From Cartoon Chaos to Cinematic Grandeur: Ranking Busta Rhymes & Hype Williams’ 7 Music Videos

Few partnerships have signaled the artistic height of hip-hop music videos like that of Busta Rhymes and Hype Williams. What began with a brief appearance in Craig Mack’s “Flava in Ya Ear (Remix)” video evolved into an iconic visual era, one that helped define MTV’s aesthetic in the late ’90s. As Busta prepares to receive the inaugural MTV VMA Rock the Bells Visionary Award, it’s worth revisiting each video that sculpted his visual identity — and by extension, the visual language of hip-hop.

7. "Hustler’s Anthem ’09" (2009)

This later-career collaboration with T-Pain brought Busta’s signature visual energy into the new decade with another fisheye-driven performance piece.

6. "As I Come Back / Break Ya Neck" (1998)

This split-format video (for two tracks) continued the duo’s high-energy, stylistic experimentation. Fun fact: the “As I Come Back” portion paid homage to the “Everything Remains Raw” portion of another entry on this list. 

5. "Tear da Roof Off / Party Is Goin’ On Over Here" (1998–1999)

Continuing their two-part tradition, both were directed by Hype Williams and packaged together as a bold visual statement from Busta’s Extinction Level Event era. 

4. "Everything Remains Raw / Woo-Hah!! Got You All in Check" (1996)

Introduced Hype’s fisheye lens and cartoonish energy, paired with Busta’s high-octane rap flow. A debut solo visual that earned him a 1996 MTV VMA nomination for Breakthrough Video. The track itself climbed to #8 on the Billboard Hot 100.

3. "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See" (1997)

A visual ode to Coming to America, featuring elephants, glowing pillars, and vivid tribal motifs through Hype’s cinematic lens. It secured multiple MTV VMA nods and a Grammy nomination. 

2. "Dangerous" (1997)

This felt like a mini action film inspired by Lethal Weapon and The Last Dragon, starring Busta in the lead. It peaked at #9 on the Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nod for Best Rap Solo Performance. 

1. "Gimme Some More" (1998)

A surreal, Looney Tunes-style fever dream with fast cuts, wild costumes, and a baby Busta giving way to a blue monster. It’s the high-water mark of their collaborative excess. Celebrated as one of the era’s most audacious visuals.