its footing in the tension between vulnerability and grit, while Rich The Kid’s energetic delivery offers a contrast that adds dimension.

The music video, a kaleidoscope of dimly lit cityscapes and luxury excess, punctuates the track’s themes of loyalty, resilience, and street credibility without veering into overindulgence.

The Plug Records’ knack for connecting transatlantic talents finds one of its more seamless manifestations here, sidestepping any forced fusion in favor of organic synergy.

While it doesn’t attempt to rewrite genre conventions, it sits firmly in its zone, delivering a track that understands exactly what its audience is looking for.

It’s all about balancing dualities—truth versus appearance, UK versus US, melody versus aggression—and for the most part, the song pulls it off.

Featured on the 2019 album “Plug Talk”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

9 . Yxng Bane – Problem (w/ Fredo)

Yxng Bane and Fredo’s “Problem” exists in a unique space within the UK’s music scene, blending elements of UK drill, trap, and Afro-swing into a track that is both confident and tense.

Released in 2019 as part of Yxng Bane’s “HBK” mixtape, the song arrives during a pivotal period for both artists—Fredo fresh off the success of “Funky Friday,” and Yxng Bane riding the Afro-swing wave that helped define his early career.

Quincy Tellem crafts the instrumental with a polished yet gritty production, playing off heavy 808s and ominous melodies that complement the bravado-laden lyrics.

Thematically, “Problem” leans into street culture with a mix of cocky declarations and underlying danger, a reflection of the allure and struggle often depicted in UK rap.

The LX-directed video mirrors this duality, juxtaposing urban street visuals with scenes of wealth, adding a glossy veneer to its grim undercurrents.

While not charting as highly as Fredo’s preceding efforts, the song supports the overall narrative of the “HBK” mixtape, showcasing Bane’s versatility through collaborations with diverse artists.

Fredo’s deeper delivery contrasts with Bane’s slicker phrasing, highlighting stylistic differences that bring energy to the collaboration but avoid overpowering the track’s tightly-wound tension.

“Problem” may not have gained monumental accolades, but its value lies in the way it reflects London’s evolving drill and trap scene, capturing both the conflict and appeal of that world.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Instagram

10 . A$ap Ferg – Plain Jane

Released in 2017, A$AP Ferg’s “Plain Jane” veers into audacious territory, unapologetically aligning itself with the grittier edges of hip-hop’s lineage.

The track’s DNA is infused with a nod to Three 6 Mafia’s underground classic “Slob on My Knob,” resurrecting its Southern rap bravado and recalibrating it for modern audiences.

Kirk Knight’s production strips the beat down to its essentials; a stark piano loop threads through heavy bass, creating a menacing backdrop for Ferg’s relentless delivery.

The lyrics see Ferg flexing his ambition and defiance, weaving tales of street-hardened resolve and the spoils of his grind.

The accompanying visuals reflect this urban grit, with scenes of Ferg and his crew traversing Harlem on bikes, radiating both nostalgia and raw energy.

A remix featuring Nicki Minaj injected an additional jolt of star power, making the track even more ubiquitous without compromising its edge.

Commercially, the song climbed into the US Top 30 and achieved multi-Platinum certification—proof of its far-reaching impact.

Yet, the real legacy of “Plain Jane” lies in its cultural footprint; its minimalist swagger resonated deeply, sparking viral challenges and embedding itself as a pivotal anthem in late-2010s hip-hop.

Featured on the 2017 album “Still Striving”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

11 . G-Eazy – No Limit Remix (w/ A$ap Rocky, French Montana, Juicy J & Belly )

“No Limit Remix,” helmed by G-Eazy, assembles a heavyweight crew of hip-hop mainstays: A$AP Rocky, French Montana, Juicy J, and Belly.

The track extends the bravado of its predecessor, seizing the opulence and grit that made the original a chart fixture, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.

A$AP Rocky returns to anchor the remix with his laid-back charisma, while French Montana brings his signature swagger to the table.

Juicy J, never one to shy away from decadence, raps with seasoned ease about a world of indulgences, adding southern spice.

Belly meticulously weaves witty allusions into his bar-heavy segment, ensuring his feature leaves a mark.

The production by Allen Ritter and Boi-1da keeps the energy propulsive, layering tight beats with airy synths, evoking both celebration and hustle.

The accompanying video leans into themes of luxury and excess, flaunting billows of cash, designer suits, and glamorous party scenes.

Lyrically, the song exudes unrelenting confidence, circling wealth, influence, and unashamed self-adulation.

“No Limit Remix” embodies the genre’s love affair with triumph, excess, and unapologetic grit, spotlighting artistry that thrives on bravado and collaboration.

Featured on the 2017 album “The Beautiful & Damned “.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site

12 . J. Cole – Immortal

J. Cole’s “Immortal” stands as a stark narrative within the broader framework of *4 Your Eyez Only*, offering an unflinching look at the cycles of systemic oppression that plague marginalized communities.

The song pulls no punches—its verses are woven with gritty realism, reflecting a world in which survival too often becomes the only legacy worth aspiring to.

Rather than dressing up themes of mortality and resilience with bombast, Cole opts for his hallmark approach: sparse production built around brooding keys and a bassline that broods more than it slaps.

“Immortal” doesn’t shy away from moral ambiguity, nor does it offer easy answers—it’s a canvas painted in shades of gray, unwavering and blunt in its emotional heft, while the hook, “real n***as don’t die,” becomes a mantra of defiance rather than a statement of fact.

If you’ve been following Cole’s trajectory, this isn’t surprising—he’s an artist who meticulously preserves his solo ethos, producing and writing in solitude like a craftsman holed up in a workshop, quietly chipping at his narrative stone.

But what sets this track apart, even in Cole’s consistently reflective catalog, is its stark reflection of disenfranchisement as both a personal and collective scar—a constant presence that follows its narrator, from prison halls to untimely graves.

In live renditions, like those from his 2017 world tour, “Immortal” electrifies, its raw energy amplified in the presence of thousands, each bar resonating like a shot fired from the frontlines of social commentary.

The weight of the song lies not in its sonic bravado but in the vacuum it leaves—a silence that demands introspection and asks: what does survival truly mean in a world structured for your erasure?

Featured on the 2016 album “4 Your Eyez Only”.

Lyrics >> Review >> More by the same : Official Site