NEW RELEASE: Mariah Carey "Touch My Body"

This luxuriously high-end clip starts out like the biggest budget porn movie ever – with the computer geek coming to a hillside mansion for a tech call. When the lady of the house opens the door while barely wrapped in lingerie and a filmy robe, one might expect Mary Carey rather that Mariah Carey – but then the singing starts and there is no mistaking that Mimi is the star of this production. Brett Ratner gets a suitably comedic performance from 30 Rock scene-stealer Jack McBrayer as things get way less porny and more like an ultra-glossy episode of Beauty and the Geek – the asexual nerd-tacular fun include unicorns, Frisbees and a wicked game of Guitar Hero. Isn’t that what everyone wants to do with Mariah Carey (review by Doug Stern) --> watch "Touch My Body" via MTV.com

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Mariah Carey "Touch My Body" (Island Def Jam)
Brett Ratner, director | Ron Mohrhoff, producer | HSI, production co | Paul Cameron, DP | Jarett Fijal, editor

BOOKED: Duffy – Adria Petty, director

artist: Duffy
song: "Mercy"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Adria Petty
production co: Harvest/Merge @ Crossroads
rep: Robin Frank Management

NEW RELEASE: Kanye West "Flashing Lights"

Is this Kanye West's version of Waiting For Godot, or merely a prank? Although the nihilistic vision put forth as the mysterious video for "Flashing Lights" by Kanye and co-director Spike Jonze — who has been know to enjoy a good joke, be it as Richard Koufey or with the Jackass crew —  is likely to either confound or enrapture, it's guaranteed to get noticed. And that is probably the point. So, stop worrying and just enjoy this riddle involving a booty, some fire, a kidnapped Kanye and a shovel that's decidedly not being used to dig up some treasure. To be continued? --> watch "Flashing Lights" (via MTV. Note the Viewer Discretion Warning. Nice.)

Kanye West "Flashing Lights" (Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam)
Kanye West and Spike Jonze, director | Susan Linss, executive producer | Jonathan Becker, producer | G.O.O.D Pictures/Bucks Boys Productions, production co | John Perez, DP | Derek Lee, editor

NEW RELEASE: The Bravery "Something To Believe"

Bravery singer Sam Endicott spends much of this video either hoisted up by the crowd like some sort of champion — or Michael Stipe in "Drive" — or floating through them unnoticed like a ghost. Rest of the time he's on stage fronting the band and performing this catchy alt rock tune. The footage has a grittiness that's reinforced by an occasional effect that highlights various moments by rendering them as monochromatic  posters. --> watch "Something To Believe" via Yahoo

The Bravery "Something To Believe" (Island Def Jam)
Goodtimes, director | Jason Valen, producer | Draw Pictures, production co | Todd Somodevilla, DP | James Duffy @ Mad River Post, editor

SHOT: Ashes Divide - P.R. Brown, director

New band from A Perfect Circle's Billy Howerdel...

artist: Ashes Divide
song: "The Stone"
label: Island Def Jam 
director(s): P.R. Brown
production co: Anonymous Content

BOOKED: Janet Jackson - Saam, director

Not a cover of of her brother's hit of the same(ish) name...

artist: Janet Jackson
song: "Rock With U"
label: Island
director(s): Saam
production co: Partizan

SHOT: Kanye West - Neon, directors

artist: Kanye West  
song: "Flashing Lights"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
director(s): Neon
production co: Partizan

SHOT: PlayRadioPlay - Roboshobo, director

artist: PlayRadioPlay
song: "Madi Don't Leave"
label: Stolen Transmission/Island Def Jam
director(s): Roboshobo
production co: The Revolver Film Co.
rep: Labuda Management

BOOKED: Jay-Z - Philip Andelman, director

Shooting in NYC...

artist: Jay-Z
song: "I Know"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
director(s): Philip Andelman
production co: Partizan

BOOKED: Chingy - Syndrome, directors

artist: Chingy f/ Ludacris & Bobby Valentino
song: "Gimme That"
label: Disturbing The Peace/Island Def Jam
director(s): Syndrome
production co: Robot Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

NEW RELEASE: Janet Jackson "Feedback"

Who wants to see Janet Jackson and her humongous orbs? Before you get all excited and take your hand off your mouse, you should know I'm referring to the illuminated planetary spheroids that Janet and her dancers use as Pilates ball launching pads for dance moves and intergalactic travel. Janet is back after a lengthy break with this introductory shot off Discipline — her first for Island Def Jam — and a video that looks back as much as it looks forward. The choice of UK director Saam to create a sort of companion piece to his otherworldy "Golden Skans" video for avant gardish rockers the Klaxons signals a desire to reinforce her tendency to do the unexpected. The video itself, however, comes across like a minimalist version of Barbarella — or Britney Spears' "Oops... I Did It Again," to use a video reference —  mixed with the militant and ultra-disciplined vibe of Janet's epochal "Rhythm Nation." The choreography is as razor sharp as you would expect, while Saam delivers enough compelling images to live up to the collaboration's promise. Be sure you stay tuned to the end, when Janet and crew descend upon a more lquid world to play with some gravity defying, milky, white globular goo. (Come on, get your mind of the gutter.) --> watch "Feedback" via Yahoo premiere

Janet Jackson "Feedback" (Island Def Jam)
Saam, director | Billy Parks, producer | Partizan, production co | Max Goldman , DP

TURN ON YOUR TV: Janet Jackson "Feedback" BET Premiere

Curious what a Janet Jackson video directed by the the hip Partizan director Saam would look like? Wonder no more: The eagerly anticipated Janet Jackson comeback clip "Feedback" is set to debut on today's episode of BET's 106 & Park (starts at 6pm ET). Ain't got access to a TV? Yahoo will be premiering the video at 7:30 this evening here for those in the U.S., with a worldwide online bow set for tomorrow.

Saam won Best Director honors at the 2007 CADS Awards, which celebrates the best UK video creatives. The director is best know for his similarly award-winning Klaxons video "Golden Skans."

"Feedback" is the lead single/video off Janet's new album Discipline, her first for Island Def Jam.

PHOTO: DJ Felli Fel, Director Dale "Rage" Resteghini & Guests

The stars stepped into the green void for DJ Felli Fel's debut So So Def/IDJMG video "Get Buck In Here." From left, we have: singer/dancer Porscha,  Fat Joe, DJ Felli Fel, Raging Nation Films director Dale "Rage" Resteghini, DJ Khaled and Pitbull. Not in the picture but also featured on the track and in the video: Diddy, Akon and Lil Jon.

