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Home , Adam Shankman, Ashley Everett, Barry Lather, Benny Boom, Bille Woodruff, Bryan Barber

IN AMERICAN & FILM

Compiled by Josh Weiner National Portrait Gallery Intern Summer 2011

(Here is the portfolio which I compiled during my internship at NPG, an example of my previous experience in viewing, writing about and cataloguing film material).

CONTENTS

1. Lists of What’s Included (pg. 3) 2. Timeline (pg. 6) 3. Music Videos, Alphabetically by Artist (pg. 12) 4. Dance In Film (pg. 55) 5. Live Performances (pg. 61) 6. Fact Files (pg. 63)

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List of Music Videos Included

50 Cent— “” (feat. Olivia). ​ — “Are You That Somebody,” “More than a Woman,” “Rock the Boat,” “Try Again,” “We Need ​ A Resolution” (feat. ). — “Ain’t No Other Man,” “Candyman,” “Come On Over (All I Want Is You),” “Not ​ Myself Tonight,” “What A Girl Wants.” — “,” “Take Control.” ​ — “Gots Ta Be.” ​ — “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” ​ Beyoncé— “Baby Boy” (feat. ), “” (feat. Jay‐Z), “Déjà Vu” (feat. Jay‐Z), “Diva,” ​ “Ego,” “,” “,” “Green Light,” “ (Girls),” “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” “Sweet Dreams,” “” (feat. Jay‐Z), “Video Phone” (feat. Beyoncé), “Work It Out.” — “Hey Mama,” “My Humps,” “ Rocking That Body.” ​ Mary J. Blige— “Just Fine.” ​ Brandy— “Baby.” ​ — “He Wasn’t Man Enough.” ​ — “Crawl,” “Forever,” ““ ()” (feat. ), “” ​ (feat. Lil Wayne & ), “Kiss Kiss” (feat. T‐Pain), “Look At Me Now” (feat. & Lil Wayne), “Next 2 You” (feat. ), “Run It!” (feat. ), “She Ain’t You,” “Wall to Wall,” “,” “ ().” — “The Lazy .” ​ C+C Music Factory— “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” ​ —“1,2 Step” (feat. ), “Get Up” (feat. ), “,” “Go Girl” (feat. ​ T‐Pain), “Goodies” (feat. ), “,” “Oh” (feat. ), “Promise,” “Ride” (feat. Ludacris). — “Can’t Be Tamed,” “Party in the U.S.A.” ​ — “Damaged.” ​ Kristinia DeBarge— “Goodbye.” ​ — “Don’t Wanna Go Home,” “In My Head,” “Ridin’ Solo,” “The Sky’s the Limit.” ​ Destiny’s Child— “,” “,” “,” “No, No, No,” “No, No, No (Part II)” ​ (feat. ), “Soldier” (feat. T.I. & Lil Wayne). Kristine Elezaj— “Souvenirs,” “Warpath.” ​ —“Free Your Mind,” “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It).” ​ Feist— “1234.” ​ LMFAO— “,” “ Anthem.” ​ — "Run (I'm a Natural Disaster)." ​ Hanson— “Thinkin’ Bout Somethin’” ​ — “Circle.” ​ — “All For You,” “Control,” “Escapade,” “If,” “The Pleasure Principle,” “ Nation,” ​ “So Excited,” “When I Think Of You.” — “Bad,” “Beat It,” “Billie Jean,” “Black or White,” “Jam,” “Remember ,” ​ “,” “,” “,” “The Way You Make Me Feel.” Kriss Kross— “Jump.” ​

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Lady Gaga— “Alejandro,” “Bad Romance,” “Born This Way,” “The Edge of Glory,” “Judas,” ​ “LoveGame,” “Paparazzi,” “Poker Face,” “Telephone” (feat. Beyoncé). — “” (feat. ), “Don’t Tell Me,” “Human Nature,” “Hung Up,” ​ “Sorry,” “Vogue.” Jessi Malay—“Cinematic.” ​ Mario— “Let Me Love You.” ​ MC Hammer— “U Can’t Touch This.” ​ — “Dip It Low,” “” (feat. Young ). ​ Missy Elliott— “Get Ur Freak On,” “I’m Really Hot,” “One Minute Man” (feat. Ludacris & ). ​ Janelle Monaé— “Tightrope” (feat. ). ​ Monica— “Street Symphony.” ​ Alanis Morrissette— “So Pure.” ​ — “Helena”. ​ Mya— “My Life Is Like Wo.” ​ … — “ (The Right Stuff).” ​ — “Super Bass.” ​ — “Bathwater.” ​ *NSync— “.” ​ The Notorious B.I.G.— “Hypnotize.” ​ OK Go— “Here It Goes Again.” ​ — “Entourage,” “I Get It In” (feat. ), “Touch.” ​ — “Roses.” ​ P!nk— “Get This Party Started.” ​ — “Beep,” “When I Grow Up.” ​ — “Commander,” “Motivation” (feat. Lil Wayne). ​ Run‐DMC—“It’s Tricky,” “Walk this Way.” ​ Salt‐n‐Pepa— “Ain’t Nuthin’ But A She Thang,” “Push It,” “Whatta Man.” ​ — “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” (feat. Freshlyground). ​ Tell ‘Em— “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” ​ — “ Baby One More Time,” “Hold It Against Me,” “I’m A Slave 4 U,” “Oops! I Did It ​ … Again,” “Piece Of Me,” “Til The World Ends,” “(You Drive Me) Crazy.” — “Wind It Up.” ​ Justin Timberlake— “Cry Me A River,” “” (feat. ), “.” ​ TLC— “Creep,” “,” “No Scrubs,” “Waterfalls,” “What About Your .” ​ — “Cowboy Casanova.” ​ — “Burn,” “Caught Up,” “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” (feat. ), “” (feat. ​ Young Jeezy), “OMG” (feat. will.i.am), “U Don’t Have To Call,” “,” “Yeah!” (feat. Ludacris & ), “You Make Me Wanna.” Utah Saints— “Something Good.” ​ Vanilla Ice— “Ice Ice Baby.” ​ — “The New Workout Plan,” “Runaway” (feat. ). ​ — “” (feat. Gwen Stefani). ​

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List of Films With Dance Scenes Included

1) 10 Things I Hate About You. ​ 2) (500) Days of Summer. ​ ​ 3) Austin Powers in Goldmember. ​ ​ ​ 4) Black Swan. ​ 5) The Breakfast Club. 6) Clerks 2. ​ 7) Dirty Dancing. ​ 8) Do The Right Thing. ​ 9) Grease. ​ 10) . ​ 11) House Party. ​ 12) A Knight’s Tale. ​ 13) The Mask. ​ 14) . ​ 15) Pulp Fiction. ​ 16) Saturday Night Fever. ​ 17) Scooby‐Doo 2. ​ 18) Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. ​ ​ ​ 19) . ​ 20) Step Up 2: The Streets. ​ 21) . ​ 22) White Chicks. ​ 23) Zoolander. ​

List of Live Performances Included

1) “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” live performance. 2) “Billie Jean” live performance. 3) “The Way You Make Me Feel” live performance. 4) “OMG” live performance. 5) “More” live performance.

List of Fact Files Included

Aaliyah Christina Aguilera 5

Beyoncé Chris Brown Ciara Destiny’s Child Janet Jackson Michael Jackson Madonna Britney Spears Justin Timberlake TLC Usher

TIMELINE

1977 ● Dance from Saturday Night Fever. ​ ​ 1978 ● “Greased Lightning” dance from Grease. ​ ​ 1983 ● “Beat It” music video by Michael Jackson. ● “Billie Jean” music video by Michael Jackson. ● “Billie Jean” live performance by Michael Jackson. 1984 ● Climatic dance from Breakin’. ​ ​ 1985 ● Dance from The Breakfast Club. ​ ​ 1986 ● “Control” music video by Janet Jackson. ● “When I Think Of You” music video by Janet Jackson. ● “Walk This Way” music video by Run‐DMC feat. . 1987 ● “Bad” music video by Michael Jackson. ● “The Way You Make Me Feel” music video by Michael Jackson. ● “The Pleasure Principle” music video by Janet Jackson. ● “It’s Tricky” music video by Run‐DMC. ● “Push It” music video by Salt‐n‐Pepa. ● Dance from Dirty Dancing. ​ ​ 1988 ● “Smooth Criminal” music video by Michael Jackson. ● “The Way You Make Me Feel” live performance by Michael Jackson.

