Wu-Tang Clan’s “Triumph” stands as a testament to hip hop grandeur, commanding a hefty $1 million budget that fueled an epic action-packed spectacle and assembled a colossal cast, setting a new standard for extravagance in music videos. (Blink and you’ll miss a glimpse at Quincy Jones and his daughter, Kidada.)

MC Hammer’s “2 Legit 2 Quit” rewrote the rules of music videos with a lavish $2.5 million budget, boasting star-studded cameos (James Brown!), jaw-dropping sets, and dance moves that redefine showmanship. This solidifies the video’s status as a blockbuster in the visual realm of hip hop.

Diddy’s “Victory” emerges as a cinematic masterpiece, commanding a $2.7 million budget that brought a blockbuster-like cast, including actors Dennis Hopper and Danny DeVito, alongside elaborate sets and high-octane visuals, reshaping the landscape of opulence in hip-hop visuals.

Mariah Carey’s “Heartbreaker,” a visual spectacle with a $2.5 million investment, where she teams up with JAY-Z for a glamorous video featuring high-end fashion (even in animation), one of Hov’s best feature verses, and an unforgettable bathroom girl fight scene.

Busta Rhymes and Janet Jackson’s “What’s It Gonna Be?!" is a $2 million flex that breaks the mold with CGI effects that had never been seen before at that time, creating a futuristic masterpiece. Complete with a mini marching band, silver shapeshifting figures, and dominatrix costumes, this video once defied conventional norms found in the hip-hop visuals of its time.

Missy Elliott’s “She’s A Bitch,” a visual spectacle with a $2 million investment, doesn't just push boundaries; it obliterates them. With cutting-edge special effects and avant-garde visuals, Missy showcases her commitment to going to the very edge of creative limits in the hip-hop realm.

With a $2.5 million budget, Jay-Z's "Big Pimpin’" video is more than just a music video; it's a showcase of how lavish life can be, featuring yachts, exotic locations, and an ensemble of beautiful women.

Fugees’ “Ready or Not,” crafted with a $1.3 million budget, unfolds into a mini (and pretty epic) action film. The vid blends historical and futuristic elements with intricate storytelling and stunning cinematography—helicopters, explosions, everything. It captivates audiences and stands as a testament to the artistry (and price tag) of great hip-hop visuals.

Will Smith’s “Miami,” boasting a $2.5 million budget, isn’t just a video—it’s a vibrant celebration of the city’s energy. With extravagant visuals, luxury yachts, and a nod to the good life, it showcases the epitome of style in hip-hop.

Kanye West’s “Stronger,” flexing with a $1 million budget, delivers futuristic visuals and high-end fashion, redefining extravagance and innovation in the hip-hop video landscape with a fresh and groundbreaking approach.

Lil' Kim's "Not Tonight" remix features an ensemble cast of female rap royalty, including Missy Elliott and Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. But the true sparkle of the music video came when the lens got a glimpse of Black queens of hip-hop like Mary J. Blige, Total and, of course, Queen Latifah. (The ladies are really just cuttin’ up the entire video!) This empowering collaboration marked a pivotal moment for women in hip-hop, demonstrating unity and strength.

Kanye West's "Touch The Sky" stars Pamela Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Nia Long in a dare devil-inspired adventure. The unexpected appearances showcase the relationship in entertainment between music and on-screen royalty, especially in hip-hop.

In "King of Rock," Run-DMC punctuates the groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and rock with unexpected cameos of Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis via TV screens. The trio’s hard-hitting vid not only shaped the genre but also set the stage for future nontraditional collaborations.

Jay-Z's video features a memorable appearance by Naomi Campbell in her natural habitat–under the bright lights of the runway. Her presence adds a touch of glamour and exemplifies the crossover between hip-hop and high fashion.

Offset and Metro Boomin's "Ric Flair Drip" sees the wrestling icon Ric Flair himself making a charismatic cameo. The collaboration pays homage to the 2-time WWE Hall of Famer’s flamboyant style, blending the worlds of hip-hop and sports entertainment.

Fat Joe's "Lean Back" video boasts a star-studded lineup, but there’s one cameo that stands out the most – Kevin Hart. Before the Philly-born comedian was the supersized megastar he is today, he made a splash in hip-hop culture during the mid-song skit in the Jessy Terrero-directed MV. 

Dr. Dre's "Let Me Ride" gives viewers a shot of fellow West Coast legend Ice Cube. At first glance, this link-up between former NWA partners seems pretty normal. But given the duo’s tumultuous beef at the time, the perfectly placed cameo signified that the tension between these icons was put to rest. Undoubtedly, the video captures the essence of '90s hip-hop culture.

Future's "Move That Dope" features an unexpected cameo from Tyler, The Creator. This collaboration bridges generational gaps, emphasizing the genre's ability to evolve while paying homage to its roots.

TBH, who wasn’t in this video? A Tribe Called Quest's star-studded "The Space Program" features appearances by everyone from Erykah Badu to Black Thought to Rosario Dawson to Kelly Rowland. In the crew’s final video, there’s even a poignant cameo by the late Phife Dawg. Directed by Warren Fu, the heartfelt moment pays tribute to the group's legacy and the importance of preserving hip-hop's history.

E-40 chose to put the most cameos in a hip-hop video… maybe ever. The Vallejo MC’s "Choices (Yup)" video showcases almost every recognizable face in entertainment across the board, including Marshawn Lynch, Nicki Minaj, Mike Epps, Big Sean, Bun B, Colin Kaepernick, Nick Cannon, and too many others to name. This star-studded visual underlines the widespread influence of hip-hop, reaching far beyond the music industry and into the DNA of pop culture.