Hip Hop videos are churned out at such a relentless pace that they’re oftentimes dismissed as nothing more than a marketing tool for the artist. That’s why it helps to have creatives like Kevin McDormand(“Enter The 36 Chambers”)around. In the author’s brilliant new tome, “For The Love: The Art of the Hip-Hop Video,” readers are treated to oral histories of ten impressive visuals(Decca – “Waiting,” Pharoahe Monch – “Broken Again,” Das Racist -“Girl,” Oddisee – “Brea,” Danny Brown – “Grown Up,” Aesop Rock – “Zero Dark Thirty,” Madvillain – “All Caps,” Your Old Droog – “We Don’t Know You,” Stitches – “Brick In Yo Face,” Phife Dawg – “Dear Dilla”). Instead of merely serving up a few behind the scenes tidbits, Kevin uncovers a wealth of details through pain-staking lengths of research. His meticulous reporting on the subject ensures that no stone is left unturned.
Dedicated crew members, low budgets, and a slew of “lucky” accidents are a recurring theme throughout each account. Facial hair kicking off a viral sensation, a hooded dog sweatshirt saving the day, and a dialysis machine being procured from a sketchy neighborhood represent a few of the bizarre elements that will keep you compelled to the page. Another great aspect of the book is how Kevin ties everything together with a number of humorous asides. When he makes a reference to some “unknown” young actor from “Growing Pains” named Leonardo DiCaprio or outs T-Pain’s “tubular” group of white friends as being Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in disguise you can’t help but laugh out loud! There’s an embarrassment of riches to be found within the author’s latest work but it would be remiss of me to give up all the goods. Delve into the rich history of Hip Hop’s most innovative clips & do it “For The Love!”
– K.Keith
