There’s been a lot of great music that’s come out this past year (and lots more not-so-great stuff). Several of my favorite artists made comebacks this year, while others continued to do their thing. And of course, I debuted my first official video this year too. It’s been a good year for music videos, hasn’t it? It was hard for me to put together this list, especially when there were SO MANY videos released. I know I couldn’t include them all, but take a look at the list below and check out some of my favorites from 2011.

1) AJAXXX – BLOW

Yes, I gotta show love to myself. This is the official website for Ajaxxx, isn’t it? Haha. Below is the official video for my first single “Blow”, which was filmed here in Florida and premiered at the India International Film Festival (IIFF) in Tampa. Big ups to the director Omar for being able to translate my vision and execute it.

2) DR. DRE FEAT. EMINEM & SKYLAR GREY – I NEED A DOCTOR

It’s hard to believe that this song came out this year. As one of my favorite videos of 2011 (maybe THE favorite), Dre collaborates with Eminem as they tell the story of where Dre’s been all this time. I love the way they visit Dre’s past, along with how movie-esque the video looks.

3) SHADY 2.0 CYPHER

The Shady Cypher at this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards definitely stood out amongst all the other cyphers at the awards show. With amazing verses from Eminem, Yelawolf, and Slaughterhouse, the Shady 2.0 camp definitely turned heads with this. One of my favs from the year.

4) COMMON – BLUE SKY

Common had perhaps the best album of the year and this song is indicative of that. “Blue Sky” is an amazing song/video that has Common doing what he does best. Gotta love this one.

5) GAME FEAT. CHRIS BROWN – POT OF GOLD

The Game teams up with Chris Brown to deliver a super dope song from The R.E.D. Album. The album was stellar, and this was one of my favorite songs from it. Definitely a slept on song in my opinion, but one of the dopest that came out from 2011.

6) BAD MEETS EVIL – FAST LANE

Eminem and Royce da 5’9″ team up to bring us “Fast Lane”, a vintage Em/Royce track where they go back and forth with lyrics. It’s a fire song with a catchy hook, and the video is mad fun too. I debated between posting this video versus “Lighters” with Bruno Mars, but I wasn’t really impressed with the video for it; plus this song is just too bananas. We need more of this.

7) COMMON FEAT. NAS – GHETTO DREAMS

I was reluctant to post two songs from Common (especially from the same album), but this song and video are just too hot to overlook. Comm’ teams up with Nas on this one, and the result is fizzire.

8) NAS – NASTY

Nasty Nas makes a triumphant return in 2011 with the single “Nasty”, which has Nas doing what he does best. Rapping over an ill beat and straight blackin’ out, the Street’s Disciple gets busy and reminds us why he made us look. And by the way, did I mention I love the video too? Vintage Nas for real.

9) J. COLE – LOST ONES

J. Cole tells a story of a young man who impregnates his girl and how things go after they find out. It’s a beautiful song about a situation that happens everyday but seldom gets recognized about in hip hop songs. Much props to Cole for such a positive song.

10) JAY-Z & KANYE WEST – OTIS

To be honest with you, I wasn’t sure whether I wanted to post this because the video had nothing to do with the song (then again, what was the song about?). But I can’t front, the video is fresh and shows a “happier” side to Jay and Kanye. It’s creative, and I gotta recognize that.

Honorable mentions: Lupe Fiasco – The Show Goes On, Big Sean feat. Nicki Minaj – A$$, Kid Cudi – Mr. Rager, Chris Brown feat. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne – Look at Me Now, Kanye West feat. Rihanna, Kid Cudi – All of the Lights

Filed under: Opinions by Ajaxxx
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