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● “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” music video by New Kids on the Block. 1989 ● “” by Janet Jackson. ● Dance from Do The Right Thing. ​ ​ 1990 ● “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” music video by C+C Music Factory. ● “Escapade” music video by Janet Jackson. ● “Vogue” music video by Madonna. ● “U Can’t Touch This” music video by MC Hammer. ● “Ice Ice Baby” music video by Vanilla Ice. ● Dance from House Party. ​ ​ 1991 ● “Black or White” music video by Michael Jackson. ● “Jam” music video by Michael Jackson. 1992 ● “Free Your Mind” music video by En Vogue. ● “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It)” music video by En Vogue. ● “Remember the Time” music video by Michael Jackson. ● “Jump” music video by Kriss Kross. ● “What About Your Friends” music video by TLC. 1993 ● “If” music video by Janet Jackson. ● Dance from Sister Act 2. ​ ​ 1994 ● “Whatta Man” music video by Salt n’ Pepa feat. En Vogue. ● “Creep” music video by TLC. ● Dance from The Mask. ​ ​ ● Dance from Pulp Fiction. ​ ​ 1995 ● “Baby” music video by Brandy. ● “Ain’t Nuthin’ but a She‐Thang” music video by Salt‐n‐Pepa. ● “Waterfalls” music video by TLC. 1997 ● “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” music video by the Backstreet Boys. ● “Hypnotize” music video by the Notorious B.I.G. ● “You Make Me Wanna” music video by Usher. 1998 ● “Are You That Somebody?” music video by Aaliyah. ● “ Baby One More Time” music video by Britney Spears. … 1999 ● “Street Symphony” music video by Monica. ● “So Pure” music video Alanis Morisette. ● “(You Drive Me) Crazy” music video by Britney Spears. ● “No Scrubs” music video by TLC. ● Dance from 10 Things I Hate About You. ​ ​ 2000 ● “Try Again” music video by Aaliyah.

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● “Come On Over (All I Want Is You)” music video by Christina Aguilera. ● “What A Girl Wants” music video by Christina Aguilera. ● “He Wasn’t Man Enough” music video by Toni Braxton. ● “Don’t Tell Me” music video by Madonna. ● “Bye Bye Bye” music video by *NSync. ● “Bathwater” music video by No Doubt. ● “Oops! I Did It Again” music video by Britney Spears 2001 ● “More than a Woman” music video by Aaliyah. ● “Rock the Boat” music video by Aaliyah. ● “” music video by Aaliyah. ● “All For You” music video by Janet Jackson. ● “You Rock My World” music video by Michael Jackson. ● “Get Ur Freak On” music video by Missy Elliott. ● “One Minute Man” music video by Missy Elliott feat. Ludacris & Trina. ● “Get This Party Started” music video by P!nk. ● “I’m A Slave 4 U” music video by Britney Spears. ● Dance from A Knight’s Tale. ​ ​ ● Dance from Zoolander. ​ ​ 2002 ● “Gots Ta Be” music video by B2K. ● “Why I Love You” music video by B2K. ● “Work It Out” music video by Beyoncé. ● “Cry Me a River” music video by Justin Timberlake. ● “Like I Love You” music video by Justin Timberlake feat. Clipse. ● “Girl Talk” music video by TLC. ● “U Don’t Have to Call” music video by Usher. ● What: Opening dance from Austin Powers in Goldmember. ​ ​ ​ ​ 2003 ● “Crazy In Love” music video by Beyoncé feat. Jay‐Z. ● “Baby Boy” music video by Beyoncé feat. Sean Paul. ● “My Love Is Like Wo” music video by Mya. … ● “Rock Your Body” music video by Justin Timberlake. 2004 ● “Hey Mama” music video by the Black Eyed Peas. ● “Goodies” music video by Ciara feat. Petey Pablo. ● “1, 2 Step” music video by Ciara feat. Missy Elliot. ● “Lose My Breath” music video by Destiny’s Child. ● “Dip It Low” music video by Christina Milian. ● “I’m Really Hot” music video by Missy Elliot. ● “Roses” music video by OutKast. ● “Burn” music video by Usher. ● “Yeah!” music video by Usher feat. Ludacris & Lil Jon. ● Dance from Napoleon Dynamite. ​ ​ ● Dance from White Chicks. ​ ​ 2005 ● “Candy Shop” music video by feat. Olivia.

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● “1 Thing” music video by Amerie. ● “My Humps” music video by the Black Eyed Peas. ● “Run It!” music video by Chris Brown feat. Juelz Santana. ● “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” music video by Chris Brown. ● “Oh” music video by Ciara feat. Ludacris. ● “Helena” music video by My Chemical Romance. ● “Touch” music video by Omarion. ● “Caught Up” music video by Usher. 2006 ● “Déjà Vu” music video by Beyoncé by Jay‐Z. ● “Ain’t No Other Man” music video by Christina Aguilera. ● “Gimme That (remix)” music video by Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne. ● “Say Goodbye” music video by Chris Brown. ● “Promise” music video by Ciara. ● “Get Up” music video by Ciara feat. Chamillionaire. ● “So Excited” music video by Janet Jackson. ● “Hung Up” music video by Madonna. ● “Sorry” music video by Madonna. ● “Hear It Goes Again” music video by OK Go. ● “Beep” music video by the Pussycat Dolls feat. will.i.am. ● “Wind It Up” music video by Gwen Stefani. ● Dance from Clerks 2. ​ ​ ● Dance from Step Up. ​ ​ 2007 ● “Candyman” music video by Christina Aguilera. ● “Take Control” music video by Amerie. ● “Freakum Dress” music video by Beyoncé ● “Get Me Bodied” music video by Beyoncé. ● “Green Light” music video by Beyoncé. ● “Upgrade U” music video by Beyoncé feat. Jay‐Z. ● “Just Fine” music video b y Mary J. Blige. ● “Kiss Kiss” music video by Chris Brown feat. T‐Pain. ● “Wall to Wall” music video by Chris Brown. ● “Like A Boy” music video by Ciara. ● “1234” music video by Feist. ● “Circle” music video by Marques Houston. ● “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” music video by Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em. ● “Piece of Me” music video by Britney Spears. ● “You Can’t Stop the Beat” dance from Hairspray. ​ ​ ● Club dance from Stomp the Yard. ​ ​ ● Opening dance from Stomp the Yard. ​ ​ ● Swimming pool dance from Stomp the Yard. ​ ​ 2008 ● “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” by Beyoncé. ● “Forever” music video by Chris Brown. ● “Go Girl” music video by Ciara feat. T‐Pain. ● “Damaged” music video by Danity Kane.

