JAY-Z - Anything

What this video is

Released in early 2000 as the lead single from Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam imprint, 'Anything' emerged during hip-hop's peak mainstream crossover moment — when Broadway musical samples (here Lionel Bart's 'I'd Do Anything' from Oliver!) were deployed to bridge urban radio and pop audiences, mirroring the strategy that made 'Hard Knock Life (Ghetto Anthem)' a crossover smash. The single was released February 15,…

Why it matters

Represents a transitional moment in East Coast hip-hop videography: post-'99 Problems' grit, pre-'Blueprint' conceptualism. The Broadway musical interpolation strategy employed in the track — following 'Hard Knock Life' — documented hip-hop's calculated mainstreaming. Chris Robinson's directorial…

The director

American film, commercial, and music video director from Baltimore, Maryland. Debuted in 1991 with '2 Hyped Brothers & a Dog.' Rose to prominence in hip-hop videography from 1997 onward. Won the 2007 MTV VMA for Best Direction for Erykah Badu's 'Honey.'…