One of the best things about the golden era of hip hop was the music video. There was something that was so aesthetically and psychologically pleasing about a video that went above and beyond and brought the lyrics to life. When you watch anything that was directed by Hype Williams during this period, there is understanding that Kahlil Joseph is the answer to the unoriginal lackluster millennial misogynistic rap video.

I stumbled across Kahlil Joseph when Shabazz Palaces, an alternative hip hop group, released a music video/short film entitled, Black Up, back in 2011. It felt less like I was watching a video and more like I was taking part in an experience. The colors, pace, and design of the video was something new to me and I hadn’t necessarily experienced anything like that before. It wasn’t until I watched, Until The Quiet Comes, that I understood this man’s pure genius. The way that Joseph brings Flying Lotus’s album of the same name to life is just beautiful. Until The Quiet Comes makes you think and makes you want to watch it over again.

I have an appreciation for Joseph because of his innovation and the way he’s reinventing the music video. I am proud to see him become known and see mainstream artists like Beyonce and Kendrick Lamar reach out to work with him. It’s a beautiful thing to see someone with genuine talent get recognition. Trust and believe, you should check him out.

(Scenes from, good kid, m.A.A.d city)

(A scene from Beyonce's Sorry music video directed by Joseph)