18 years ago, Hype Williams released his first, and only, feature film, Belly, starring Hip Hop artists Nas and DMX. In these 18 years, Belly has become a “coming of age” film to some, as well as a visual masterpiece, and has even been deemed the label “hood classic.”

Being that ‘Belly’ was directed by one of the dopest music video directors in all of Hip Hop, it could only mean one thing; ‘Belly’ was going to be a work of art from start to finish. Everything in this film has a meaning, whether it be hidden or outright, and no one can catch every single underlying message in the film with one viewing. Though the storyline is not seen as the strongest, the cinematography is out of this world.

Hype Williams is known for his rise to mass popularity through his abstract approach in Hip Hop music videos of the 90s. In majority of the video’s directed by Williams, anyone could clearly see that he was the mastermind behind the piece.

Here are some of Hype Williams’ most memorable music video moments:

Biggie Smalls – “Warning”

Missy Elliot – “The Rain [Supa Dupa Fly]”

Craig Mack, The Notorious B.I.G – “Flava In Ya Ear [Remix]” ft. LL Cool J, Busta Rhymes

Belly is widely admired for its use of color and peculiar framing throughout the film. Check out some of our favorite scenes!

RESPECT. Magazine’s Top 10 Belly Scenes

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Don’t see your favorite scene? Comment it below!

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The post Hype Williams’ ‘Belly’ Turns 18 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.