BOOKED: The Bravery - Goodtimes/Sam Endicott, directors

Bravery singer Sam Endicott co-directing with the Goodtimes creative crew...

artist: The Bravery
song: "Believe"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Goodtimes and Sam Endicott
production co: Draw Pictures

SHOT: Ghostface Killah - Juwan Lee, director

artist: Ghostface Killah f/ Kid Capri
song: "We Celebrate"
label: Island Def Jam 
director(s): Juwan Lee
production co: Triggerhappy/Uncle

SHOT: The Feeling - Paul Minor, director

artist: The Feeling
song: "I Thought It Was Over"
label: Island Def Jam (UK)
director(s): Paul Minor
production co: Streetgang Films

SHOT: Rocko - Rich Newey, director

Shot in Atlanta...

artist: Rocko
song: "Umma Do Me"
label: Island Urban/IDJMG
director(s): Rich Newey
production co: Terrero Films
rep: Laure Scott Representation

BOOKED: DJ Felli Fel - Dale "Rage" Resteghini, director

artist: DJ Felli Fel f/ Akon, Diddy, Ludacris and Lil Jon
song: "Get Buck In Here"
label: So So Def/Island Def Jam
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films
rep: Yell Productions

BOOKED: Johnta Austin - Ray Kay, director

artist: Johnta Austin
song: "The One That Got Away" 
label: So So Def/Island Urban Music
director(s): Ray Kay
production co: Rockhard Films 
rep: Robin Frank Management

BOOKED: Rick Ross f/ R. Kelly - Gil Green, director

Shooting in Miami...

artist: Rick Ross f/ R. Kelly
song: "Speedin"
label: Def Jam
director(s): Gil Green
production co: 305 Films
rep: Labuda Management

SHOT: The Dream - Erik White, director

Shot in Vegas...

artist: The Dream
song: "She Needs My Love"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Erik White
production co: Uncle

BOOKED: Jay-Z - Chris Robinson, director

artist: Jay-Z
song: "Roc Boys (And The Winner Is)"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
director(s): Chris Robinson
production co: Robot Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

NEW RELEASE: Kanye West "The Good Life"

He's silly, he's imperious, he's horny, he's stylish, he's megalomaniacal... He's Kanye! One of Kanye's earliest award show tirades (now a burgeoning cottage industry) was at the European MTV Awards where his Evel Kanyevel video for "Touch the Sky" lost out to the Justice Vs. Simian video "We Are Your Friends." " Perhaps sensing that Justice had impeccable taste in the visual arts, Kanye has gone out and grabbed up the directors who created the latest Justice masterpiece,"D.A.N.C.E.," to handle the latest video in his defeat Fiddy campaign, "The Good Life." The finished product is a fun and colorful journey through the speak and spell world of Electric Company – but fueled by Kanye's mix of brazen/self-depreciating raps. The song isn't really "about" anything other than the good life and these light-hearted, free-flowing visuals are a good match. Also included in the fun is T-Pain, a guest vocalist so ubiquitous he is starting to rival some of Hollywood's most over-worked "he's in everything" actors. (review by Doug Stern) --> watch "The Good Life"

Kanye West f/ T-Pain
"The Good Life" (Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam)
Jonas & Francois / So Me, director | Soixante Quin5e, production co | Thomas Marvel, DP

SHOT: The Dream - Ray Kay, director

Braggadocio ain't nothing new in hip-hop or r&b, but it takes serious cojones to insert the lyric "I don't no hook for this hit" in your debut single. Then again, this song is one big hook in and of itself. Although The Dream may be a new name as an r&b singer, his songwriting credits — under government name  Terius Youngdell Nash — include such hits as Rihanna "Umbrella," Britney Spears featuring Madonna "Me Against The Music" and B2k "Everything." The smooth b&w clip with swatches of color falls in the lineage of the "Drop It While It's Hot" and "Flava In Ya Ear" videos, but with a style all its own. The most notable element is the handwritten lyrics matched with thumbnail images that give the clip a casual scrapbook feel — not to mention the many beauties who slowly pulse to the beat and an almost scene-stealing introductory verse by Fabolous. --> watch "Shawty Is a Ten"

The Dream "Shawty Is A Ten" (Island Def Jam)
Ray Kay, director | Jill Hardin, producer | Rockhard Films, production co | Robin Frank Management, rep | Anders Flatland, DP | Zuk, editor

SHOT: Ne-Yo - Jessy Terrero, director

Shot in the Dominican Republic...

artist: Ne-Yo
song: "Can We Chill"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jessy Terrero
production co: Terrero Films
rep: Robin Frank Management
DP: Thomas Kloss

NEW RELEASE: Kanye West "Stronger"

Kanye West and Hype Williams are back again and this time they rocket us to Neo Tokyo for a blast of Akiratastic fun. The concept is clearly inspired by Akira and other manga/anime – only with Kanye performing part of the time as a hip-hop Geordie LaForge. Perhaps the louvered shades are there to keep his psionic powers in check, although considering that this tune is based upon the Daft Punk tune "Technologic" — or the Busta Rhymes "Touch It"  — Kanye is lucky that he didn’t have to dress up like Daft Punk’s most famous video star. Hype is definitely on his game here, mixing the slick and the raw to wring mad amounts of style out of a trip to Tokyo, re-animated robots and a sexy cameo from pop star Cassie. This is video-making — and pop stardom —  on the grandest of scales. (review by Doug Stern) --> watch "Stronger"

Kanye West "Stronger"
(Hip Hop Since 1978/Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam)
Hype Williams, director/producer | Naaila, production co | John Perez, DP | Peter Johnson, editor

SHOT: Hot Dollar - Juwan Lee, director

artist: Hot Dollar
song: "Streetz On Lock"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Juwan Lee
production co: Uncle

NEW RELEASE: Kanye West "Can't Tell Me Nothing"

Kanye West seems to go one of two directions for his videos. Either he reaches out to Chris Milk or Michel Gondry for something arty and unexpected, or he picks Hype Williams when he wants to go big. The first single off Kanye's new CD Graduation is an instance where the artist knew he had to get images that were simple, yet larger than life, so Hype got the call. Mr. Williams gets incredible mileage out of just two performance set-ups — one day, the other night — and two, tiny b-roll moments that involve a dusty Lambo and a beautiful girl in a fly away burka by way of Madonna’s "Frozen." That's it. Four shots on the El Mirage dry lake bed and Hype makes it into a surprisingly watchable video. Kanye has delivered another memorable song and the clip's epic scope makes sure we can't take our eyes off him — except, perhaps, to scan the horizon for Chris Tucker leading a motorcade of post-apocalyptic vehicles. (review by Doug Stern) --> watch "Can't Tell Me Nothing"