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● "Run (I'm a Natural Disaster)" music video by Gnarls Barkley. ● “Poker Face” music video by Lady Gaga. ● “4 Minutes” music video by Madonna feat. Justin Timberlake. ● “Cinematic” music video by Jessi Malay. ● “When I Grow Up” music video by the Pussycat Dolls. ● “Love in This Club” music video by Usher feat. Young Jeezy. ● “Something Good” music video by the Utah Saints. ● Dance from Step Up 2: The Streets. ​ ​ 2009 ● “Diva” music video by Beyoncé. ● “Ego” music video by Beyoncé. ● “Sweet Dreams” music video by Beyoncé. ● “Crawl” music video by Chris Brown. ● “I Can Transform Ya” music video by Chris Brown. ● “Bad Romance” music video by Lady Gaga. ● “LoveGame” music video by Lady Gaga. ● “Paparazzi” music video by Lady Gaga. ● “Party in the U.S.A.” music video by Miley Cyrus. ● “I Get It In” music video by Omarion feat. Gucci Mane. ● “Cowboy Casanova” music video by Carrie Underwood. 2010 ● “” music video by Christina Aguilera. ● “Video Phone” music video by Beyoncé feat. Lady Gaga. ● “Imma Be Rocking That Body” music video by the Black Eyed Peas. ● “Yeah 3x” music video by Chris Brown. ● “Gimmie Dat” music video by Ciara. ● “Ride” music video by Ciara feat. Ludacris. ● “Can’t Be Tamed” music video by Miley Cyrus. ● “In My Head” music video by Jason Derulo. ● “Ridin’ Solo” music video by Jason Derulo. ● “The Sky’s the Limit” music video by Jason Derulo. ● “Souvenirs” music video by Kristine Elezaj. ● “Warpath” music video by Kristine Elezaj. ● “Thinkin’ Bout Somethin’” music video by Hanson. ● “Alejandro” music video by Lady Gaga. ● “Telephone” music video by Lady Gaga feat. Beyoncé. ● “Commander” music video by Kelly Rowland. ● “Waka Waka (This Time For Africa)” music video by Shakira feat. Freshlyground. ● “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” music video by Usher feat. Pitbull. ● “OMG” music video by Usher feat. will.i.am. ● “Runaway” music video by Kanye West. ● Dance from (500) Days of Summer. ​ ​ ● Dance from Black Swan. ​ ​ 2011 ● “Run The World (Girls)” music video by Beyoncé. ● “Look At Me Now” music video by Chris Brown feat. Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne. ● “Next 2 You” music video by Chris Brown feat. Justin Bieber.

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● “She Ain’t You” music video by Chris Brown. ● “The Lazy Song” music video by Bruno Mars. ● “Don’t Wanna Go Home” music video by Jason Derulo. ● “Born This Way” music video by Lady Gaga. ● “The Edge of Glory” music video by Lady Gaga. ● “Judas” music video by Lady Gaga. ● “” music video by LMFAO. ● “Champagne Shower” music video by LMFAO. ● “Super Bass” music video by Nicki Minaj. ● “Motivation” music video by Kelly Rowland feat. Lil Wayne. ● “Hold It Against Me” music video by Britney Spears. ● “Til The World Ends” music video by Britney Spears.

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MUSIC VIDEOS ALPHABETICALLY BY ARTIST (With the best dance excerpts listed)

1) What: “Candy Shop” music video. Who: 50 Cent (lead artist), Olivia Longott (featured artist), (director). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SRcnnId15BA 1:38‐2:07. ​ ​ Description: This excerpt from the “Candy Shop” video features an all‐female dance led by former G‐Unit member and featured singer Olivia Longott. The video was filmed in Hollywood, and features appearances from several models, as well as rappers , and . “Candy Shop” was a Billboard #1 single for nine weeks and was nominated for Best Male Video ​ ​ at the 2005 MTV Video Music Awards, as well as for Best Rap Song at the 2006 Grammy Awards.

2) What: “Are You That Somebody” music video. Who: Aaliyah (artist), Mark Gerard (director), (choreographer). When: 1998. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuWMW7hVdTs 0:42‐1:22, 1:28‐2:16, 2:50‐3:12. ​ ​ Description: Aaliyah performs a choreographed dance inside a cave with a team of motorcycle riders. The video is interspersed with footage from the Eddie Murphy comedy, Dr. Dolittle, whose soundtrack ​ ​ included this song. The video was filmed in an actual cave at Griffith Park in . It became ​ ​ the third most‐played clip on MTV in 1998 and was nominated at the 1999 MTV VMAs for Best R&B ​ ​ ​ ​ Video and Best Video from a Film. The song earned Aaliyah her first of five Grammy nominations, in the category Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1999. ​ ​

3) What: “More than a Woman” music video. Who: Aaliyah (artist), (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NLUthL6‐BU 0:25‐0:55, 1;13‐1;36, 2:02‐2:42, ​ ​ 3:20‐3:37. Description: Aaliyah’s next‐to‐last music video, filmed in Los Angeles two weeks before the “Rock the Boat” music video. Aaliyah is seen dancing in a catsuit and leather clothes, with various parts of L.A. in the background. The video closes with the message “In Loving Memory of Aaliyah,” as the singer died shortly before its general release.

4) What: “Rock the Boat” music video. Who: Aaliyah (artist), (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aY7bCktS9Mo 1:00‐1:45, 2:16‐2:56. ​ ​ Description: An all‐female dance routine, using CGI effects to make it appear as though Aaliyah is dancing on water. This was the last music video that Aaliyah would ever partake in; filming began in nd the Bahamas on August 22 ,​ three days before she died in a plane crash on her way home from the ​ shoot. The video was released that September and became the most watched video in the history of

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BET’s Access Granted (a program offering a behind‐the‐scenes look at the production of R&B and ​ ​ ​ ​ hip‐hop music videos.). Aaliyah received a posthumous Grammy nomination for Best Female R&B ​ ​ Vocal Performance for this song. ​

5) What: “Try Again” music video. Who: Aaliyah (artist), Wayne Ishman (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer), Jet Li (featured ). When: 2000. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH_V09v2BTI 2:01‐2:50. ​ ​ Description: “Try Again” was the lead single from the soundtrack of Romeo Must Die, which starred ​ ​ both Aaliyah and Jet Li, who makes a cameo appearance in the clip. In the music video, Aaliyah and her crew are seen performing at the Hollywood Center Studios in Los Angeles. In 2000, the video won two MTV Video Music Awards for Best Female Video and Best Video from a Film. Tragically, Aaliyah ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ would die in a plane crash a than a year after the video’s release.

6) What: “We Need A Resolution” music video. Who: Aaliyah (lead artist), Aaliyah (featured artist), (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zN_i4VURX0 2:05‐2:42, 2:50‐3:25. ​ ​ Description: Aaliyah performs a group dance routine during Timbaland’s guest verse, interspersed with footage of her standing in a snake pit. The song entered the but didn’t quite ​ ​ match the success of some of her other singles.

7) What: “Ain’t No Other Man” music video. Who: Christina Aguilera (artist & co‐director), (co‐director), Jeri Slaughter (choreographer) When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8x7Ta89QLo4 2:27‐3:04. ​ ​ Description: In the video for “Ain’t No Other Man,” the lead single from the Back to Basics, ​ ​ Aguilera and her background dancers play characters inspired by Hollywood figures from the 1920’s and 30’s. Interestingly, director Bryan Barber had just portrayed this era in his 2006 musical with hip‐hop duo OutKast, Idlewild. The video was nominated for numerous MTV VMAs in 2007, including ​ ​ Video of the Year, Best Female Video, Best Pop Video, and Best Choreography in a Video. The song itself won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. ​ ​

8) What: “Candyman” music video. Who: Christina Aguilera (artist), Matthew Rolston (director), Jeri Slaughter (choreographer), Benji & Lacey Schwimmer (featured dancers). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=‐ScjucUV8v0 0:08‐0:34, 1:26‐1:42, 1:48‐2:13. ​ ​ Description: “Candyman” is a World War II‐inspired video, featuring dancers in U.S. navy outfits from the era. Aguilera is dressed up as several iconic figures from the 1940’s: Rita Hayworth, , Betty Grable, and Rosie the Riveter. In one dance sequence, a blonde, black‐haired, and red‐haired Aguilera are seen dancing together (a trick achieved by digital superimposition) as a tribute to the Andrew Sisters, a famous trio from the era. Matthew Rolston received an MTV VMA nomination for Best Direction for his work in this video.

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9) What: “Come On Over (All I Want Is You)” music video. Who: Christina Aguilera (artist), Paul Hunter (director), (choreographer), Jorge Santos (featured dancer). When: 2000. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0RQDIJ2CvbA 0:43‐1:20, 2:30‐3:50. ​ ​ Description: One of Aguilera’s earliest hits, the “Come On Over” video shows her and her background crew performing in many different‐colored settings, while she is dressed in several different outfits— consistent with her trend of varying her image throughout her different music videos. The video reached #1 on TRL, as did the single itself on the Billboard Hot 100. ​ ​ ​ ​

10) What: “Not Myself Tonight” music video. Who: Christina Aguilera (artist), Hype Williams (director), Jeri Slaughter (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wt‐tHcQR67Y 0:22‐0:52, 1:28‐1:46. ​ ​ Description: “Not Myself Tonight” was the lead single off Aguilera’s album, Bionic. The video is largely ​ ​ a tribute to Madonna, and features similar imagery as many of her videos, including “Like a Prayer,” “Express Yourself” and “Human Nature.” Some of Aguilera’s own videos, including “,” are also referenced.

