Celebrating 20 years of music on YouTube: Tuma Basa’s 20 for 20
Jun 18, 2025 – [[read-time]] minute read
For years, finding classic hip hop videos was a major undertaking. On YouTube, decades of hip hop history are just a few clicks away, connecting fans and artists like never before. This Black Music Month, as we celebrate 20 years of music on YouTube, we're highlighting the most iconic hip hop music videos of all time. And who better to guide us than YouTube's Head of Music Culture, Tuma Basa?
Imagine the scene: Tuma Basa, armed with unprecedented access, staring down a monstrous scroll of data – the top 10,000 most viewed music videos on YouTube. Not just any videos, but the most iconic, most memorable, most visually artistic music videos in their eras. Days bled into weeks as he obsessively sorted through thousands of options to consider. It wasn't just about view counts; it was about the pulse of the culture. He weighed the raw power of the visuals, the seismic impact each video had on the streets, in the clubs, on the global stage. And then, he infused it with his own deeply personal taste, a gut feeling honed over years of shaping the sound of a generation.
From this monumental endeavor a list has emerged. A list so meticulously crafted, so deeply considered, it promises to spark debates, ignite nostalgia, and create a vibe as you journey through this specially curated list of Tuma Basa’s Top 20 Hip Hop Music Videos of All Time.
20. OutKast - Hey Ya!
19. Snoop Dogg - Sensual Seduction
18. Future - Life Is Good
17. 50 Cent- Many Men
16. Warren G - Regulate
15. Nicki Minaj - Beez In The Trap
14. Lil Baby - The Bigger Picture
13. Eminem - Stan
12. Lil Wayne - Lollipop
11. The Fugees - Killing Me Softly
10. The Throne - Otis
9. Soulja Boy - Crank Dat
8. Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)
7. Drake - God’s Plan
6. Lil Uzi Vert - XO Tour Llif3
5. Kendrick Lamar - Humble
4. Missy Elliott - Work It
3. 2Pac ft. Dr. Dre - California Love
2. Travis Scott - Sicko Mode
1. Ice Cube - It Was A Good Day
Tuma sat down with Complex to break down how he curated the list and what makes these music visuals so iconic for the culture. Check out the full story, and join in on the fun!