Kanye West "Can't Tell Me Nothing" (Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam)
Hype Williams, director/producer | Naaila, production co | John Perez, DP | Peter Johnson/Consulate Editorial , editor

BOOKED: The Rocket Summer - Shane Drake, director

artist: The Rocket Summer
song: "So Much Love"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Shane Drake
production co: Red Van Pictures (Drake remains signed with Merge @ Crossroads)

NEW RELEASE: The Horrors "She Is The New Thing"

The Horrors emerge from an artist's bloody mess of a desk in this most recent excellent clip from the band's debut album Strange House. "She Is The New Thing" is a freakishly animated tale in which a portrait of a fiendish girl comes to life and bedevils the band to their very end with crows, bugs, and feral animals as her accomplices. Drawn on wrinkled paper in the style of a messy black-and-white comic, "She is the New Thing" tears apart almost every other video animated in a similar fashion. It'll also probably tear apart the censors too, so don't expect to see this broadcast on your TV. Best watch it here before they start regulating the Internet. (review by Kevin Holy) --> watch "She Is The New Thing" in Flash at the band's site or in Quicktime

The Horrors "She Is The New Thing"
(Polydor in the UK // Stolen Transmission/Island Def Jam in the US)
Corin Hardy, director | Giles Skillicorn, producer | Academy, production co | Nikki Porter/Final Cut London, editor

BOOKED: Chrisette Michele - Andrew Dosunmu, director

artist: Chrisette Michele
song: "Your Joy" and "If I Have My Way"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Andrew Dosunmu
production co: The Artists Company
rep : Laure Scott Management

NEW RELEASE: Bon Jovi "Make A Memory"

Who knew Bon Jovi had this much staying power? Jon Bon Jovi and his band once lived it up on MTV alongside a slew of hair metal acts that have all now fallen to the sidelines of pop culture. Bon Jovi, however, has kept hammering out hits by slyly, yet sincerely cozying up to whatever musical trend came its way, be it AOR, pop, country, or, most recently, American Idol. This latest hit comes with a video that features Jon in a role best associated with Patrick Swayze or Bruce Willis. I won't give the plot away completely, but let's just say Jon isn't all there. The video comes with the added touch of cool interior design and actress Brooke Langton of the NBC series Friday Night Lights.(review by Kevin Holy) --> watch "(You Want To) Make A Memory"

Bon Jovi "(You Want To) Make A Memory" (Island Def Jam)
Kevin Kerslake, director | Dave Robertson, producer | Merge @ Crossroads, production co | Labuda Management, rep | Daniel Pearl, DP | Bill Yukich, editor

SHOT: Sum-41 - Marc Klasfeld, director

Normal people get His and Her towels. Celebrity couples operate on a different scale, however, so it's only right that newlyweds Avril Lavigne and Sum-41 frontman Deryk Whibley have videos in production with the same director.

artist: Sum-41
song: "Underclass Hero"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Marc Klasfeld
production co: Rockhard Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

NEW RELEASE: Rihanna f/ Jay-Z "Umbrella"

Albums are a tricky lot for aspiring pop stars. Ever since Madonna and Michael Jackson revolutionized the industry, teeny boppers have been forced to consider each new release as a campaign in personal evolution. But, for every Justin Timberlake, there are a dozen Vitamin C's. Good Girl Gone Bad, Rihanna's third album, will likely top the charts and, based on this first video, signifies a new phase in her career. Director Chris Applebaum has her vamping it up in vintage Hollywood clothing, then baring it all in a silverskinned "Fever"-ish sequence that will keep the boys happy. It's a solid video that pitches Rihanna somewhere between Christina Aguilera and Grace Jones, by way of Diana Ross. (review by Kevin Holy) --> watch "Umbrella"

Rihanna feat. Jay-Z  "Umbrella" (Island Def Jam)
Chris Applebaum, director | John Hardin, producer | Reactor Films, production co | Mike Sarkissian/Three Foot Giant, rep | Pierre Rouger, DP | Nabil Menchi, editor | Bert Yukich/Kroma, visual effects

BOOKED: Fabolous - Erik White, director

artist: Fabolous feat. Ne-Yo
song: "Make Me Better"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Erik White
production co: Uncle

BOOKED: Bon Jovi - Kevin Kerslake, director

artist: Bon Jovi
song: "(You Want To) Make A Memory"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Kevin Kerslake
production co: Merge @ Crossroads
rep: Labuda Management

BOOKED: Rihanna f/ Jay-Z - Chris Applebaum, director

artist: Rihanna feat. Jay-Z
song: "Umbrella"
label: Island Def Jam 
director(s): Chris Applebaum
production co: Reactor Films
rep: Mike Sarkissian @ Three Foot Giant

SHOT: Bobby Valentino - Bernard Gourley, director

artist: Bobby Valentino
song: "Anonymyous"
label: DTP/Island Def Jam
director(s): Bernard Gourley
production co: Immigrant Film
rep: Yell Productions

SHOT: Musiq Soulchild - Marc Klasfeld, director

artist: Musiq Soulchild
song: "Teachme"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Marc Klasfeld
production co: Rockhard Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

NEW RELEASE: Ne-Yo "All Because Of You"

Ne-Yo continues to cement his status as the heir apparent to Usher, both in terms of his sound, style and a penchant for making love to the ladies in his videos. This refined clip focuses on the latter, showing the r&b star enjoying his "addiction" in the bathroom, the bedroom, the pool, etc. --> watch "All Because Of You"

Ne-Yo "All Because Of You" (Island Def Jam)
Melina, director | John Winter, producer | Black Dog, production co | Omer Ganai, DP | Harvey White, editor

BOOKED: Redman - Dale "Rage" Resteghini, director

artist: Redman
song: "Put It Down"
label: Island Def Jam 
director(s): Dale "Rage" Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films
rep: Yell Productions

SHOT: PlayRadioPlay! - Jay Bulger, director

One look at this picture of PlayRadioPlay frontman Dan — he's the tiny speck — on location in a snowy Vermont field for a music video is probably all it takes for you to feel sorry for him. Unfortunately, the story behind the picture even worse: Dan is from Texas and that was his first time ever experiencing snow. At least he now knows why most people elect to shoot in warmer climates.

artist: PlayRadioPlay!
song: "Confines"
label: Stolen Transmission/Island Def Jam
director(s): Jay Bulger
production co: Fashion Bleeds
DP: Ethan Borsuk

BOOKED: Fall Out Boy - Alan Ferguson, director

artist: Fall Out Boy
song: "Thnks Fr Th Mmrs" 
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Alan Ferguson
production co: Anonymous Content