11) What: “What A Girl Wants” music video. Who: Christina Aguilera (artist), (director), Tina Landon (choreographer). When: 2000. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hpspGHeLOPE 2:52‐3:49. ​ ​ Description: Aguilera and her crew dance before a group of guys in an arcade‐themed room in the video for “What A Girl Wants,” Aguilera’s third solo single and second Billboard #1 hit. It was ​ ​ nominated for five MTV VMAs in 2000, including Best Female Video and Best Choreography. This is considered the song that broke the “one‐hit wonder” status many critics felt Aguilera would be destined for, following the success of her first mainstream single, “.”

12) What: “1 Thing” music video. Who: Amerie (artist & co‐director), Chris Robinson (co‐director), Jamaica Scott (choreographer). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbqVg_23otg 1:20‐1:37, 2:43‐3:11. ​ ​ Description: The “1 Thing” video portrays Amerie as a go‐go dancer, a racier image in contrast to her previous work. It was nominated at the 2005 MTV VMAs for Best Female Video and Best Choreography. The song appeared on the soundtrack of the 2005 comedy Hitch— footage from the ​ ​ film is interspersed throughout the video— as well as Amerie’s second studio album, Touch. Rolling nd ​ ​ ​ Stone ranked “1 Thing” the 22 ‐​ best song of the decade in 2009. ​ ​

13) What: “Take Control” music video. Who: Amerie (artist), Scott Franklin (director). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4evP8wRk3ys 1:27‐1:53. ​ ​ Description: “Take Control” was well‐received by critics, although not particularly successful as a single, failing to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. The video is primarily a recreation of the 1966 film ​ ​ Blowup, with some of the key scenes involving the U.S. senator’s assassination moved to a more ​ contemporary setting.

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14) What: “Gots Ta Be” music video. Who: B2K (artist), Dave Meyers (director). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1W4gim1RZhI 0:58‐1:30, 3:38‐4:00. ​ ​ Description: The video for one of boy band B2K’s first mainstream hits, “Gots To Be” features several sequences of hip‐hop break dancing, including an extra 12‐second segment towards the end featuring music not heard in the original song.

15) What: “Why I Love You” music video. Who: B2K (artist), (director). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gab1QvhJLJA&ob=av2e ​ Description: The third and final single from B2K’s eponymous debut album. The group member are seen dancing both in Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers jerseys on an outdoor basketball court (Omarion is seen wearing a now out‐of‐date #8 Kobe Bryant jersey) as well as in matching red‐and‐black leather jackets in an indoor studio. — then only 15, but now well‐known for her role in the TV series — also appears in the music video as Omarion’s love interest. The single ​ ​ reached #73 on the Billboard Hot 100. ​ ​

16) What: “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” music video. Who: Backstreet Boys (artist), (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer). When: 1997. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6XE1XRiLeY 2:14‐2:32, 3:48‐4:27. ​ ​ Description: Probably the Backstreet Boys’ most recognizable song, “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” is presented as a parody of the horror film genre, with the five Backstreet Boys all dressed as different monsters and dancing at a haunted house. Supermodel Josie Maran appears in this video as well. It won the award for Best Group Video and was nominated for Best Dance Video at the 1998 MTV VMAs.

17) What: “Baby Boy” music video Who: Beyoncé (lead artist), Sean Paul (featured artist), Jake Nava (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2003 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ucz_pm3LX8 2:06‐2:35; 3:21‐3:51 ​ ​ Description: One of Beyoncé’s first major successes as a leading artist, after beginning her career with Destiny’s Child. Both the song and the dance in the music video have Indian, Middle Eastern, and Jamaican dancehall influences. The video was filmed in Miami and spent 41 day on MTV’s ​ Request Live. The song spent nine weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 in fall 2003. ​ ​ ​

18) What: “Crazy in Love” music video Who: Beyoncé (lead artist), Jay‐Z (featured artist), Jake Nava (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. & LaVelle ​ ​ Smith, Jr. (choreographers). When: 2003. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ViwtNLUqkMY Solo dance: 0:28‐0:49. Group dance: ​ ​ 3:31‐3:53.

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Description: The music video to the lead single from Beyoncé’s debut album, , ​ ​ released in 2003. Winner of three MTV VMAs, the video echoes the song’s theme of being driven wild by romantic obsession. This is reflected not only in Beyoncé's dancing, but in the color patterns featured therein— notice how, in the climatic group dance, the dancers are wearing bright, attractive colors in front of a more neutral background. This represents the newfound joy one experiences at the start of a relationship— i.e. being driven “crazy in love.” ranked “Crazy in Love” the ​ ​ third‐best song of the decade in 2009. It was the #1 song in America for eight weeks in summer 2003 and won two Grammy Awards in 2004, as well as being nominated for Record of the Year.

19) What: “Déjà Vu” music video Who: Beyoncé (lead artist), Jay‐Z (featured artist), Sophie Muller (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2006 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQ9BWndKEgs 2:46‐3:32 ​ ​ Description: Music video to the lead single from Beyoncé’s 2006 sophomore album, B’Day. The video ​ ​ was filmed in , and Beyoncé’s solo dancing features swamp settings and couture‐inspired outfits native to the region. Some people were offended by Beyoncé’s revealing outfits and her sexually suggestive scenes with Jay‐Z; over 7,000 fans signed a petition demanding she reshoot the video. "Déjà Vu" became Beyonce’s sixth straight Billboard Top 10 single and was nominated for Best ​ ​ ​ Rap/Sung Collaboration and Best R&B Song at the 2007 Grammy Awards, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

20) What: “Diva” music video. Who: Beyoncé (artist), (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNM5HW13_O8 1:00‐1:39, 2:51‐3:38. ​ ​ Description: “Diva” was the second single off Beyoncé’s album I Am Sasha Fierce. Due to its similar ​ … ​ theme and beat, it has been called the female counterpart of Lil Wayne’s song, “.” Like the video of her previous single, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” the “Diva” video is shot in black‐and‐white, features a choreographed three‐person dance, and showcases Beyoncé’s aggressive alter ego, Sasha Fierce. “Diva” was filmed in the same location as the “Crazy in Love” video and concludes with a similar image of Beyoncé walking away from a car exploding under a bridge (unaccompanied by Jay‐Z this time, though).

21) What: “Ego” music video. Who: Beyoncé (artist & co‐director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (co‐director and choreographer). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbnPkK76Ask&ob=av2e 1:14‐2:02, 3:14‐4:02. ​ ​ Description: This is the official video for “Ego.” Two other versions exist: a remix video featuring Kanye ​ West, and a fan‐exclusive video. Like several other videos from the I Am Sasha Fierce album, the ​ ​ … ​ “Ego” video features a three‐person dance and is shot in black‐and‐white. The video was Beyoncé’s directorial debut, together with her longtime choreographer, Frank Gatson, Jr. The single was less successful than some of her previous works, peaking at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, but the version ​ ​ with Kanye West received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2010.

22) What: “Freakum Dress” music video. Who: Beyoncé (artist), (director), & Jonté Moaning (choreographers). ​ ​ When: 2007.

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Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ArDXxTsJJoo&ob=av3e 0:42‐1:12, 2:00‐2:34. ​ ​ Description: One of the eight videos filmed in two weeks for the B'Day Anthology Video Album. Tina ​ ​ Knowles, Beyoncé's mother and stylist, designed a total of thirty dresses for the shoot, including eight for her daughter. The video features Beyoncé and a number of models— including Ebony Haith from ​ ​ America's Next Top Model— dancing on a neon catwalk in different‐colored, constantly‐changing ​ dresses.

