July 13, 2017

In a time where image and branding is everything, these five videographers masterfully help underground artists bring their best records to life.

H
Contributor

In a time where image and branding is so monumentally important, videos have become even more of a big deal for artists. Almost every song that goes viral and blows up, catapulting that artist to mainstream status explodes because of or with a visual, with the exception of “Panda” and “Look At Me!” in recent memory.

Aminé’s “Caroline,” Young M.A and “Ooouuu,” Yung Pinch’s “Rock With Us” all took off to national popularity with knockout visuals. It’s clear that videographers play as important as a role as ever, and today we shine a light on five guys who are steadily breaking artists one by one.

Valley Visions, DMV

Our favorite: Q Da Fool “Right There”

Valley Visions has been shooting a number of buzzing DMV artists for awhile now, including LVTR favorites Q Da Fool, Shabazz, TrapSquadLal and more. His knack for bringing these gritty street bangers to life is as apparent as ever on Q Da Fool’s biggest record to date “Right There,” which just passed the million mark. He’s consistently putting out dope videos, though his best work has definitely been with Q and Shabazz. With millions of views under his belt and an impressive work ethic, it’s clear Valley Visions is just getting started.

 

David G., Louisiana

Our favorite: JayDaYoungan “Ride Bout It”

David G. was all over the internet in the last year as NBA Youngboy experience a blow-up of epic proportions, racking up tens of millions of views across a number of videos they shot. David did a tremendous job of capturing the raw energy and emotion of Youngboy, and together they’ve been able to put out some very impressive videos, though DG has been putting up W’s with more than just YB—the star of Bogalusa, Louisiana JayDaYoungan is the newest artist blowing up through David’s lens, as they’ve partnered for a strong string of visuals that has Jay firmly positioned as one of southern rap’s next big things.

 

Cole Bennett, Chicago

Our favorite: Warhol.ss “Speedracer”

Cole Bennett has become the golden boy of Chicago’s hip hop, delivering a number of classic videos with the likes of Famous Dex, Warhol.ss, smokepurpp, Xavier Wulf, Lil Pump and more. His signature tripped-out, mind-bending style has become a sought-after commodity, landing him shoots with Migos, Riff Raff and hella other big artists. His best work is definitely with underground artists though, as he’s shot almost all over Dex’s biggest videos as well as Lil Pump’s biggest visuals for his biggest songs. With co-signs from Birkenstock and Rolling Stone, Cole is poised to keep winning for awhile, and we look forward to seeing what else his creativity has in store.

 

4sho Mag, Detroit

Our favorite: Tee Grizzley “First Day Out”

4sho Mag has one helluva video team, as they seem to shoot for EVERY notable artist coming out of the Detroit area. Their biggest visual to date is without a doubt Tee Grizzley‘s infectious street banger “First Day Out,” which has amassed over 60 million views in less than a year since it’s release. While Tee may be the biggest artist they’ve broken through their videos, there is a slew of other Detroit acts that have some killer visuals courtesy of 4sho—Molly Brazy, 9000 Rondae, BandGang, etc. have all racked up serious numbers on videos with the help of 4sho. They are the pulse of Detroit hip-hop, and are doing a tremendous job documenting the region’s rise to power in hip-hop.

 

LONEWOLF, Indiana

Our favorite: Yung Bans “Right Through You”

LONEWOLF is probably my favorite videographer on this list. He has such a unique style and while he’s a newer name than some others on this list, it’s his refreshing take on hip-hop videos that has us enthralled with each video he does. From RARRI and Warhol.ss‘ “V12” video to Yung Bans‘ recently-released “Right Through You” video, LONEWOLF has an impressive resumé of visuals and we’re sure it’s only going to get bigger and better.


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