BOOKED: Fabolous - Bernard Gourley, director

artist: Fabolous feat. Young Jeezy
song: "Diamonds" 
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Bernard Gourley
production co: Immigrant Film
rep: Yell Productions

NEW RELEASE: Under The Influence Of Giants "In The Clouds"

If I was an astrophysicist I would not be writing this blog. I would be inventing rockets and shit. It might, however, allow me to be able to explain how the sound of an Under The Influence Of Giants performance could travel back to our b&w past and rock a traditional family meal. So, I don't know how it happens. Director Travis Kopach probably doesn't know either, but it's more important that he knows why it does in this video. And he does. As he put it himself during a recent email conversation, "Nothing rocks louder then a sound that can travel through time —a sound that rattles every bone in your body, or in this case a family dinner that took place more then fifty years ago." --> watch "In The Clouds"

Under The Influence Of Giants
"In The Clouds" (Island Def Jam)
Travis Kopach, director/editor | JP Fox, producer | Refused TV, production co | Jon Fordham, DP

SHOT: Young Jeezy - Chris Robinson, director

artist: Young Jeezy feat. Keyshia Cole
song: "Dreamin" 
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Chris Robinson
production co: HSI
rep: Robin Frank Management

PHOTO: Under The Influence Of Giants "In The Clouds"

On the left is Refused TV director Travis Kopach on the dining room set used for the narrative in the upcoming Under The Influence Of Giants video, "In The Clouds." On the right is DP Jon Fordham and crew capturing the performance. (click the pic to make it bigger)

BOOKED: Young Jeezy f/ R. Kelly - Chris Robinson, director

Shooting in Atlanta...

artist: Young Jeezy feat. R. Kelly
song: "Go Getta"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Chris Robinson
production co: HSI
rep: Robin Frank Management

BOOKED: Under The Influence Of Giants - Travis Kopach, director

artist: Under The Influence Of Giants
song: "In The Clouds"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Travis Kopach
production co: Refused TV

SHOT: The Killers - Diane Martel, director

Shot on-location with band in Tokyo...

artist: The Killers
song: "Read My Mind"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA

SHOT: Nas - Chris Robinson, director

Shot over two days in NYC...

artist: Nas feat. Chrisette Michele
song: "Can't Forget About You"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Chris Robinson
production co: HSI
rep: Robin Frank Management

NEW RELEASE: The Bronx "Shitty Future"

With so many live venues now gone and the NYC real estate market only affordable to those  with trust funds or six figure salaries, it may be a "Shitty Future" indeed for the local punk scene. The spirit lives on, however, with this live clip from The Bronx — an L.A. band that takes its moniker from the borough once associated with toughness. The rough and tumble video spotlights the band ripping it up on the stages of several clubs — including downtown indie rock mecca The Bowery Ballroom, and Maxwell's, the little Hoboken, NJ hold that will outlast us all. --> watch "Shitty Future"

The Bronx "Shitty Future" (White Drugs/Island Def Jam)
Adam, Greenwald/The Riot Agency, director/DP/editor

NEW RELEASE: Young Love "Find A New Way"

Pity the boy in the cubicle; The one who thinks his attractive female coworker will find his blinking competition to be an undeniable turn-on. Little does he know that all it takes to get her  hot-and-bothered is watching Young Love frontman Dan Keyes perform this electro/pop/rock track. Somehow, she is able to summon forth a projection of said performance to take her away to that more erotic headspace — and more literally, to the bathroom for a quick striptease as she lets the footage cover her body— before she's forced to return to the sterile office environment. --> watch "Find A New Way"

Young Love "Find A New Way" (Island Def Jam)
Josh Mond, director | Borderline Films, production co | Jody Lee Lipes , DP | Zach Stuart Pontier, editor

SHOT: Fall Out Boy - Alan Ferguson, director

artist: Fall Out Boy
song: "This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Alan Ferguson
production co: Anonymous Content

NEW RELEASE: Ludacris f/ Mary J. Blige "Runaway Love"

If Ludacris videos get any more serious, he might have to change his name. Famous for his club bangers, the rap star confronts the domestic issues that lead young girls to become runaways in his new release, "Runaway Love." The queen of hip hop soul and drama, Mary J. Blige, anchors the clip as she sings amid a sea of teenagers holding candles. You won't find typical video models here. The only thing the girls in this video try to shake are the troubling situations that leave them feeling trapped. Not only does Luda succeed in getting out a somber message without sounding like a court-ordered public service announcement, but this is easily one of the most sincere rap videos of the year. -- watch "Runaway Love" (AOL Video Quicktime link)

Review by Craig Belcher, curator of the blog Rap, Lies & Videotape

Ludacris feat. Mary J. Blige "Runaway Love" (DTP/Island Def Jam)
Jessy Terrero, director | John Winter, producer | Terrero Films, production co | Robin Frank Management, rep | Paul Cameron, DP | Jeff Selis, editor

IN DEPTH: Lady Sov "Love Me Or Hate Me"

Despite being hyped as the next big thing, the UK  rap scene seemed in danger of never fulfilling its commercial promise over on these shores. Enter Lady Sovereign. While her massive US deal with Def Jam was initially met with curiosity at best, it's now pretty clear that Jay-Z was onto something when he hedged a big bet on the self-proclaimed Biggest Midget In the Game. Combining just enough authenticity to attract open-minded hip-hop heads, enough of a rebel sensibility for the alternative crowd and the big-time personality to lure everyone else to the table, Lady Sovereign's "Love Me And Hate Me" became the most random — and the funnest — video to hit #1 on MTV's TRL in quite some time. She'll need a lot more hits before the Eminem comparisons are valid  — beyond the sense of humor and, of course, the skin tone — but Lady Sov is off to a hot start.

Director Brian Beletic doles out a few tidbits on the clip:

"Sov has a deep distaste for the color pink. One day before we filmed, Sov wasn’t feeling well and someone sent her flowers on my behalf to cheer her up. Pink flowers. Ooops. Oh well. You may notice there is no pink in the video.

Then MI5 chased the East London sports bottle terrorists through our tech scout. Exciting at the time, but now none of us can take water bottles or lip balm on planes. The garbage man with long hair was in 'Dead or Alive' (You spin me right round, baby right round like a record, baby right round). The overweight Sov was a 19 year old look-a-like. The monkeys were a seven year old and a nine year old jumping on a $330,000 Rolls Royce Phantom. The insurance guy was lured away from set with a pretty girl and a lemonade while we shot this scene."

