The Most Creative Music Videos of March 2014

Directed by top names in the game, these are the best music videos released this month.

March 31, 2014

Image via Complex Original

The music videos released this month were on another level. Some artists collaborated with big-name directors and writers (like Bret Easton Ellis) to put together music videos worthy of the silver screen. Others went the experimental route, using collage, trippy animations, and art house aesthetics for videos that stood out across the board. Sometimes, like with Jungle's video for "Busy Earnin'," simplicity speaks more than the typical music video flash. Looking at all the music videos released this past month, we give you The Most Creative Music Videos of March 2014.

Flume ft. Ghostface Killah and Autre Ne Veut, "Space Cadet"

Director: Jim Dirschberger

There isn't a dull moment in this music video, animated by Bryan Caselli, and featuring a very entertaining, money-stacking Ghostface Killah. Watch a bunch of trippy space characters melt after they get to the Promised Land.

Killer Mike and El-P, "Run the Jewels"

Director: RUFFMERCY

Combining animation and color correction that turns Killer Mike and El-P green, this video is high energy and mesmerizing, to say the least. Run the Jewels 2 couldn't come soon enough.

Bok Bok ft. Kelela, "Melba's Call"

Director: Sushon.org

"Melba's Call" has Kelela singing from a screen above a Bauhaus-looking recording studio setup. The greenery behind her sets up an engaging contrast between nature and technology.

Dog Blood, "Chella Ride"

Director: Books Bischof

If you ever wanted to see two dog astronauts coming to earth, Dog Blood's animated "Chella" video is the answer.

Talos, "Tethered Bones"

Director: Brendan Canty and Conal Thomson

Inspired by the dark theme of a seemingly abusive relationship between a father and daughter, this chilling video will keep you on edge. The black-and-white images of bones and the predatory glare of the father recall an art house horror film.

Vince Staples, "Nate"

Director: Alexi Papalexopoulos

In this video, we see the world through Vince Staples' eyes as a child. The video takes us through moments that shaped Staples' life, like his father's drug dealing to make ends meet.

RATKING ft. King Krule, "So Sick Stories"

Director: Eric K. Yue

For this video, the urban scenery almost becomes a character in its own right. Shots of city streets, wire fences, and an empty cemetery make up RATKING and King Krule's gritty jungle.

Arthur Beatrice, "Late"

Director: George Belfield

This video offers a tender love story, which takes place on a remote British island. "I see the couple's relationship as their sanctuary in a hard world, but maybe I'm being too optimistic," says Director George Belfield. "I love the chimney-studded skyline and the Salk Institute-inspired housing estate. The whole island is epic and rough, so it felt good to play that against the intimacy of the couple."

Rick Ross ft. Kanye West and Big Sean, "Sanctified" (Emoji Version)

Director: Jesse Hill

This is not the official video for Rick Ross' hit "Sanctified," but it's one of the best released this month. Emoji master Jesse Hill, who first appeared on our radar with an emoji version of Beyonce's "Drunk In Love," created "Sanctified" out of iPhone ideograms, and the Internet went wild.

Neneh Cherry ft. Robyn, "Out of the Black"

Director: Dario Vigorito (241-24-7)

Relying on a collage aesthetic, this collaboration feels more like a moving portrait of found images than a music video. Pairing shots of Neneh Cherry and Robyn with video glitches, architectural textures, and news footage, this trippy video is a sensory overload in the best way possible.

A$AP Ferg, "Let It Go"

Director: Dan the Man

A$AP Ferg was not afraid to have fun with his video for "Let It Go," which features cyborg vision and a team of ninjas.

Lady Gaga, "G.U.Y."

Director: Lady Gaga

Lady Gaga's newest ARTPOP film is a marathon 11 minutes. As expected, the video is filled with art references. Throughout the video, Gaga goes through metamorphoses as a fallen bird, a LEGO sculpture, and bikini-clad vixen.

Dum Dum Girls, "Are You Okay?"

Director: Bret Easton Ellis

Fresh from collaborating with Kanye West, Bret Easton Ellis lent his talents to Dum Dum Girls for their video "Are You Okay?" The result is a 15-minute psychological thriller.

Johnny Cash, "She Used to Love Me a Lot"

Director: John Hillcoat

Hillcoat's video for the iconic singer features shots from the director's travels across the U.S. that capture themes in Johnny Cash's own repertoire. Haunting images of crows, long shots of the road, and poignant portraits of people fill up this beautiful video.

Jungle, "Busy Earnin"

Director: Oliver Pearch

This film is stripped down to the basics. Shot in what looks like an empty gymnasium, it features an adidas-wearing dance crew delivering smooth moves. Its restrained simplicity perfectly compliments the song. It will also make you want to learn the whole routine.