The video for the most grandiose record on Kanye West‘s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, “All of the Lights,” finally dropped this weekend.
The Hype Williams-directed, Gaspar Noé-inspired clip features a light show that might require viewing with sunglasses. In it, West plays a father who abuses his daughter’s mother, and when he returns from jail he fights the new man in her life (and bed). Now his daughter is walking around fatherless, while West laments life’s stresses atop cop cars.
It’s a wild storyline, I know. But somehow it works. The track itself features several notable vocal talents (Fergie, Alicia Keys, Elton John) but Kanye only pulled in Rihanna, who sings the hook and Kid Cudi, who handles the bridge, for the visual.
Check out the video after the jump.
What do you think of the video? Sound off in the comments section.
(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)
Kanye West abducts Katy Perry on singer’s new single, ‘E.T’
Kanye West tops 2010 Pazz & Jop critics’ poll
Kanye West, Kings of Leon, Arcade Fire, Strokes to headline Coachella
Great vid and song – but I’m getting Rihanna overload. I don’t mind her, but she seems to be on every other song on the radio for the last year.
Agree – she’s overexposed (pun kind of intended).
1. Rihanna is 2 videos away from doing porn. She needs to cover up just to remind me she’s not a stripper, but a singer.
2. Why is she on EVERY song nowadays? Her nasally voice is giving me a headache.
That speaks more to her power as a hitmaker.
Nobody’s arguing her status as a hitmaker. However, there is an inherent risk of being oversaturated.
As the saying goes, how can we miss you, if you never go away?
She is constantly putting out CDs so she can be on the radio consistently, on every award show, late night show, etc. because if she took a long enough break she’d be easily replaced.
Exactly.
Totally agree, was this the All Star Game or a Rihanna concert. All photos on most of the news sites show multiple photos of Rihanna.
The music is OK – another catchy (pop) mainstream hiphop. But, IMO, they could use some more of quality editing work.
- -
By the way, is there any special meaningful hint behind the use of orange-red color?
I agree with “dusen”. There’s no shock value seeing Rihanna’s exposed body anymore. Makes me say, “meh”. Otherwise, I really like the video.
shut up
What happened to Nicki Minaj’s part?
she was never in the song
I guess that would’ve made the vid a bit too long. But N. Minaj was in this song also and I love her verse too.
You may be thinking of “Monster”. Great track.
I think you probably mean Fergie’s part. Seems like they cut it. Nicki Minaj is featured on a different track on the album.
Nicki Minaj is featured on Dark Fantasy and also Monster. Not this song. But I LOVE this video!! I hope Kanye makes a video for Monster too. I love that song. The whole album is fantastic!
There is a video for monster
there is a video for monster
i kno wut happen to her part
EPIC! The hidden meanings are crazy in this! The song was originally called ‘Ghetto University’ and the rugged alley and video itself really exemplify how ‘ghetto’ this song is supposed to be. Also, the quick edits and cuts is like th song itself, crazy and everywhere, symbolizing the crazy life people live trying to attain ‘all of the lights’, however this stuff is never visualized (fast cars, shooting stars) – all you get is Rihanna as the seductive celebrity seducing everyone cause she is where everyone wants to be, CuDi gloating about his success, but vegas and everything else is only shown in words, because the point of the song is the girl in the beginning can’t attain it. It’s talking about a normal life (a girl who’s parents are crazy) vs. a celebrity life.
BRILLIANT! READ MY REVIEW ON MY SITE!
Hmmm. I don’t think it’s that deep, but hey, whatevs. I thought the video was weak. Power? Now power was a simple but awesome video. This video looks like Kanye ran out of money and could only afford some special effect and a camera to follow a child up and down the streets.
The song was not called “Ghetto University”…get your facts right.
I think you’re the one who needs to get their facts right. The song was originally “ghetto university” Featuring drake. Just google it.
Kayne West, he is so real. people really are making money off this???
I fell asleep watching this video. Boring.
Boring video -already 2 million views on you tube but the flashing beyond bright lights make it difficult to enjoy
Not a big fan can care list
This video sucks. And I am a HUGE ‘Ye fan. There is nothing epic or riveting about this video. It honestly felt like the concept was rushed. And Kid Cudi looks lost.
This song is crazzzy! but honestly gotta agree with most your comments hearing Rihannna too muh is overwhelming. But great video of course.
Elton John on keys in the intro.
so wait — that’s FERGIE who’s rapping in the middle of this song and not Nicki Minaj? and as for the video I liked it. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with this song, Rihanna’s part included.
I knew Fergie was somewhere in the song, but didn’t know it was that rap.
It just sounds so much like Nicky Minaj
awesome!!! song!!!
Love the song…hate the video.
dam rihanna is freaken hot and her nips are bearly covered!!!