23) What: “Get Me Bodied” music video. Who: Beyoncé (artist & co‐director), (co‐director), Rhapsody (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNCC7tIcChY&ob=av3e 1:52‐2:19, 2:29‐2:56, ​ ​ 3:10‐3:29, 3:44‐4:23 (best one), 5:24‐5:34. Description: “Get Me Bodied,” was the first music video to feature all three members of Destiny’s Child together since their breakup the year before. Beyoncé's mother and stylist, , ​ ​ created over sixty outfits for Beyoncé and the fifty extras featured in the video. The video features these dancers performing at a formal party. The dance they perform is inspired by “the Frug” routine, as featured in 's film adaptation of the Broadway musical Sweet Charity. This is one of ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ several Beyoncé videos inspired by Fosse; “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” is another well‐known example.

24) What: “Green Light” music video. Who: Beyoncé (artist & co‐director), Melina Matsoukas (co‐director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOXvqkC3W4M&ob=av2e 1:22‐1:42, 1:52‐2:16, ​ ​ 2:35‐2:55. Description: The sixth and final single from Beyoncé’s sophomore album, B’Day. The music video ​ ​ features several references to Robert Palmer’s 1985 video “Addicted to Love,” including the guitar that Beyoncé uses as a prop. She claimed that the tall high heels and tight latex rubber suit that she wears in this video made it one of her most grueling shoots ever. “Green Light” was one of the eight videos that Beyoncé shot in a two‐week period for her B’Day Anthology Video Album. ​ ​

25) What: “Run the World (Girls)” music video. Who: Beyoncé (lead artist), (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMU_iwe6U 1:05‐1:43, 2:36‐3:03, 3:28‐3:48, ​ ​ 3:50‐4:43. Description: The “Run the World (Girls)” video was filmed in several locations in California, including Inglewood and the Mojave Desert. The dance scenes have been said to have a variety of influences— 80’s , , street, and African dance, Irish step‐dancing, ’s movie Mad Max and ​ ​ ​ ​ Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation,” among others. The climatic all‐female dance, staged as a confrontation against a group of armored men, could be said to echo the theme of female empowerment from Beyoncé’s past music videos, particularly “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” Beyoncé flew in 200 African dancers to Los Angeles for the dance sequences and worked with a total of eight choreographers, Frank Gatson, Jr. among them. “Run the World (Girls)” was nominated for Best Female Video, Best Choreography and Best Cinematography at the 2011 MTV VMAs;

17 unfortunately, it was also the least successful lead single from Beyoncé’s four so far, peaking at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100. ​ ​

26) What: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” music video. Who: Beyoncé (lead artist), Ebony Williams & (featured dancers), Jake Nava (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. & JaQuel Knight (choreographers) When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4m1EFMoRFvY 0:41‐0:51, 1:51‐2:00. ​ ​ Description: Probably Beyoncé’s most famous music video, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” is relatively minimalist, featuring only three women dancing in a bare, black‐&‐white setting. The video portrays Beyoncé as more aggressive and sensual than usual; not only is this true to her “Sasha Fierce” alter ego, but it is also consistent with the song’s theme of female empowerment and demanding respect from male counterparts. The three‐person dance routine that Beyoncé, Ebony Williams and Ashley Everett perform in the video is inspired by “Mexican Breakfast,” a Bob Fosse‐choreographed performance by his wife, Gwen Verdon, which was featured on The Ed Sullivan ​ ​ ​ Show in 1969. The “Single Ladies” dance includes elements of jazz, tap and hip‐hop dance, and is ​ credited with popularizing the flamboyant lead‐and‐follow dance style known as “J‐Setting.” The video became a viral hit, scoring 130 million views on YouTube and winning the 2009 MTV VMA for Video of the Year, among numerous other awards. The single has sold 6 million copies worldwide and won the 2009 Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Rolling Stone ranked it as the best song of 2008 th ​ ​ at the 50 ​ best of the 00’s decade. ​

27) What: “Sweet Dreams” music video. Who: Beyoncé (artist), Adria Petty (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JlxByc0‐V40 0:34‐1:12, 3:18‐3:35. ​ ​ Description: “Sweet Dreams” is sometimes considered the accompanying video to Beyoncé’s earlier single, “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).” Once again, Beyoncé makes use of her aggressive Sasha Fierce alter ego and performs a comparable three‐person dance. The golden suit she is wearing was crafted by French designer Thierry Mugler; she is also seen wearing roughly $36,000 worth of jewelry. In one scene, she is shown inscribed in a circle and square, a reference to the famous Virtruvian Man ​ drawing by Leonardo Da Vinci. The song was the fourth and final Billboard Top 10 single from the I ​ ​ ​ Am Sasha Fierce album. … ​

28) What: "Upgrade U" music video. Who: Beyoncé (lead artist & co‐director), Jay‐Z (featured artist), Melina Matsoukas (co‐director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nr8hPnZfMU 4:08‐4:31. ​ ​ Decription: Echoing the song's theme of luxury, the "Upgrade U" video features Beyonce in a gold mini‐dress dancing in a glamorous setting with a crew of male background dancers. She is also seen impersonating featured rapper Jay‐Z in another scene, mouthing his lyrics and dressed in a similar fashion.

29) What: “Video Phone” music video. Who: Beyoncé (lead artist), Lady Gaga (featured artist), Hype Williams (director), Frank Gatson, Jr., Phlex and Bryan Tanaka (choreographers).

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When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGkvXp0vdng 1:03‐1:18, 3:36‐3:59. ​ ​ Description: The video to the remixed version of the song by Beyoncé, this time with a guest verse by Lady Gaga. The video pays homage to Quentin Tarantino’s Reservoir Dogs (similarly to the two ​ ​ singers’ previous video collaboration, “Telephone”). Beyoncé and Lady Gaga are shown wearing various costumes, holding different‐colored firearms, and performing a synchronized duet that earned “Video Phone” a 2010 MTV VMA nomination for Best Choreography, among four others.

30) “Work It Out” music video Who: Beyoncé (artist), Matthew Rolston (director), Mike Myers (featured actor). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQLySgRW6y8 2:43‐3:00. ​ ​ Description: “Work It Out” was Beyoncé’s first mainstream solo single and released off the soundtrack of Austin Powers in Goldmember, a 2002 comedy starring both her and Mike Myers (who appears ​ ​ briefly in the video as Austin Powers). The video features Knowles playing Foxxy , her character in the film, and draws inspiration from various 1960's and 1970's imagery.

31) What: “Hey Mama” music video. Who: The Black Eyed Peas (artist), Rainbows & Vampires (co‐director), Fatima Robinson (co‐director ​ ​ ​ and choreographer) When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtczBseiAac 2:36‐3:22; 3:32‐3:51. ​ ​ Description: The Black Eyed Peas and featured dancers are seen performing at a club, a striped canvas room, and a multi‐colored “psychedelic limbo.” The video won the 2004 MTV VMA for Best Choreography, as well as gaining an additional nomination for Best Hip‐Hop Video. It was one of the first Black Eyed Peas videos to feature group member Fergie.

32) What: “Imma Be Rocking That Body” music video. Who: The Black Eyed Peas (artist), Rich Lee (director). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUFsQ5lTo6g 4:27‐4:58, 9:03‐9:55. ​ ​ Description: This video is a mash‐up of the two Black Eyed Peas , “Imma Be” and “.” The two excerpts feature a futuristic dance scene by computer‐generated robots. Filming for the video was done in Lancaster, California and was briefly interrupted by a sandstorm.

33) What: “My Humps” music video. Who: The Black Eyed Peas (artist), Fatima Robinson (co‐director & choreographer), Malik Hassan ​ ​ Sayeed (co‐director). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEe_eraFWWs&ob=av3e 0:28‐0:58, 2:06‐2:28, ​ ​ 3:03‐3:17. Description: The “My Humps” video features Fergie dancing with a crew of background dancers, along with multiple shops of the expensive jewelry and accessories described in the song’s lyrics (which will.i.am claims were originally meant for the Pussycat Dolls to perform). Despite winning the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, “My Humps” has become ​ ​ one of the most critically blasted singles ever, topping Rolling Stone’s list of the 20 Most Annoying ​ ​

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Songs Ever. The Black Eyed Peas have retired this song, and no longer perform it on their tours as of 2011.

