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Words By M.C.

In every field, you’ll find innovators, people who revolutionize the game, reset the bar and take things to a different level. Hockey has Gretzkey, Basketball has Jordan and video directing has the million-dollar man, Hype Williams.

Not sure if anyone in knew what the Queens native, born Harold Williams would become when he made his debt with BWP’s “We Want Money” back in 1991. But whether it was the Brooklyn grit of MOP’s “How About Some Hardcore,” the b-boy groove of Bush Babees “We Run Tings” or the R&B slick of Jodeci’s “Feenin,” Hype has always had a knack for making miniature movies over music.

BWP’s “We Want Money”

His talent has helped him craft some of the most iconic visuals in music like “Big Pimpin” by Jay-Z, “Rock The Boat” by Aaliyah, “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” by Busta Rhymes and 2pac’s “California Love” to name a few.

Jay-Z’s “Big Pimpin”

Aaliyah “Rock The Boat”

Hollywood would eventually come calling and Hype would take his talents to tinsel town resulting in the hood classic Belly starring Nas, DMX, Method Man and others.

Although the silver screen was cool, Hype recently returned to his roots, ushering a new breed of legends into the game by directing Lil Wayne’s “6 Foot 7 Foot” and Nicki Minaj’s “Stupid Hoe.” You could say he took a break, but true innovation doesn’t rest.

Nicki Minaj, “Stupid Hoe”

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