(see photo above of Beletic, on the right, with the very hairy Sov and two groomers)

--> watch "Love Me Or Hate Me"

Lady Sovereign "Love Me Or Hate Me" (Island Def Jam)
Brian Beletic, director | Ben Sullivan, producer | Smuggler, production co | David Lanzenberg, DP | Maury Loeb, editor | Mass Market and The Mill, effects

BOOKED: Ludacris f/ Mary J. Blige - Jessy Terrero, director

artist: Ludacris feat. Mary J. Blige
song: "Runaway Love"
label: Disturbing The Peace/Island Def Jam
director(s): Jessy Terrero
production co: Terrero Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: Young Jeezy - Ulysses + Jessy Terrero, directors

Brothers Ulysses Terrero (left) and Jessy Terrero with rap star Young Jeezy on the set of "Bury Me A G," which was directed by Ulysses. The production was run back-to-back with another Joc video, "I Love It," directed by Jessy.

artist: Young Jeezy
song: "Bury Me A G" / "I Love It"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Ulysses Terrero / Jessy Terrero
production co: Terrero Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

NEW RELEASE: The Killers "Bones"

Many music video directors make the transition to the big screen — David Fincher, Brett Ratner and Spike Jonze, just to name a few — but it's not too often that a big name movie director does a music video. And, even when they do, there's no guarantee it will be on par with their best work — for example, Martin Scorsese's video Michael Jackson's "Bad" is certainly memorable and incorporates the some of the filmmaker's hallmarks, but nobody's gonna mistake it for Taxi Driver. Director Tim Burton's clip for The Killers is a similar deal. It's good. Really good, in fact. But, anybody wishing for something that can resonate like Edward Scissorhands or Big Fish is going to have to settle for something less ambitious, yet perfectly appropriate to the video medium.

    The easiest comparison here is Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas due to the skeleton motif, but the video is more an exercise in camp, like Mars Attacks. The action takes place in a drive-in where both The Killers perform, and daters enjoy a B-movie which is a weird mix of the walking skeletons effect from Jason & The Argonauts, the creepy horror progenitor Creature Of The Black Lagoon, and the sex on the beach classic From Here To Eternity. As in any good movie within movie, the action in real life soon mimics what's on screen, so we're treated to footage of The Killers and the drive-in patrons stripped down to their  literal bones.-- watch "Bones" at MTV.com (now Mac & PC compatible) or in Real or Windows Media via islandrecords.com

The Killers "Bones" (Island Def Jam)
Tim Burton, director | JP Fox, producer | Refused TV, production co | Max Goldman, DP | Final Cut UK, editor | Moving Picture Co. UK, effects

NEW RELEASE: Jay-Z "Show Me What You Got"

It's hard to think of a better way to top off a career than Jay-Z's swan song, "99 Problems." Produced by original rap/rock architect Rick Rubin and boasting a tour de force video directed by Mark Romanek, "99 Problems" was rightfully hailed as a masterpiece. Jay-Z's comeback video, "Show Me What You Got" has much more in common with the "babes and bling" clips that came before his crowning achievement. Riding the same sax line as Wreckz-N-Effect's "Rump Shaker," the video begins with Jay-Z zoom-a-zoom-zoom-zooming around the Grand Prix streets of Monaco in a fast-paced race. Of course, smart man that he is, Jay leaves the dangerous driving to NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt and Indy car racer Danica Patrick. The scene then shifts to the ocean for some speedboat follies and then an exclusive mansion party where the rap star shows the upper hand in a blackjack game and everything else he attempts. -- watch "Show Me What You Got" Real/Windows Media at Rocafella.com (registration required) or check it out at YouTube

Jay-Z "Show Me What You Got" (Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam)
F. Gary Gray, director | Gina Leonard, producer
@radical.media, production co
Pascal Lubec, DP | David Checel, Jonathan Silver, David Baum,  editors 

SHOT: The Killers - Tim Burton, director

The song is called "Bones," so who better to do the video than the creator of The Nightmare Before Christmas, feature film director Tim Burton.

artist: The Killers
song: "Bones"
label: Island Def Jam   
director(s): Tim Burton
production co: Refused TV

SHOT: Jay-Z - F. Gary Gray, director

Celebrated music video director F. Gary Gray returns to the small screen for the eagerly awaited comeback clip from rap star Jay-Z.  Since directing his last video, OutKast's "Ms. Jackson" in 2001, Gray has directed a string of hit films, including The Italian Job and Be Cool.

artist: Jay-Z 
song: "Show Me What You Got"   
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): F. Gary Gray
production co: @radical.media

SHOT: Bobby Valentino - Jessy Terrero, director

artist: Bobby Valentino
song: "Turn The Page"
label: DTP/Island Def Jam
director(s): Jessy Terrero
production co: Terrero Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: Mic Little - Jessy Terrero, director

artist: Mic Little
song: "Put It In A Letter"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jessy Terrero
production co: Terrero Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: Thursday - Travis Kopach, director

Director Travis Kopach, DP Jon Fordham and the cast and crew get ready for the next shot on an airplane set for the Thursday video "At This Velocity." -click photo to enlarge-

artist: Thursday
song: "At This Velocity"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Travis Kopach
production co: Dignity & Shame

BOOKED: Ludacris f/ Pharrell - Melina, director

artist: Ludacris feat. Pharrell
song: "Money Maker"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Melina
production co: F.M. Rocks
rep: Milk & Honey

BOOKED: Lady Sovereign - Brian Beletic, director

artist: Lady Sovereign
song: "Love Me Or Hate Me"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Brian Beletic
production co: Smuggler
rep: Labuda Management

BOOKED: Rick Ross - Benny Boom, director

Shooting in Rick Ross's hometown of Miami...

artist: Rick Ross
song: "Blow"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Benny Boom
production co: F.M. Rocks
rep: Milk & Honey

NEW RELEASE: The Bronx "History's Stranglers"

The Bronx
"History's Stranglers" (Island Def Jam)
Mike Piscitelli, director | Cliff Shumacher, producer | Partizan, production co | James Kneist, DP | Mario Meres, editor | Description: If certain kids at this birthday party seem a bit obsessed with violence and tits, it's because they're the members of The Bronx. Actually, all of the anti-social acts were done by children whose heads were then swapped with The Bronx's heads in post-production.  -- watch   "History's Stranglers" (Real video link)

PHOTO: Shareefa and Melina

Disturbing Tha Peace singer Shareefa hangs with F.M. Rocks director Melina on the set of her debut video, "Need A Boss."

photo courtesy John Ricard

SHOT: Hoobastank - Lex Halaby, director

Director Lex Halaby (center) with Hoobastank on the set of their new video "Inside Of You.

artist: Hoobastank
song: "Inside Of You"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Lex Halaby
production co: Refused TV

