Very few MC’s have done it better than Jay-Z. Whether you’re talking about longevity, consistency or skills Jay can always be mentioned as a top contender. Known for his uncanny flow and lyricism as well as the ability to incorporate those talents into a mainstream format makes Jigga an originator in ever sense of the word.

He introduced the world to Cristal, platinum jewelry, as well as a slew of other trends but he also set standards musically. Besides releasing an album almost every year since 1996 Jay was also one of the first artists to break the bank for a video budget. In this Listmania we’re going to take a look at Jay’s Top 10 Videos of all time. Sit back and enjoy.

10. “I Can’t Get With That”

This was Jay-Z’s first video and since he wasn’t getting any play from the majors him, Dash, and Biggs had to come out of pocket for this one. It took place near the Marcy projects and showed Jay flossin’ with a bottle of Cristal in the street and there was no shortage of cars, clothes, and girls. It had that real early nineties vibe to it including dudes dunking basketballs in the park and you could tell Jay was gonna be somebody in the rap game.

9. “Roc Boys”

One of Jay’s most recent videos this was just hot. Besides the last show of unity for the Roc the whole celebratory feel of the video was just bangin’. Soon to be megastar actor Tristan Wilds played Jay-Z’s nephew and the scene with Jay, Puff, and Nas was priceless. Who would have thought we would have lived to see the day?

8. “Dead Presidents”

Another oldie but goodie this video was just hot and with it you get the original lyrics to “Dead Presidents”. Jay and Dame turn down some overzealous hustlers. We see the infamous Lexus GS. And the scene with Jay-Z, Biggie, and AZ playing monopoly is like music video folklore. It was also great to see a hungry Jay-Z in this video.

7. “Big Pimpin’”

This video was like a visual for the heights that hip-hop had reached. Records were selling like crazy, hip-hop was at its peak, and the money was rolling in. This was during the days of the million-dollar music video and Jay was one of the first to do it. Basically this video was all about excess. You had the boats, the money, Dame Dash spilling champagne of video girls. Pimp C was standing near the new Benz with Gloria Velez. But the song itself was hot and Hove, Pimp, and Bun killed it.

6. “Song Cry”

One of Jay-Z’s most honest songs also had a hot video to go along with it. We see Jay in 80’s attire with his main girl. We see his rise to stardom and the pitfalls of it and well as the perks. Who the girl is, I’m sure we’ll never know but the video was bangin’. The Saab turning into the Ferrari was also a dope touch.

5. “Can’t Knock The Hustle”

Done in all black and white this video was crazy. Jay was whippin’ the Bentley and he was actually the one drivin’. I’m sure at the time hip-hop fans had no idea what the car was. It was also funny as hell when Jay is getting shot at and leaves the girl in the gunfire and just bounces. It was still a classy affair though as Jay rocks different suits throughout the whole video.

4. “99 Problems”

The grittiness of this video is what makes it hot and it’s another one in black and white. The rock and roll beat is insane and seeing the contrast of Jay-Z with the bearded Rick Rubin was definitely cool. The best part of this video is definitely its rawness. The lyrics are straight to the point and so is the video.

3. “Lost One”

A lot of people don’t like this video not to mention the song but I think it’s a cool contrast to what a Jay-Z video is usually like. In the video it’s implied that he lives in an NYC penthouse and the idea that Jay would just take a late night drive in NYC was a cool plan for the video. He was just clearing his thoughts and it made for a unique perspective.

2. “Show Me What You Got”

Jay’s “comeback” video, you can’t deny this was hot. From the exotic locales to the Danica Patrick and Dale Earnhardt Jr. cameos this video was crazy and reminded us of the Jay of old. He even introduced a new brand of champagne, Ace Of Spades. True we knew it was coming but it was dope nonetheless.

1. "Hard Knock Life"

This is the song that sold 5 million for Jay and cemented his spot in hip-hop. There wasn’t much to the video. It was just Jay walking through the hood with a quarter drink but all the kids around singing along with the Orphan Annie hook got the point across. This video was trend setting although some might disagree. It was a good idea to have such a minimal video for such a huge song.