When you've exhausted Netflix, grown tired of trying to learn to bake, and spent too much time on Animal Crossing—don't forget that there's a treasure trove of content YouTube. From performances and interviews to short films and art projects, any music fan can spend hours on YouTube to stay entertained, get inspired, or simply kill time. Here are 20 videos to get you started.
Chief Keef's interview with Kerwin Frost
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Chief Keef isn't always the most talkative interview subject. From the beginning of his career, he's been wary of media and doesn't usually open up in interviews. In this episode of Kerwin Frost Talks—set in Keef's own home in 2019—we get to see another side of the young rapper. He talks about being a father, his favorite movies, having ADHD, and so much more.
Kurt Cobain's MuchMusic interview from 1993
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Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain is another artist who wasn't always in the mood for press, but this 1993 talk with MuchMusic is one of his best on-camera interviews. This was the year after his daughter Frances Bean Cobain was born, and Kurt seemed to be in a good headspace. He even acknowledged: "It just depends on what mood I'm in. I'm kind of a moody person... This week I haven't had to talk about myself much, so I'm probably more cooperative."
Björk dissects her television
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Where do we even start with this one? The year is 1988, and Björk is literally taking about her television, inspecting wires and explaining the science behind it. It doesn't sound that entertaining, but trust us—it is. In the video, Björk tells us that a poet once told her why television is so bad. She became scared of the TV until she bought a book that explains the science behind it. "I stopped being afraid because I read the truth, the scientifical truth and it was much better," she says in her hypnotizing Icelandic accent. "You shouldn't let poets lie to you."
Illegal Civilization's 'Cherry Bomb' documentary
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The Cherry Bomb documentary goes behind the scenes with Tyler, the Creator as he's rushing to finish his album while also playing shows, shooting music videos, and traveling the world. The video, narrated by Tyler himself, gives an inightful look at his creative processs and walks us song by song through the creation of Cherry Bomb, with cameos from A$AP Rocky, Pharrell, Kali Uchis, Syd, Kanye West, Toro y Moi, and many more.
MF DOOM's in-depth RBMA interview
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MF DOOM interviews are rare enough, but nearly two hours on video, including audience questions? It's unheard of. Back in 2011 as part of Red Bull Music Academy, DOOM did just that, going deep on his career from KMD to starting to wear the mask, how he created his unique style, the personalities of his multiple aliases, his relationship with Madlib and so much more. It a must watch (or re-watch) for anyone interested in understanding what makes the underground legend tick.
David Bowie predicts the power of the internet
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You might have seen a clip of this BBC Newsnight interview from 1999 circulate on Twitter—it seems to reappaear ever 6 months or so because of David Bowie's startlingly accurate predictions about the potential of the internet. In the full clip he also talks about his alter egos, the changing fan-artist dynamic, and going to meet British Prime Minister Tony Blair in stilettos.
King Krule's first performance of music from his new album
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Earlier this year, King Krule performed songs from his new album Man Alive! for the first time in Paris, just before the album was released. The show was recorded for French TV channel ARTE and includes six new tracks from Man Alive! and two songs from The OOZ. It's moody, at times intense, and an exciting preview of his rescheduled tour.
Drake and 40 interviewed by Nardwuar
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You could fill weeks just watching Nardwuar's interview archive, from the '90s to the present, but this 2016 video with Drake and Noah "40" Shebib is a highlight. Of course, Nardwuar comes armed with incredible gifts and niche facts, but the hour plus interview brings out some incredible stories about young Drake in Memphis, the first time he met 40, and nearly getting arrested in Jamaica.
Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats' 'UNLOCKED' animated short
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Denzel Curry and Kenny Beats didn't just make a music video for their collaborative album UNLOCKED, they made an entire short film that includes multiple different styles of animation. Interestingly, it sounds as if Denzel had a lot of the short planned out while they were making the album. "He had the whole universe conceived in the studio," Kenny told us. "The animations, the characters, us losing the files—he was telling me all of this while I was trying to make a beat, which was so annoying."
Read our interview with Denzel and Beats here.
