New Rap Video Canon t3i & FCP X

Made this video last night 4 hrs in total and I used a lot of transitions and effects I got from this website!

You want me to be honest, even if it hurts? Ok, here we go...
There's certainly a ton of stuff going on, I mean it's sensory overload, but that's only the first impression.

Any good music video has to start with a great piece of music, & that's lacking here. No offense, but I have to be truthful, there is nothing in this track that hooks me, or makes me want to hear it again.

So, since the song doesn't engage me, I'm just left with the video, & all these flashing squares & stuff going on, without a dope track backing... start to just become annoying tricks.

By about half way thru, I want to move on when I realize there is really nothing going on, a ton of moving visuals but nothing truly interesting.

You've got the skills, pick a better track to start with, grab a hold of the viewer, show us something interesting, exciting, draw us in, maybe a story or some danger (real danger,not just a siren), how about some girls? More locations help, when we soon realize the black & white screen is just the exact same view of the boys at the park.

These guys are trying to rep street cred right? So, show me some street scenes, a ripp off, a double cross, a chase, a villan, a babe, something...

Thanks for the feedback bruh! I appreciate everything except for you saying "start with a great piece of music" You can't just criticize it instantly like that because it doesn't appeal to you, because some people enjoy this type of music. And & no we were not repping "street-cred" were just artists having fun and making music with creative lyrics which you obviously did not see or hear. This website is for videos though, so I doubt you would have had the ear for that.

I haven't tried making a storyboard yet but I plan to do that for my next video!

Im 18 and one of the artists in the video as well, I'm still learning and am determined to get better!

Interested in seeing some of your work as well!

I though it was fun. Only two things.

1- Find someone who knows how to mix music tracks properly. The song is interesting, but a poor mixing job. I grew up in recording studios and can hear that a better mixing job would make the song much, much better without changing anything else.

2- Most common flaw in 90% of music videos these days, there's no visual "story telling". What do the visuals have to do with the story in the song? Tell us a story, not just some guys on a sidewalk talking "at" the camera. Engage and entertain the audience.

It wasn't as horrible as the first poster found it, at least to me. It was a good first shot. But it can be improved with two little tweaks I mentioned. Yes, storyboard a music video before ever shooting it. Lay out ever shot on paper first. And remember, you're not going to get anywhere with eye candy effects. They're fun, but you need to actually "tell a story". The music tells a story, the video has to follow that story.

I think you'll improve as you get more experience, and that you're off to a pretty good start already.

I have to agree with BenB about the mixing, it was hard for me to hear the words.
But the video itself was not bad at all for a first timer.
Study music videos and keep a list of videos you like and try to figure out why you like them, that will help you when you're putting together your storyboards.
And if you have any questions feel free to holla.

Don't take constructive criticism as a personal attack. Having worked in film & television for over 40 years, I have some perspective. Yes, that includes getting music videos onto the MTV networks (plural). Trust me on one thing bro, you know to make money, you need to appeal to people. In any genre, rap included, start with the song, if it doesn't grab people (whether that be mixing, hooks, lyrics, beat, artist appeal, whatever), you're dead in the water. Appealing to friends & family is not the same as a top ten hit. Simon may be the most hated judge on the singing shows, but he's the most honest. Also responsible for more hits, touring millions & album sales.

To make it in the industry, you gotta roll with the punches, take it all in, re-tool, & come back stronger & more tuned.

Thanks for all the feedback, I really appreciate it !!! It will help me with my takeover :evil: