How Film Directors Have Shaped Rap: Spike Jonze, Hype Williams, & Harmony Korine
Oct 28, 2024
By: Jack Tellier
Spike Jonze: Before Jonze was making any feature films, he was directing iconic skate and music videos. You may recognize his movie Her (2013), where Joaquin Phoenix falls in love with an Al voice and they get freaky. In 1994, he directed the music videos for Beastie Boys' "Sabotage' (which I consider to be one of the best music videos of all time) as well as 'Sure Shot.' Spike also directed the music video for The Pharcyde's 'Drop' and most recently The 'Otis' video for Jay-Z and Kanye West. Spike Jonze has an insane list of credits that range from producing Jackass (2000) to directing an Apple commercial starring FKA Twigs. In my opinion, the sheer variety of projects he has worked on makes him a fascinating director.
Hype Williams: This one goes a little bit deeper than music videos. I honestly do not have the space to list every iconic music video this mf has made and it makes me sick to my stomach. Just to paint a picture of how long he has been in the business, he has directed videos for Wu-Tang Clan, Biggie, Kanye, Pharrell, Wayne, Future, Nicki Minaj, Lil Uzi and DJ Khaled. However he is probably most well known for his debut (and only) feature film Belly (1998) which stars DMX and Nas. It is a crime drama that was stylistically ahead of its time and has been a favorite of hip-hop fans' for decades. Definitely look into Hype Williams because he's a legend.
Harmony Korine: Harmony Korine has created movies that have, in recent years, definitely reached cult-classic status in the rap scene. His debut film Gummo (1997) has been sampled by Mac Miller (and many others), the movie was referenced in the aforementioned Belly, and a frame from the film was even Carti's profile picture for a while. Korine's 2013 film 'Spring Breakers' featured Gucci Mane as a main antagonist and 'Aggro Drift' (2023) stars Travis Scott. As of this year, he directed the music video for Bladee and Yung Lean's ONE SECOND; if you look closely you can even see Black Kray and IkabodVEINS in the video. Korine has an undeniable influence in rap culture, mainstream and underground.