Lights. Camera. ACTION! Who remembers running home after school, turning on the TV, just to catch one of your favorite artists’ new music videos? Recording them on the VCR just to learn the choreography, copy those iconic outfits, or recreate scenes trying to impress someone you liked? (Don’t lie, you know you stood outside trying to sing in the rain lol). If there was any compliment to some of the greatest songs of the ’90s, it was the music video. It had it all! Dope choreography, fashion, special effects, cameos, important messages and of course your favorite songs. Music videos were in its prime in the ’90s, and I am going to break down some of my favorites from the greatest era of all time. These are in no particular order.
1. Remember the Time- Michael Jackson
BBBBDDDDDAT DAT DAT DAT! Where do to even begin? Michael Jackson’s dance breakdown choreographed by Fatima Robinson is still being recreated to this day! The video featured the amazing cast which consisted Eddie Murphy, Iman, and Magic Johnson just to name a few. I remember trying to figure out how Michael Jackson spun his way into the golden sand on the floor. And can we talk about the looks? Iman looked regal, glamorous, and elegant as the Queen. Eddie Murphy was equally regal and gave us bold, dominant, and dare I say sex appeal. This is hands down one of the greatest videos of all time. The King of Pop was definitely at his prime.
2. Missy Elliott- The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)
This is one of the most iconic videos of its time. Missy Elliott was definitely in her bag with this one. From the black puffer suit (which people are still using up all of their trash bags to recreate), to the fishbowl lens, and cameos from Puff Daddy, Yo-Yo, 702, Da Brat, Total, Lil Kim, hit us with an artistic goldmine. Add some smooth dance moves and the infamous ticking scene between her and Puff Daddy, and you have a video that has stood the test of time. Directed by Hype Williams, Missy gave us creativity that would span over decades, and eventually earn her the long overdue MTV Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. Whenever you watched a Missy Elliott video, you knew you were in for a mind-blowing treat.
3. Aaliyah- Are you that Somebody
Aaliyah’s svelte vocals and infamous tomboy style had everyone asking “Are you that Somebody?” Whether she was giving us her signature dance moves (also choreographed by Fatima Robinson) or being playful in her solo scenes, she had that “it factor” that just pulled you in. Every girl wanted to be her and every guy wanted to date her. My personal favorite part about this video is the ending dance scene where she switched it up from her tomboy look, and changed into a high double thigh slit skirt with heels. For many of us, it was the first time we’ve ever saw her in anything outside of baggy pants. This video introduced her change from “Babygirl “ into Aaliyah the woman.