BOOKED: Shareefa - Melina, director

artist: Shareefa
song: "Need A Boss"
label: Disturbing Tha Peace/Island Def Jam
director(s): Melina
production co: F.M. Rocks
rep: Milk & Honey

SHOT: Under The Influence Of Giants - Artificial Army, directors

Artificial Army creative Simon Chan (far right) and Under The influence Of Giants basking in the glow of the video's cast of lovely ladies. Click the pic to enlarge; it's better that way.

artist: Under The Influence Of Giants
song: "Mama's Room"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Artificial Army
production co: Refused TV

SHOT: Shawnna - Jessy Terrero, director

Shot in Miami...

artist: Shawnna
song: "Damn"
label: DTP/Island Def Jam
director(s): Jessy Terrero
production co: Terrero Films/Lotus Filmworks
rep: Robin Frank Management

BOOKED: The Bronx - Mike Piscitelli, director

artist: The Bronx
song: "History's Strangler" & "White Guilt"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Mike Piscitelli
production co: Partizan

BOOKED: Melissa Etheridge - Randee St. Nicholas, director

artist: Melissa Etheridge
song: "I Run For Life"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Randee St. Nicholas
production cos: North By North Six
rep: Laure Scott

NEW RELEASE: Fall Out Boy "A Little Less ... "

Fall Out Boy
"A Little Less Sixteen Candles, A Little More 'Touch Me' "" (Island Def Jam)
Alan Ferguson, director | Valerie Romer, producer | Anonymous Content, production co | Danny Hiele, DP | Barney Miller @ Company X , editor | Description: Despite the song title, the film references for this ambitious clip are the 1987 teen vampire flick The Lost Boys and cult classic The Warriors. Bassist Pete Wentz plays the lead role in this adventure, which finds Fall Out Boy trying to fend off vampire gangs and avoid becoming vampires themselves. The cinematic video takes several breaks from the tune to make room for action scenes, while members of other hip emo acts make cameos as the various gang members. Consider this step one in the transformation of Fall Out Boy from rock band into true matinee idols. -- watch "A Little Less Sxiteen Candles"

SHOT: Hoobastank - Aggressive, directors

artist: Hoobastank
song: "Born To Lead"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Aggressive
production co: Refused TV
rep: Laure Scott

SHOT: Black Buddafly feat. Fabulous - Ray Kay, director

artist: Black Buddafly feat. Fabulous
song: "Bad Girl"
label: RSMG/Island Def Jam
director(s): Ray Kay
production co: Rockhard Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: Bon Jovi - Jeff Labbe, director

A dog tries to find its way home in this new video for Bon Jovi's "Who Says You Can't Go Home?" The twist? The pooch is six feet tall and walks on its hind legs. Shooting began at a recent Bon Jovi gig in Phoenix and has continued in and around Los Angeles.

artist: Bon Jovi
song: "Who Says You Can't Go Home"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jeff Labbe
production co: @radical.media

BOOKED: Juelz Santana - Dale Resteghini, director

artist: Juelz Santana
song: "Clockwork"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Dale Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation

SHOT: Thursday - Artificial Army, directors

artist: Thursday
song: "Counting 5-4-3-2-1"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Artificial Army
production co: Refused TV

NEW RELEASE: Kanye West "Touch The Sky"

Kanye West feat. Lupe Fiasco
"Touch The Sky"
(Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam)
Chris Milk, director | Janice Biggs, producer | @radical.media, production co | Danny Hiele, DP | Livio Sanchez @ The Whitehouse, editor
Description: On September 8, 1974, Evel Kneivel attempted to jump the Snake River Canyon in a custom made and largely untested rocket-propelled Skycycle. It was a nearly fatal disaster, that presumably put the kibosh on Knievel's never attempted dream of clearing the Grand Canyon. So, leave it to the most adventurous duo in music video — director Chris Milk and rap star Kanye West — to attempt it in an epic and captivating clip that works perfectly on several levels.

Combining the look of a 1970's feature film with the classic ABC Wide World Of Sports series, the video casts Kanye as Evel Knievel doppelganger Evel Kanyevel,Pamela Anderson as his love interest and Nia Long as one of the women who calls Kanye on his crap. The jump itself follows the same sad trajectory of Knievel's Snake River attempt, but there is that magical moment when Kanye does indeed "Touch The Sky." Let's hope for a sequel with a shark tank. -- watch the director's cut of  "Touch The Sky"

SHOT: Christina Milian - Ray Kay, director

Young Jeezy, director Ray Kay and Christina Milian on the set of "Say I."

artist: Christina Milian
feat. Young Jeezy
song: "Say I"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Ray Kay
production co: Rockhard Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

BOOKED: The Isley Brothers - Bille Woodruff, director

The ongoing saga of Ronald Isley's big pimpin' alter-ego Mr. Biggs in this cinematic video directed by longtime collaborator Bille Woodruff.

artist: The Isley Brothers
song: "Just Came Here To Chill"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Bille Woodruff
production co: F.M. Rocks

BOOKED: Rhianna - Chris Applebaum, director

teartist: Rhianna
song: "S.O.S."
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Chris Applebaum
production co: Reactor Films
rep: Stompbox Media

SHOT: Thrice - Tim Hope, director

artist: Thrice
song: "Red Sky"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Tim Hope
production co: Passion Pictures

SHOT: Kanye West - Chris Milk, director

Kanye West collaborated with director Chris Milk on what looks to be another winning video. Based on the trailer at director Chris Milk's site,"Touch The Sky" is an homage to motorcycle daredevil Evel Kneivel and his never accomplished goal of jumping the Grand Canyon. Kanye plays the lead role (Evel Kanyevel perhaps?) and his costars include Pamela Anderson, Nia Long and hip-hop newcomer Lupe Fiasco.

Definitely check out the trailer for this cinematic video about literally touching the sky.

artist: Kanye West feat. Lupe Fiasco
song: "Touch The Sky"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
director(s): Chris Milk
production co: @radical.media

BOOKED: Ghostface feat. Ne-Yo - Ray Kay, director

artist: Ghostface feat. Ne-Yo
song: "Back Like That"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Ray Kay
production co: Rockhard Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: Ne-Yo - Martin Linss, director

artist: Ne-Yo
song: "So Sick"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Martin Linss
production co: KandoKid Films

Video detail below of Ne-Yo walking down a lonely street...