34) What: “Just Fine” music video. Who: Mary J. Blige (artist), Chris Applebaum (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6ZjBPXSmnE&ob=av3e 0:14‐0:46 (best one), ​ ​ 1:34‐1:50, 3:01‐3:24. Description: Blige is seen dancing with electricity coming out of her hands, as well as before a row of colorful neon lights. The video was nominated for Best Hip‐Hop Video at the 2008 MTV VMAs, while the song itself was nominated at two different Grammy Awards— Best Female R&B Vocal Performance' in 2008, and Best Remixed Recording, Non‐Classical in 2009.

35) What: “Baby” music video. Who: Brandy (artist), Hype Williams (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer). When: 1995. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJzMlOXwOto 0:18‐0:38, 1:14‐1:32, 2:10‐2:38. ​ ​ Description: “Baby” shows Brandy and her background dancers performing on a white platform in City’s Times Square. The song was Brandy’s second mainstream single and reached #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. ​ ​

36) What: “He Wasn’t Man Enough” music video. Who: Toni Braxton (artist), Bille Woodruff (director). When: 2000. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_hKXk2qSuw 3:30‐3:54. ​ ​ Description: This is the dance sequence from the “He Wasn’t Man Enough” video. Most of the rest of the video portrays Braxton’s encounters with her ex‐lover and his current wife (portrayed by Keri Lewis and Robin Givens, respectively). The video features appearances by Rodney Chester, Dawnn ​ ​ ​ Lewis, and , Toni’s younger sister. It was nominated at the 2000 MTV VMAs for Best ​ ​ ​ Female Video and Best R&B Video.

37) What: “Crawl” music video. Who: Chris Brown (artist), Jospeh Kahn (director). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eLRpf6kwHs ​ Description: Brown spends most of the “Crawl” video trying to woo his love interest, portrayed by R&B singer Cassie. This excerpt, which appears towards the end, shows Brown performing a solo ​ ​ ​ dance, with the setting alternating between a wet alleyway and the desert. The song and video are said to represent the emotional struggles Brown had been going through at the time, following the backlash from his physical assault on in 2009.

38) What: “Forever” music video. Who: Chris Brown (lead artist), Megan Abrigo (featured model), Joseph Kahn (director), Tone & Rich (choreographers). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sMKX22BHeE 1:02‐1:34; 2:08‐2:39. ​ ​

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Description: Filmed in Los Angeles and directed by Joseph Kahn, the “Forever” music video features house dancing by Chris Brown and his background crew, as well as the famous Korean martial arts move, the “540 crescent kick” (featured in the second of the two cited clips above). The video was nominated for three MTV VMAs in 2008— Best Dancing in a Video, Best Choreography, and Video of the Year.

39) What: “Gimme That (remix)” music video. Who: Chris Brown (lead artist), Lil Wayne (featured artist), Erik White (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yl‐5FOZcr0 1:45‐2:00, 2:30‐4:15, 4:08‐4:20. ​ ​ Description: The remix of Chris Brown’s “Gimme That” features an additional verse by rapper Lil Wayne. The video was shot at the Los Angeles Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, although the ​ ​ ​ ​ setting was modeled after 1920s‐era . The costumes and choreography in the video borrow heavily from Michael Jackson’s works, particularly the music videos for “Smooth Criminal” and “You Rock My World.”

40) What: “I Can Transform Ya” music video. Who: Chris Brown (lead artist), Lil Wayne & Swizz Beatz (featured artists), Joseph Kahn (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kta9If‐sP4s 0:44‐1:08, 1:30‐2:06, 3:13‐3:36. ​ ​ Description: Brown with a group of hooded ninjas before an all‐white background. Much imagery from the Transformers movie franchise is featured throughout, and , one of the ​ ​ movie’s stars, makes a cameo appearance as well. Brown is seen spraying graffiti towards the screen, as a reference to his then‐unreleased album, Graffiti. ​ ​

41) What: “Kiss Kiss” music video. Who: Chris Brown (lead artist), T‐Pain (featured artist), Erik White (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eNII9PDlFJ0 1:28‐1:56. ​ ​ Description: The music video for “Kiss Kiss” was shot at International University's University ​ ​ ​ Park campus, in Miami, Florida. Brown has two different college‐age personas— a nerd and a jock, ​ ​ ​ both pursuing an attractive girl on campus. “Kiss Kiss” was nominated for Best Choreography at the 2008 MTV VMAs, one of Brown’s three nominated videos as a lead artist that night. It was Brown’s second (and thus far final) #1 single, after 2005’s “Run It!”

42) What: “Look At Me Now” music video. Who: Chris Brown (lead artist), Busta Rhymes & Lil Wayne (featured artists), (director). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gyLR4NfMiI 0:37‐1:03, 3:47‐4:03. ​ ​ Description: The “Look at Me Now” music video, filmed in Los Angeles, portrays a dance battle and street gathering within a graffiti‐covered parking garage. The video contains several cultural references— Brown is seen wearing a throwback Brooklyn Dodgers jersey, as well as the outfit worn by Mars Blackmon, ’s alter ego, in the film She’s Gotta Have It. Brown and Lil Wayne are also ​ ​ seen performing atop the same DeLorean featured in Back to the , complete with the famous ​ ​ license plate, “OUTATIME.” The video was rumored to feature LeBron James towards the beginning,

21 but this was later confirmed false. At the 2011 MTV VMAs, “Look At Me Now” garnered nominations for Best Hip‐Hop Video and Best Collaboration.

43) What: “Next 2 You” music video Who: Chris Brown (lead artist), Justin Bieber (featured artist), Colin Tilley (director). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEuQU6a90Pc 4:40‐5:12. ​ ​ Description: Amidst an apocalyptic setting, Brown and Bieber dance and sing while reminiscing about their lovers. The video was filmed both in Upper and at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. Shannon Elizabeth, of American Pie fame, plays Brown’s love interest in the video. ​ ​

44) What: “Run It!” music video Who: Chris Brown (lead artist), Juelz Santana (featured artist), Erik White (director). When: 2005 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6QGe‐pXgdI 2:02‐2:20 ​ ​ Description: The music video for American pop singer Chris Brown’s 2005 debut single, “Run It!” The single reached #1 in the , and the music video, features an impressive display of break dancing and freestyle dancing, is credited with bringing Brown nationwide fame and attention. It was nominated for a Viewer’s Choice award at the 2006 MTV VMAs. With “Run It!,” Brown became the ​ first male artist in over a decade to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart with a debut single; it remained in ​ ​ the top position for five straight weeks.

45) What: “Say Goodbye” music video. Who: Chris Brown (artist), Jesse Terrero (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ26gAc7BtU 0:49‐1:09. 2:28‐2:45. ​ ​ Description: Chris Brown’s fourth mainstream single and third to reach the Top 10 on the Billboard ​ Hot 100. The music video features him dancing and romancing his love interest, played by Janina Garraway. The song played at the beginning of the video is "Ain't No Way (You Won't Love Me)," also featured on his self‐titled debut album. “Say Goodbye” was included in the film Step Up. ​ ​

46) What: “She Ain’t You” music video. Who: Chris Brown (artist), Colin Tilley (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V2GzYcRK9E 0:44‐1:28, 2:19‐2:51. ​ ​ Description: “She Ain’t You” is a tribute to one of Brown’s greatest influences, Michael Jackson (the song itself samples “Human Nature” from the Thriller album). Brown is seen wearing Jackson’s famous ​ ​ white outfit from the “Smooth Criminal” video and performs many Jackson‐inspired dance moves.

36) What: “Wall to Wall” music video. Who: Chris Brown (artist & co‐director), Erik White (co‐director), Rich & Tone and Flii Stylz (choreographers). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=‐MXOspWx7ic 3:52‐4:58. ​ ​ Description: The “Wall to Wall” hip‐hop dance features elements from the movie Blade and the ​ ​ “Thriller” video. Several supernatural creatures, including a “female vampire” that bites Brown’s neck

22 as he is sitting in a car, are featured. , the song’s producer, appears in a cameo towards the end of the clip. It was nominated at the 2007 MTV VMAs for Best Choreography.