Michael Cera's 'Hot Ones' episode
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You already fucking know. One day, we will get over our obsession with Michael Cera—we know it's getting old and every time we post Michael Cera we see your hateful backlash and we absolutely understand how annoying we are. One day, we will move on, stick to "music," and stop trying to force nonsensical Michael Cera content down your swollen little throats. But not today, readers. Not today.
Tierra Whack's 'Whack World'
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Who else could pull this off? Philadelphia artist Tierra Whack's breakthrough moment came in the form of an album that consists of 15 songs, each one minute long. Instead of making typical music videos, she delivered this 15-minute trip that she describes as "a visual and auditory project." With each song, she brings you into a new world for one of the most creative, colorful, and entertaining introductions to an artist that we've seen in a long time. We can't wait to see what Tierra Whack does next, but until then, revisit Whack World.
Jay Z and Rick Rubin recording "99 Problems"
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"Rick ain't normal," Jay Z says. "When was the last time you seen a bison in a n***a's studio?" Some of the best footage from Jay's Fade To Black documentary about the making of The Black Album and his supposed farwell concert at Madison Square Garden is the in-studio footage as he's working on different songs. His deep respect for Rick Rubin is clear as he records "99 Problems," as is Rick's appreciation for Jay's one-of-a-kind talent. Watch the full documentary on Tidal.
Kid Cudi's TED talk
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For Kid Cudi's TEDx talk, he returned to Shaker Heights High School in Ohio to talk about his school days, his path in the music industry, and being a father. Most importantly, Cudi delivers some important reminders. We sometimes look at our idols and assume that they have some rare quality or innate talent that puts them on another level. Cudi dismisses the notion, telling students at his high school: "It’s no difference from me and you. I just really wanted this shit. I wanted it bad."
Yung Lean's Q&A in Ireland
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Yung Lean has had one of the most bizarre careers in modern music, and it didn't happen by accident. In this rare Q&A with the Swedish artist, you get a glimpse into how self-aware he really is. He talks about being misunderstood at first, watching movies with Frank Ocean, and why it's so important to hold onto his integrity.
FKA twigs' 'M3LL155X' short film
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Every video that FKA twigs is involved in is spectacular in its own way, from her music videos to brand collaborations with Apple or Google. In 2015, she released a 16 minute short film to accompany the launch of her new EP, M3LL155X. We're treated to four unique music videos with a distinct narrative thread, and the short film is a perfect introduction to the breadth of twigs' talents across music, visuals, and various dance styles.
Kenny Mason's first on-camera interview
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Atlanta rapper Kenny Mason is one of our favorite new artists, and his project Angelic Hoodrat is one of the year's best debuts so far. Earlier this year we met up with Kenny and his crew in ATL and got a deeper look into who he is as an artist and as a person. A lot of times, those early interviews show artists who are still figuring themselves out. Not Kenny.
Nipsey Hussle gives a tour of Crenshaw
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In 2014, Los Angeles native Nipsey Hussle took viewers to Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue for Complex's show The Neighborhood. Just seeing Nipsey's relationship to his city is inspiring in itself. RIP Neighborhood Nip.
Amy Winehouse live at Glastonbury
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In 2006, Amy Winehouse released her huge second album Back to Black, so by the time of this 2007 performance at Glastonbury festival she was already a star. This video is actually her second performance of the day, an evening slot on the Jazz World Stage following an afternoon set on the main stage, and she seems perfectly in synch with her tight backing band.
Earl Sweatshirt's conversation with his mother Cheryl I Harris
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Last year, Earl Sweatshirt and his mother, the scholar Professor Cheryl Harris, had a conversation at The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA in Los Angeles as part of a series of fan experiences around Earl's album Feet of Clay. There are interesting insights about Earl's music, such as the fact that his mother came up with the album title, but the real impact is as a wider conversation about art, life, politics, and society.
Dipset's Rap City freestyle
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All stand for the national anthem. If for some reason you've never seen this before, make sure you're paying close attention to Cam'ron hanging back, counting money during Jim Jones and Juelz Santana's verses. He's powering up for something legendary.