SHOT: Ashanti feat. Paul Wall & Method Man - Fat Cats, directors

Directing team Fat Cats set Ashanti in the middle of a modern, urban film noir for her Paul Wall/Method Man collaboration, "Still On It."  The largely b&w video was shot on-location in Hollywood.

artist: Ashanti feat. Paul Wall & Method Man
song: "Still On It"
label: The Inc./Island Def Jam
director(s): Fat Cats
production co: F.M. Rocks

SHOT: Young Jeezy - Jessy Terrero, director

artist: Young Jeezy
song: "Trap Star"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jessy Terrero
production co: Lotus Filmworks
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: Juelz Santana - Jessy Tererro, director

artist: Juelz Santana
song: "Oh Yes"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jessy Terrero
production co: Lotus Filmworks
rep: Robin Frank Management

BOOKED: Sizzla - Dale Resteghini, director

Scheduled to shoot in Miami, this video will show Sizzla missing his girl even when he's in the most exotic and luxurious locales.

artist: Sizzla
song: "I Love You Baby"
label: Damon Dash Music Group/Island Def Jam
director(s): Dale Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation

SHOT: Mariah Carey - Paul Hunter, director

artist: Mariah Carey
song: "Don't Forget About Us"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Paul Hunter
production co: HSI

PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE: Kanye And The Kid

One of the kids in Kanye West's new video, "Heard 'Em Say," hangs around the rapper between takes. The video was shot on-location at the Hearld Square Macy's in NYC and was directed by Partizan's Michel Gondry. Kanye stars as a down on his luck guy who makes his kids' dreams come true with a magical adventure in the store.  For more details, check out MTV's story on the video.

SHOT: Sizzla - Dale Resteghini, director

artist: Sizzla
song: "Ultimate Hustler"
label: Damon Dash Music Group/Island Def Jam
director(s): Dale Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films

Dale Resteghini with Damon Dash on the Brooklyn set of Sizzla's "Ultimate Hustler" video.

NEW RELEASE: Melissa Etheridge "Refugee"

Melissa Etheridge "Refugee" Island Def Jam
James Frost, director
Mark Hall, producer
Strato Films, production co
Stompbox Media, rep
Description: Breast cancer survivor Melissa Etheridge covers this Tom Petty tune for her new greatest hits album. The veteran rocker performs in a couple of hotel rooms where she hides under the beds and imagines that the TV newscasters are singing the response tag of the chorus.

SHOT: Black Buddafly - NOVS, director

artist: Black Buddafly
song: "Rock-A-Bye"
label: RSMG/Island Def Jam
director(s): NOVS
production co: Suckerpunch

BOOKED: Kanye West - Michel Gondry, director

Michel Gondry is scheduled to shoot a video this week in NYC for Kanye West and featured guest Adam Levine of Maroon 5.

artist: Kanye West feat. Adam Levine
song: "Heard 'Em Say"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
director(s): Michel Gondry
production co: Partizan

SHOT: Juelz Santana feat. Young Jeezy & Lil Wayne - JC & Dale Resteghini, directors

artist: Juelz Santana feat. Young Jeezy & Lil Wayne
song: "Make It Work For You"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): JC & Dale Resteghini
production co: Raging Nation Films

SHOT: N.O.R.E. - Mike Taylor, director

artist: N.O.R.E.
song: "I'm A G"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Mike Taylor
production co: Robot Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

BOOKED: Thrice - Jay Martin, director

Jay Martin is set to direct his first video with production company DNA. Footage from the multiple day shoot for Thrice's "Image Of The Invisible" will be given a heavy FX treatment to create a vibe similar to the dark world from The City Of Lost Children.

artist: Thrice
song: "Image Of The Invisible"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jay Martin
production co: DNA

BOOKED: Fall Out Boy - Alan Ferguson, director

Fall Out Boy follow-up their massive hit "Sugar, We're Goin Down" with "Dance Dance." The  video is being shot on-location in the suburbs outside New York City and will somehow involve look-a-likes of the band (see the Fall Out Boy website for the casting call).

artist: Fall Out Boy
song: "Dance Dance"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Alan Ferguson
production co: Anonymous Content

Refused TV director Jeff Seibenick will be on-hand to direct and then edit a  Makes A Video episode for use on MTV2. Seibenick also directed and edited the recent MTV2 Makes A Video episode on CKY's "Familiar Realm."

BOOKED: Mariah Carey "Get Your Number" - Jake Nava, director

Mariah Carey will toy with a potential lover by slipping him her phone number one numeral at a time. This intriguing club set-up will be mixed in with typically glamorous footage and a guest spot by JD.

artist: Mariah Carey feat. Jermaine Dupri
song: "Get Your Number"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jake Nava
production co: F.M. Rocks

SHOT: Young Jeezy - Benny Boom, director

Young Jeezy gets lured into a dangerous game in this video homage to the 2002 flick Paid In Full. Although they initially make some easy money on the streets, Jeezy and his cohorts Cam'Ron and Akon eventually pay a serious price.

artist: Young Jeezy feat. Akon
song: "Soul Survivor"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Benny Boom
production co: F.M. Rocks
rep: Milk & Honey

SHOT: Rihanna - Marcus Raboy, director

artist: Rihanna
song: "If It's Lovin"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: F.M. Rocks

SHOT: Juelz Santana - Scott Franklin, director

artist: Juelz Santana
song: "There It Go (The Whistle Song)"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Scott Franklin
production co: Fred Films
rep: Labuda Management

SHOT: Rev Run - Clifton Bell & Rev Run, directors

Clifton Bell co-directed a video with rap legend Rev Run for "Mind On The Road." Rev decides to take a break from working alongside rap impresario Russell Simmons in the office to hit the road and spread his musical message.

artist: Rev Run
song: "Mind On The Road"
label: RSMG/Island Def Jam
director(s): Clifton Bell & Rev Run
production co: Black Dog

SHOT: Mariah Carey - Jake Nava, director

artist: Mariah Carey featuring Snoop Dogg & Pharrell
song: "Say Somethin"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jake Nava
production co: F.M. Rocks

BOOKED: CKY - Matt Lenski, director

Although CKY stands for Camp Kill Yourself, their video for "Familiar Realm" may be the cheeriest damn thing you see all year. That is, until you realize that something strange and rather devious lurks beneath the smiling facade of the dancing family members.

artist: CKY
song: "Familiar Realm"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Matt Lenski
production co: Rockhard Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: Def Leppard - John Logsdon, director

Director John Logsdon takes the viewer behind the scenes of a Def Leppard rehearsal for this video in support of the band's cover of the Badfinger song "No Matter What." The video focuses on the pre-production involved in setting things up and then the actual performance. "No Matter What" is featured on Def Leppard's 2-CD 2-CD hits compilation, Rock Of Ages.

artist: Def Leppard
song: "No Matter What"
label: Island Def Jam/Universal Music Enterprises
director(s): John Logsdon
production co: 1171 Production Group

