On this day 15 years ago, Harold "Hype" Williams released his first and only feature film, Belly. Williams rose to popularity during the '90s on the strength of his innovative approach to music video direction, creating some of the most exalted visuals to date with videos for Missy Elliott ("The Rain [Supa Dupa Fly]"), Busta Rhymes ("Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See"), Tupac ("California Love"), The Notorious B.I.G. ("Warning") and ("One More Chance"), Craig Mack ("Flava in Ya Ear" [Remix]) and LL Cool J ("Hey Lover", "Doin' It" and "Loungin'"). You can watch 10 seconds of any of these and know that Hype Williams was behind the camera.
In 1998, he made his big screen debut with Belly, a sleek crime drama starring DMX, Nas, Taral Hicks, Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, and Method Man. Though much of the story ended up on the editing room floor and it was widely panned by critics, it's become a cult classic. Despite the film's many issues, Williams was able to harness DMX's raw energy, Nas' ripe wisdom and the personality that made Method Man the most accesible member of the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as a formidable actor in the making.
Though flawed from a storytelling standpoint, Belly is a visual masterpiece. From the breathtaking opening scene (filmed at the legendary New York City nightclub the Tunnel) until the redemption of DMX's Tommy "Buns" Bundy in the final moments, Belly employs many of the styles and effects that made Williams such a runaway success as a music video director. Though considered a failure by many outside of hip-hop culture, Belly was the apex of Williams' methodology.
As we remember the film on its 15th anniversary, we examine how Belly sums up Hype Williams' catalogue of music videos. Step into the Tunnel (in slow motion, of course) once again.
Written by Julian Kimble (@JRK316)
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The truth is in the eyes. The eyes don't lie.
The strobe light effect is thrilling—when it's not causing seizures.
Rappers in front of white backgrounds and artwork was the next wave.
If Vita's around, so is the drama.
Everything—especially smoking weed—looks better when done in slow motion.
Wide-angle shots: flattering for some, extremely unflattering for others.
White fur rugs and low angles make for sex kittens.
Thug passion was real—especially in '98.
Smoking weed while driving in the rain at night always calms the mind.
Pole acrobatics make every party better.
A stroll is the perfect opportunity for female bonding.
The cocaine white SUV becomes the new family vehicle.
Jay Black is always the shady, jealous hater.
Run up on somebody's mansion if you want to, it could be the last thing you ever do in life. Word to Scarface.
This low-angle shot sold so many Benzes (and dreams) during the '90s.
With washed-out color palattes, you're never certain what time of the day it is.
There's just something about Times Square.
