The 25 Most Compelling Viral Videos
(With Black People In Them) Part 2
Thursday, September 3, 2009
#4. BILL CLINTON IN SOUTH CAROLINA
EDITOR’S NOTE: Okay, we cheat a bit here. There are no Black people in this per se, but to the extent that this was the turning point where those in the Black community who did not trust Barack Obama decided to come to his side, it is hugely significant as a cultural landmark for African Americans in viral video.
#3. OBAMA GETS THE DIRT OFF HIS SHOULDERS
EDITOR’S NOTE: The ultimate affirmation of the Hip Hop Generation.
#2 CHOCOLATE RAIN. TAY ZONDAY.
Editor’s Note: In terms of the social media zeitgeist, Tay Zonday reached the ultimate. Chocolate Rain, more than any other video, defined the nature of viral. Completely accidental, oddly compelling, impossible to turn away from and impossible to duplicate. And if you listen to the lyrics and get his meaning – after you stop laughing – it’s actually kinda deep. He is the undisputed King of Viral Video – at least until the next King.
#1. YES WE CAN. Will.i.Am
Tay Zonday may be the King, but the whole idea of Viral Video is Power in the hands of the individual. No middle man. YES WE Can breaks our rule a little bit. A video made up of celebrities almost by definition goes against what we have come to expect from a “people’s medium.” But in terms of positive and political impact, Will.i.Am used the medium to maximum effect.
The 25 Most Compelling Viral Videos Part I
