Cars are used in rap videos to set the stage and tell the story. These cool rides transcend the usual prop distinction, taking on vibrant and memorable roles in the videos in which they are featured.
Hummer H1 Limousine
The video for Juvenile and Lil Wayne’s song “Bling Bling” featured a Hummer H1 stretch limousine before the H2 stretch was made a cliche by bachelorette parties and prom night. Prior to the “Bling Blind” video, viewers had hardly conceived of such an extravagantly enormous ride.
Cadillac Escalade
Mike Jones is seen with the ultimate modern status symbol vehicle in his video for “Still Tippin.” The Cadillac Escalade dethroned the Lincoln Navigator as the must-have full size ride for the elite, and that includes multi-platinum rappers. While the Escalade has been seen in many a rap video, “Still Tippin” represents the quintessential use of the impressive Cadillac.
Lamborghini Murcielago Roadster
The best thing about the bright blue Lamborghini Murielago Roadster used in the video for “My President” by Young Jeezy is that the exotic super car is actually owned by the rapper himself. Unlike most video cars, which are rented specifically for use on the set, Young Jeezy put his money where his mouth is by owning and showing off the dream car he raps about.
Fisher Karma
No other car is better suited to the rap song by Rick Ross titled “So Sophisticated” than the Fisher Karma that appears in the video. The Karma is sleek, modern, endlessly cool, and packed with innovative technology. Few smart cars come close to being cool enough to feature prominently in a major rap video, but the Fisher Karma achieves that status easily.
1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am
Nelly drives a classic 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am down a dusty desert rode in his video for the track “Ride Wit Me.” The choice was cool enough to make sense with a rapper behind the wheel, but appropriate for the story being told in the video. The cowboy hat Nelly wears in the video may have been overkill, but the Firebird was an excellent choice.
1961 Chevrolet Impala
A legendary rapper, an unforgettable song, and a groundbreaking classic car make the 1961 Chevrolet Impala featured in the video for “To Live and Die in L.A.” one of the coolest rap video cars ever. The banana yellow sports car is a big part of the video’s story line and still reminds Tupac fans of the hit song to this day.
The coolest rap video cars take on a life of their own within the video, serving as both a prop and an image-creating costar. Ranging from unique custom creations to classic luxury sedans, the choice of video car comes down to the tone and style of the rapper and the track.
