“Wonderful” is the lead single from Ja Rule’s sixth studio album R.U.L.E., released in 2004. The song features R&B singers R. Kelly and Ashanti. Ja Rule and the entire Murder Inc. crew were undoubtedly some of the major players during the 2000s era, and the success of “Wonderful” is another testimony to this. Hit the play button above to enjoy the Hype Williams-directed music video.
Music Videos
#FlashbackFriday: Terror Squad – Lean Back ft. Fat Joe, Remy Ma (Official Video)
Here is the official video to 2004 monster hit single “Lean Back,” by Terror Squad. The Scott Storch-produced single is taken from Terror Squad’s album True Story, and it features Fat Joe with Remy Ma handling the second verse. “Lean back” was a worldwide success, and it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks from August 21 and topped the R&B charts for more than a month. The song also appeared in video games “Need For Speed Underground 2,” “Def Jam Rapstar,” and “The Hip Hop Dance Experience.” Hit the play button above to enjoy the video and relive old memories.
Rihanna – Needed Me (Official Video)
Rihanna has unveiled a surprise new video for “Needed Me,” off her recently released ANTI album. This makes it the third visual to come from RiRi’s latest LP, it might be safe to say it’s her best yet. The Harmony Korine-directed clip sees a scorned Rihanna hunt down a tatted-up thug in a strip club, all while dressed up in a sheer powder blue robe that leaves little to the imagination. Hit the play button above to watch “Needed Me.”
#FlashbackFriday: Ja Rule – Always On Time ft. Ashanti (Official Video)
Here is another massive hit from 15 years ago, Ja Rule “Always On Time” featuring Ashanti. This song was named the 33rd most successful song of the 2000s, on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Songs of the Decade Chart. “Always On Time” wasn’t only successful in the US, it was a worldwide hit. Hit the play button above and relive old memories if you were around during this era, otherwise just enjoy the song.
#FlashbackFriday: Cassidy – Hotel ft. R. Kelly (Official Video)
Okay, so i was on YouTube few days back, and i somehow stumbled upon a music video from way back, which i grew up with. This brought back so many beautiful memories along with great feelings, that i ended up watching more old music videos. Hence, i thought it won’t be a bad idea to make it a tradition on SWANKISM – every Fridays to be exact, to share some of these beautiful music from the ’90s and early 2000s era, even though we’re more “today” and “future” oriented.
If you are an ’80s or early ’90s baby, i’m sure you will be familiar with the #FlashbackFriday tradition, and you’ll love it. If you weren’t yet available on earth during this era, i’m sure you will still love the music the ’90s and early 2000s had to offer.
The first #FlashbackFriday video to go up, is Philadelphia rapper Cassidy’s 2003 debut single “Hotel” featuring R. Kelly. The Swizz Beatz-produced song also serves as the lead single from Cassidy’s debut studio album Split Personality, which can be purchased via the links below.
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/CYSPiTunes?IQid=CYH
Google Play: http://smarturl.it/CHPlay?IQid=CYH
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/CYSPAm?IQid=CYH
Wiz Khalifa – Elevated (Official Video)
Wiz Khalifa unveils the visuals for the track “Elevated”, off his recent album Khalifa. The David Camarena-directed video features a more contemplative Wiz, reminiscing about his rise to fame, while doing what he does best – smoking weed – alongside a lingerie-clad woman in a hotel room, and toasting with friends over a banquet of pasta and lobster. Khalifa also includes some footage of his beginnings as a rapper at the tail-end of the video. Hit the play button above to watch the video for “Elevated”.
Puff Daddy – You Could Be My Lover ft. Ty Dolla $ign & Gizzle (Official Video)
More than 20 years in the game, and Puff Daddy continues to stay relevant in the music industry. The musical veteran has returned with another visual for the summer, alongside Ty Dolla $ign and Gizzle, on the track “You Could Be My Lover,” from Puff Daddy & The Family’s latest project, MMM. The new visual showcases Diddy’s ability to create instant chemistry and collaborate with other artists, while bringing out the best of everyone involved. Hit the play button above, and enjoy the new video.
Rihanna – Kiss It Better (Official Video)
Rihanna has returned with the visual treatment to complement the song “Kiss It Better,” off her recently released album ANTI. In a typical Riri fashion, there’s always one or many things to get the people talking. The black-and-white video features a more intimate and sultry Rihanna, floating in midair, dressed in everything from a pantsuit paired with a completely see-through top, to high-waist shorts. Hit the play button above and enjoy the video.
Jhené Aiko – B’s + H’s (Official Video)
Shortly after revealing that she tied the knot with producer Dot Da Genius, Jhené Aiko unveils the video to complement her “B’s + H’s” song. Directed by Topshelf Junior, the song is based around feelings towards a past negative relationship. Jhené can also be spotted rocking a few pieces from the popular A$AP Rocky x GUE$$ collaboration. Hit the play button above and enjoy the video.
Future – Low Life ft. The Weeknd (Official Video)
Future unveiled the official visual treatment to his collaborative song with The Weeknd, titled “Low Life,” off EVOL. Matching the artwork of EVOL, the video begins and ends with a burning bouquet of roses. The Zac Facts-directed visual pictures the two artists in an abandoned warehouse settings, delivering a rendition of the song that is currently in the #35 spot on the Billboard 100. Hit the play button above to check out the music video.