We Know Where You Got That From: 10 Music Videos Inspired By Movies - Page 2
Written by
Kendra Koger
Published on
September 20, 2013
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There’s a saying that dictates that art inspires more art, and that seems true among different forms of entertainment. So many times a song can influence the direction of a movie; a poem can spark the idea of a television series, and a painting can inspire a sonnet. With that said, let’s look at ways these different musical artists were inspired by movies and paid homage to them in their music videos. Also, leave in the comment sections others that we didn’t include and let’s discuss.
Wale, ft. Miguel “Lotus Flower Bomb” – Poetic Justice
Before we hear Miguel’s sweet-sweet vocals, we see Wale enter a beauty salon as a mailman trying to engage the uninterested Bre Scullark into a flirtation/conversation. This scene mirrors the Poetic Justice scene where Tupac enters the salon and tries to engage Janet Jackson in a conversation, and also introduced me to the word punanni. I JUST learned what it meant about two years ago…
Lil’ Wayne’s Six Foot, Seven Foot – Inception
Needing a kick out regular boring music videos? Lil Wayne has the prescription, that along with an homage to Christopher Nolan’s Inception. The music video mirrors scenes like the “dunk him” bathtub kick, the van crash, and even used pretty good look-a-likes.
Jay Z’s “City is Mine” – The Usual Suspects
If you’re a fan of The Usual Suspects like I am, you immediately caught on to the homage in the opening scene of Jay Z’s “City is Mine,” video when he’s taking in information posted on the wall of an interrogation room. Mimicking the part that Kevin Spacey won an Academy Award for, the video followed the path that movie did. But, unless you plan on watching the movie, watch the movie first, before you watch this video.
Busta Rhymes “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes can See” – Coming to America
In the first ten minutes of Coming to America we’re introduced Akeem Joffer and his luxurious lifestyle that being the prince of Zamunda offers him. Eddie Murphy’s portrayal of a soon-to-be King is what inspired the Hype William’s directed video.
Ashanti’s “Foolish” – Goodfellas
Many women have been in dysfunctional relationships, and one of those couples were Henry and Karen Hill. The movie Goodfellas depicted the time that Henry Hill was a part of the American Mafia. Martin Scorsese expertly showed the the struggles of a man dealing with his crime family while also being a horrible husband. And then record label, Murder Inc. payed homage to issues of the film in Ashanti’s “Foolish.”
Wale’s “The Break Up Song” – (500) Days of Summer
After you get over the fact that beginning of the video for Wale’s “The Breakup Song” was narrated by Morgan Freeman (amazing!), you’re introduced to the back stories of Wale and his love interest who are destined to fail in the relationship. Showing the relationship out of a linear order, we see the rise and fall of the couple. The song, which is from the “More about Nothing” mixtape was a hit, and the video is a fan favorite, and also an homage to the movie (500) Days of Summer, which features a similar relationship played out of chronological order as well and features what the male expects and his sad reality.
Tupac ft. Dr. Dre “California Love” – Mad Max 3: Beyond the Thunderdome
In the post-apocalyptic world, there’s something going on at the Thunderdome that you have to check out. In Australia, it was the battle where two men enter, only one man leaves (my favorite line). In California, it was the praise of the great state of Cali, by two of the biggest names in Hip-Hop at that time, Tupac Shakur and Dr. Dre.
JaRule ft. Ashanti, “Mesmerize” – Grease
Should you ever change the person who you are in a relationship? Well, Danny and Sandy changed for each other in the musical Grease, and Ashanti and Ja Rule changed for each other in the video of “Mesmerize.” Each one decided that their mutual affection for each other will transcend superficial structures, both duets sang their appreciation to the other while a fair is in the background.
Young Buck’s “Shorty Wanna Ride “- Natural Born Killers
Mickey and Mallory Knox is one of the ultimate dysfunctional relationships that has been submitted via cinema. The lost lovers who share an appreciation for blood lust was the inspiration for Young Buck’s video “Shorty Wanna Ride” from his debut solo album. The video features Malinda Williams as his wild lover.
Beyonce’s “Countdown” – Funny Face
Audrey Hepburn has been held as an acting and fashion inspiration for many. Her movie Funny Face is what inspired the video for Beyonce’s “Countdown.” The movie that was inspired by a musical, and has inspired Whitney Houston in the past, was also what inspired the hit single from Beyonce’s “4” album.
