Although most music videos are viewed online these days, that hasn’t killed the creativity behind the camera. 2011 was full of visual marvels—from the silly (Chromeo and Solange’s “When the Night Falls”) to the scary (Kanye West’s “Monster”) to the star-studded (Beastie Boys’ “Make Some Noise”).
Dr. Dre came back to life in “I Need a Doctor,” Lil Wayne showed us a softer side with “How to Love,” Nicki Minaj and Drake made fairytales come true in “Moment 4 Life,” and Jay-Z and Kanye West chopped up a Maybach in “Otis.” And who can forget about Odd Future leader Tyler, the Creator’s chilling, self-directed video for “Yonkers,” which landed him an MTV Video Music Award.
Starting this week, we’re sharing our favorite music videos, songs, and albums of 2011. Find out which 10 videos of the past year won a special place in our hearts and share your faves.
10. Chromeo feat. Solange – “When the Night Falls”
9. Nicki Minaj feat. Drake – “Moment 4 Life”
8. Dr. Dre feat. Eminem & Skylar Grey – “I Need a Doctor”
7. Lil Wayne – “How to Love”
6. Beastie Boys – “Make Some Noise”
5. Tyler, the Creator – “Yonkers”
4. Beyoncé – “Run the World (Girls)”
3. Kanye West f/ Rick Ross, Jay-Z, & Nicki Minaj – “Monster”
2. Jay-Z & Kanye West – “Otis”
1. Rihanna feat. Calvin Harris – “We Found Love”