47) What: “Yeah 3x” music video. Who: Chris Brown (artist), Colin Tilley (director), Rich & Tone and Flii Stylz (choreographers). When: 2010 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mC2ixOAivA 1:30‐2:00, 2:00‐2:30, 2:44‐3:14, ​ ​ 3:45‐4:14. Description: As the lead single of his 2010 album, F.A.M.E., “Yeah 3x” was one of Brown’s comeback ​ ​ singles after being charged with felony assault in 2009. The music video— which portrays Brown rallying a neighborhood for a block party dance— was widely praised for showcasing Brown’s dancing talent: tricking, break dancing, mid‐air twirling and are among the techniques displayed in this clip. The video features cameo appearances by Kevin McCall, , and hip‐hop duo “Future ”; it has also been compared to Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make You Feel,” Janet Jackson’s “Alright,” and Brown’s own “Forever.” It was shot inside Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

48) “Yo (Excuse Me Miss)” music video. Who: Chris Brown (artist), Erik White (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn_6LC4loY8 0:48‐1:15, 1:51‐2:03, 3:41‐4:38. ​ ​ Description: The music video for Chris Brown’s second solo single features him performing for and pursuing his romantic interest, in similar fashion to Michael Jackson in his “The Way You Make Me Feel” music video. The video opens with music from Brown’s previous single, “Run It!” and ends with a break‐dance performed to his following single, “Gimme That.” Lil' JJ, , and DeRay Davis ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ make cameo appearances in the video.

49) What: “The Lazy Song” music video. Who: Bruno Mars (artist, co‐director & co‐choreographer), Cameron Duddy (co‐director), (co‐choreographers). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLexgOxsZu0 1:52‐2:18. ​ ​ Description: “The Lazy Song” video is one continuous shot of Bruno Mars and Californian dance crew “Poreotics” performing a comical dance while dressed in monkey costumes. A variety of styles are included — popping, choreography and robotics dancing especially. Phillip Lawrence, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ one of the song’s co‐writers, is the actor who enters onscreen midway through. An alternate, non‐dance version of the video was also released, starring Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, and Bruno Mars in a cameo role. “The Lazy Song” peaked at #5 in the U.S., becoming Bruno Mars’ third Top 5 single, but missed the top spot that his two previous singles, “Just the Way You Are” and “Grenade,” had reached. At the 2011 MTV VMAs, “The Lazy Song” was nominated for the award for Best Choreography.

50) What: “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" music video. Who: C+C Music Factory (artist), Marcus Nispel (director), Jamale Graves (choreographer), ​ ​ When: 1990. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl_F74xBvkk 0:03‐0:33, 3:53‐4:07. ​ ​

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Description: This song was C+C Music Factory’s debut single, and has since become one of the most recognizable songs of the 90’s. The video featured dancers performing in front of a white back drop. It won two MTV VMAs in 1991 and was nominated for an additional five awards.

51) What: “1, 2 Step” music video Who: Ciara (lead artist), Missy Elliot (featured artist), (director). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBHNgV6_znU 0:20‐0:40, 2:20‐2:35. ​ ​ Description: Filmed in , and featuring many prominent Southern hip‐hop and R&B artists, the “1, 2 Step” video was one of Ciara’s first nationwide hits. The “one‐two step” dance that Ciara and her dance crew perform became very popular after appearing in this video, and was inspired by the traditional “grapevine” dance of the Southern U.S. The video also features a scene of “roller dancing” by an Atlanta dance team, and was nominated at the 2005 MTV VMAs for Best Dance Video and Best New Artist in a Video. The song peaked at #2 in the U.S. and earned Ciara her first Grammy nomination, in the category of Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

52) What: “Get Up” music video. Who: Ciara (lead artist), Chamillionaire (featured artist), Joseph Kahn, (director) Booker Forte (choreographer). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtyPaMYuC0Q 1:27‐1:50, 3:14‐3:47, 4:10‐4:29. ​ ​ Description: “Get Up” features group choreography, led by Ciara, together with several special effects, including CGI landscapes and unilux strobe lighting. The final dance is performed in the rain, similarly to the famous dance scenes from Step Up—two of the stars from the film, and Jenna ​ ​ Devan, even make cameo appearances in this part in the video.

53) “Gimmie Dat” music video. Who: Ciara (artist), Melina Matsoukas (director). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MakgTQ_Ubzs 1:03‐1:46, 2:00‐2:45, 3:32‐4;19. ​ ​ Description: The “Gimmie Dat” music video takes place in and around a warehouse. Ciara is performing a duet with an accompanying male dancer, a high‐octane group dance atop a series of crates, a solo dance in the rain, and finally a closing dance with several of her clones. Ciara was in a dispute with her , , at the time the video was made, and thus was forced to finance it herself, rather than with the label’s help.

54) What: “Go Girl” music video. Who: Ciara (lead artist), T‐Pain (featured artist), Melina Matsoukas (director). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5lD5efhzQU 3:01‐3:53. ​ ​ Description: The lead single off of Ciara’s third album, . Ciara performs intense ​ ​ choreography in a dominatrix cat suit in front of construction scaffolding. The high‐octane, all‐female dance represents the theme of female empowerment described in the song’s lyrics.

55) What: “Goodies” music video. Who: Ciara (lead artist), Petey Pablo (featured artist), Benny Boom (director), Devyne Stephens (choreographer).

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When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtC92pzp5vw 1:15‐1:34, 2:20‐2:25, 3:12‐3:23. ​ ​ Description: “Goodies,” an ode to preserving one’s virginity, was Ciara’s debut single, first (and thus far only) Billboard #1 single, and remains her signature song. The video, which was filmed on location ​ ​ in Ciara’s hometown of Atlanta, , features cameos by many prominent artists from the area, most notably Lil Jon and Young Jeezy. The video marked the debut of her famous “backbend” move, which she has since repeated in many of her videos since then.

56) What: “Like A Boy” music video. Who: Ciara (artist), Diane Martel (director), Jamaica Craft (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HKH7Emy1SY 1:14‐1:28, 2:37‐3:13, 3:21‐3:53. ​ ​ Description: The black‐and‐white video for “Like a Boy” features a group dance led by Ciara, as well as scenes of her together with football player Reggie Bush. Her body is also decorated with numerous non‐permanent “video tattoos.” “Like A Boy” was nominated for Best Choreography at the 2007 MTV VMAs, but lost to Justin Timberlake’s “My Love.”

57) What: “Oh” music video. Who: Ciara (lead artist), Ludacris (featured artist), the Fat Cats (directors), Devyne Stephens (choreographer). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBHNgV6_znU 0:20‐0:40, 2:20‐2:35. ​ ​ Description: Nominated for Best R&B Video at the 2005 MTV VMAs, the “Oh” video features a varied display of southern and hip‐hop dancing, filmed on location in various different settings around Atlanta. This was Ciara’s third mainstream single as a lead artist.

58) What: “Promise” music video. Who: Ciara (artist), Diane Martel (director), Tina Landon (choreographer). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcGWy7xUZQE ​ Description: “Promise” features solo and group dancing by Ciara, at some points in hooded attire in a bare brown studio, and at other moments in white t‐shirts against a brick wall. The video was considerably successful, peaking at #4 on TRL. ​ ​

59) What: “Ride” music video. Who: Ciara (lead artist), Ludacris (featured artist), Diane Martel (director). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lp6W4aK1sbs 0:00‐0:22, 2:10‐2:36. ​ ​ Description: A “minimalistic” music video, “Ride” features Ciara in a fairly bare setting, performing a solo dance in a cut‐out bodysuit and Atlanta Braves cap, occasionally accompanied by guest MC Ludacris. The video was controversial for its edgy choreography, but still became another hit for Ciara.