SHOT: Mariah Carey - Jake Nava, director

Director Jake Nava will utilize his stylish techniques in this upcoming Mariah Carey video. Performance will take place in a series of glamorous set-ups including a Rodeo Drive shopping spree and a luxurious bubble bath.

artist: Mariah Carey
song: "Shake It Off"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jake Nava
production co: F.M. Rocks

SHOT: DMX - Gil Green, director

artist: DMX
song: "Give 'Em What They Want/Pump Ya Fist"
label: Ruff Ryders/Island Def Jam
director(s): Gil Green
production co: Partizan
rep: Milk & Honey

SHOT: Sum-41 - Sean Turrell, director

This tricky video from Spy director Sean Turrell lets duplicate members of Sum-41 appear concurrently in what seems to be a seamless take without any edits. (See photo below of singer Deryck Whibley lounging in a car on the green screen set.)

artist: Sum-41
song: "Some Say"
label: Island Def Jam (commissioned by the band's Canadian label, DKD/Aquarius)
director(s): Sean Turrell
production co: Spy
plus...
producer: Craig Fleming
DP: Marcus Elliot
editor: Marc Bacli

SHOT: Bobby Valentino - Erik White, director

While it may seem that Bobby Valentino is enjoying a wide variety of ladies in his next video, a surprise ending reveals that Valentino is actually a monogamous man. The reason for the confusion is his girlfriend's penchant for playing dress up.

artist: Bobby Valentino
song: "Tell Me"
label: Island-Def Jam
director(s): Erik White
production co: F.M. Rocks
rep: Milk & Honey

SHOT: Teairra Mari - Ray Kay, director

artist: Teairra Mari
song: "Make Her Feel Good"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island-Def Jam
director(s): Ray Kay
production co: Rockhard Films
rep: Robin Frank Management

SHOT: 112 - Fat Cats, directors

A woman gets behind the wheel after having an emotional fight with her man. This video explores the "What If" outcomes based on how the man responds.

artist: 112
song: "What If"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Fat Cats
production co: F.M. Rocks

SHOT: Young Jeezy - Jessy Terrero, director

Shot on-location in Atlanta...

artist: Young Jeezy
song: "And Then What/Trap or Die"
label: Island Def Jam
director: Jessy Terrero
production co: Lotus Filmworks
rep: Robin Frank Management

NEW RELEASE: Mariah Carey "It's Like That"

Mariah Carey "It's Like That" Island Def Jam
Brett Ratner, director
Ron Mohrhoff, producer
HSI, production company
Description: Mariah Carey turns heads at a swanky masquerade ball she attends with track producer Jermaine Dupri. Especially taking a shine to Mariah are a masked gentleman and a mysterious, yet clearly evil boss figure played Eric Roberts. Look for the story to fully play out in the pop star's next video (also directed by Brett Ratner).

SHOT: Tsunami Relief - Marcus Raboy, director

An all-star group organized by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne will raise money for Tsunami relief with a charity single. Shot in various locations around the world, the video for this cover of Eric Clapton's "Tears In Heaven" features Mary J. Blige, Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale, Pink, Steven Tyler, Robert Downey Jr, Velvet Revolver, Josh Groban, Ringo Starr, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Andrea Bocelli,Elton John and many more.

artist: Tsunami Relief
song: "Tears In Heaven"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Marcus Raboy
production co: F.M. Rocks

BOOKED: The Bravery - Diane Martel, director

artist: The Bravery
song: "Fearless"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Diane Martel
production co: DNA

BOOKED: Young Gunz - Ben Mor, director

Director Ben Mor grants an inside look into the work and play that goes into a Young Gunz recording session for the "Set it Off" video.

artist: Young Gunz
song: "Set It Off"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
director(s): Ben Mor
production co: SMUGGLER
rep: Labuda Management

SHOT: Shania Twain - Wayne Isham, director

Shania performs at a country bar where the dancers exhibit the unexpected influence of hip-hop styles.

artist: Shania Twain
song: "I Ain't No Quitter"
label: Mercury/Island Def Jam
director(s): Wayne Isham
production co: Merge @ Crossroads

BOOKED: Cam'ron - Life Garland, director

Kanye raps in a beauty salon run by comedian Mo'nique while they watch Cam'ron's Harlem street performance on a TV.

artist: Cam'ron featruing Kanye West
song: "Down And Out"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
director(s): Life Garland
production co: INI Creations
rep: Labuda Management

SHOT: Fall Out Boy - Jeff Seibenick, director

Jeff Seibenick directed and edited an "on the road " video for punk act Fall Out Boy.

artist: Fall Out Boy
song: "Sugar, We're Goin Down"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Jeff Seibenick
production co: Refused TV

SHOT: Kanye West - Kanye West, director

Kanye assumes the director's chair once again for his next video, "Spaceship." The clip features Kanye alongside his guests GLC and Consequence.

artist: Kanye West
song: "Spaceship"
label: Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam
director(s): Kanye West
production co: @radical.media

SHOT: Ashanti - Irv Gotti, director

Video was just added to B.E.T.

artist: Ashanti
song: "Don't Let Them"
label: The Inc./Island Def Jam
director(s): Irv Gotti
production co: F.M. Rocks

SHOT: 112 - Diane Martel, director

The gentlemen of 112 find some female companionship at a sexy house party.

artist: 112
song: "U Already Know"
label: Def Soul/Island Def Jam
director(s):Diane Martel
production co: DNA
rep: Milk & Honey

SHOT: Bobby Valentino - Erik White, director

UK R&B; singer Bobby Valentino debuts in the United States with a bright performance video for "Slow Down."

artist: Bobby Valentino
song: "Slow Down"
label: Disturbing Tha Peace/Island Def Jam
director(s): Erik White
production co: F.M. Rocks
rep: Milk & Honey

SHOT: Mariah Carey - Brett Ratner, director

Brett Ratner directed two videos in support of Mariah Carey's upcoming album, The Emancipation Of Mimi. "It's Like That" is due out first and features cameos by Jermaine Dupri and Jay-Z.

artist: Mariah Carey
song: "It's Like That"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Brett Ratner
production co: HSI

artist: Mariah Carey
song: "We Belong Together"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Brett Ratner
production co: HSI

SHOT: Ludacris - Fat Cats, directors

The Fat Cats directing duo created a Shagadelic world for Ludacris' new video "Number One Spot." Look for this clip to be a hip-hop homage to Austin Powers: Goldmember.

artist: Ludacris
song: "Number One Spot"
label: Island Def Jam
director(s): Fat Cats
production co: F.M. Rocks