+2: Video for “Big Pimpin” feat. UGK (2000)
Jay-Z’s
OK, this doesn’t exactly fit the Jamaica theme here, but we thought it was worth nothing that Jay’s “Big Pimpin” video— one of hip-hop’s most legendary “ball out” videos—was shot in T&T, during Trinidad Carnival. Sure, the most memorable part of the video—that massive yacht stacked with hot gyals—could have been filmed anywhere in the islands, but watch the whole thing for some classic footage of Jay waving flags and performing on the road amongst the mas bands in Port of Spain.
And, while we’re at it, did you know Jay-Z’s very first video, for the pre-Roc-A-Fella single “In My Lifetime,” was shot down in St. Thomas? Though he’s more of a St. Bart’s guy these days, Hov was quite the island hopper in his early days. While Jay is generally considered to have been an understudy and heir to Biggie, it’s interesting to see that he was balling on yachts before Christopher Wallace did the same.