60) What: “Can’t Be Tamed” music video. Who: Miley Cyrus (artist), Robert Hales (director), Jamal Sims (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjSG6z_13‐Q 1:37‐2:22. ​ ​

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Description: One of Miley Cyrus’ darker works, the “Can’t Be Tamed” music video features her and her team of forty dancers dressed as birds and breaking out of a cage. The video was a shift from the good‐girl image of Cyrus’ earlier days, and was designed to echo the song’s theme of overcoming social norms and defining one’s self. The video was filmed at Sony Studios in Culver City, California. ​ ​ ​ ​

61) What: “Party in the U.S.A.” music video Who: Miley Cyrus (artist), Chris Applebaum (director). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA 2:29‐2:54. ​ ​ Description: This excerpt from “Party in the U.S.A.” shows Miley Cyrus performing onstage with her background team in front of a giant American flag. Other parts of the video show Cyrus singing in a playground, a reference to John Travolta’s performance of the song “Sandy” in the 1978 movie Grease. The video received solid on many channels, and became newly popular on YouTube ​ following the death of terrorist Osama bin Laden in May 2011; the song was deemed a celebratory anthem for this event. With roughly 240 million views, it is now the ninth‐most watched video in YouTube history.

62) What: “Damaged” music video. Who: Danity Kane (artist), Syndrome (director), Miguel Antonio (choreographer). When: 2008. Time excerpts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8IBg0mVJ5Y 1:40‐2:05. ​ ​ Description: The music video to girl group Danity Kane’s second Billboard Top 10 Hit, “Damaged,” featured choreographed group dancing in a colorful, futuristic setting. The video was nominated for Best Pop Video and Best Dancing in a Video at the 2008 MTV VMAs.

63) What: “Goodbye” music video. Who: Kristinia DeBarge (artist), Ray Kay (director), Jamaica Craft (choreographer). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4576ymdmemQ 0:56‐1:20. ​ ​ Description: One‐hit wonder Kristinia DeBarge’s debut single “Goodbye” came with a music video featuring choreographed group dancing both on an outdoor platform and a basement party. It was nominated for Best Choreography at the 2009 MTV VMAs.

64) What: “Don’t Wanna Go Home” Who: Jason Derulo (artist), Rich Lee (director). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CGF_Z3yZAo 0:58‐1:42, 2:05‐2:57. ​ ​ Description: Derulo performs in an industrial warehouse with a number of dancers, including former member of the Pussycat Dolls, . Derulo was widely praised for his dance performance in this video. The song was released as the lead single of Derulo’s second album, Future ​ History, and peaked at #14 in the U.S. ​

65) What: “In My Head” music video. Who: Jason Derulo (artist), Kai Crawford (director), Kevin Maher (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UyG1FG3H6rY 2:08‐2:27, 2:58‐3:22. ​ ​

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Description: Consistent with the song’s lyrics, the “In My Head” video shows Jason Derulo daydreaming about encountering and attempting to impress his love interest. He dances for her in a parking lot and a . The video earned Derulo two 2010 MTV VMA nominations, in the categories of Best Male Video and Best New Artist in a Video. The video has been compared to Justin Timberlake’s “Like I Love You.”

66) What: “Ridin’ Solo” music video. Who: Jason Derulo (artist), Scott Speer (director), Kevin Maher (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ESdn0MuJWQ 2:23‐3:04. ​ ​ Description: The third single from Jason Derulo’s eponymous debut album, “Ridin’ Solo” features the singer in a number of settings, including a nightclub, riding a motorcycle, and dancing in front of a flashing in front of a flashing LED screen. Derulo begins the video with an excerpt of the song “Blind,” ​ ​ which was also featured on his debut album.

67) What: “The Sky’s the Limit” music video. Who: Jason Derulo (artist), Ethan Lader (director), Kevin Maher (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.msaagency.com/pr/msa/PRN‐kevin‐maher.aspx 1:07‐1:27. ​ ​ Description: The fourth single off Derulo’s first album and the last one with an accompanying music video. The premise is relatively simple: Derulo in seen dancing a glass room, alongside dancer Shay Maria. An excerpt from “In My Head” is also included at the end.

68) What: “Bootylicious” music video. Who: Destiny’s Child (artist), Matthew Rolston (director). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyYnnUcgeMc 2:19‐2:55. ​ ​ Description: “Bootylicious” was considered considerably racier than Destiny’s Child’s previous videos, featuring the three members performing somewhat sexually suggestive moves together with an all‐male crew. The group’s dancing in this video is largely influenced by Michael Jackson, featuring moves based on the choreography from the "Thriller", "Beat it", "Bad" and "The Way You Make Me ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Feel" music videos, as well as his famous live performances of “They Don’t Care About Us” and “Billie ​ Jean.” Destiny’s Child later dedicated the video to Jackson himself, and performed it at the 2001 th concert marking his 30 ​ anniversary as a solo entertainer. The video features appearances by Solange ​ Knowles, Beyoncé’s sister, and Stevie Nicks, lead singer of Fleetwood Mac. The word “bootylicious” has since become part of English‐language slang, used to describe something or someone sexually desirable.

69) What: “Cater 2 U” music video. Who: Destiny’s Child (artist), Jake Nava (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juqws1LIH‐I 1:02‐1:30, 2:20‐2:49. ​ ​ Description: Often considered their “swan song,” “Cater 2 U” was Destiny’s Child final single to chart in the U.S., before the group members disbanded in 2006 to pursue their solo careers; it also received two Grammy nomination. The music video features the three singers dancing and performing together in Red Rock Canyon State Park in California. Much emphasis is the natural beauty and scenery in the video.

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70) What: “Lose My Breath” music video Who: Destiny’s Child (artist), (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2004 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqeIiF0DlTg 0:25‐0:57, 2:54‐3:04. ​ ​ Description: The video portrays a hip‐hop dance‐off among three differently‐dressed versions of the pop group Destiny’s Child, who by turn adopt “in‐fashion," "street," and "fierce" personas. It received a nomination for Best Dance Video at the 2005 MTV VMAs. The song was Destiny’s Child’s eighth Billboard Top 5 single and was nominated at the 2005 Grammy Awards in the now‐defunct category ​ ​ ​ of Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo Or Group. ​ ​

71) What: “No, No, No” music video. Who: Destiny’s Child (artist), (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 1997. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQtoCz9dIJQ 0:33‐0:46, 1:33‐1:55. ​ ​ Description: The video for Destiny’s Child first mainstream single, “No, No, No” was directed by Darren Grant and features a slow choreographed dance by the quartet inside a clubhouse. The video was not filmed until 1998, after the video for Part II had been filmed.

72) What: “No, No, No Part II” music video. Who: Destiny’s Child (lead artist), Wyclef Jean (featured artist), Darren Grant (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 1997. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtKOD5Fc_Lc 0:58‐1:24. 2:22‐2:44. ​ ​ Description: A faster‐paced version of the original song, this time with an additional verse by Wyclef Jean. The video also takes place outside of the clubhouse setting of the original. Wyclef Jean made his first nationwide appearance as a featured artist in this video. This was Destiny’s Child’s first song to reach the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at #3. ​ ​

73) What: “Soldier” music video. Who: Destiny’s Child (lead artist), T.I. & Lil Wayne (featured artists), Ray Kay (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFJ3VKnwmJw 2:06‐2:28. ​ ​ Description: The black‐&‐white video features the three members of Destiny’s Child performing amidst a group of celebrities, including featured artists Lil Wayne and T.I., rappers Lloyd, , ​ ​ ​ ​ , WC and , and , Beyoncé's sister, who was pregnant at the time of ​ ​ ​ the shoot. “Soldier” was nominated at the 2005 MTV VMAs for Best Group Video; the single reached the #3 spot in the United States. The song received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2006.

74) What: “Souvenirs” music video. Who: Kristine Elezaj (artist), BB Gun (director). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWgT‐fa3oHo 0:46‐1:34. ​ ​

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Description: This excerpt from the “Souvenirs” music video shows Elezaj with a team of dancers in coats and ties and leather‐clad dancers. Her image and choreography in this video has been compared to that of Britney Spears in her early career.

75) What: “Warpath” music video. Who: Kristine Elezaj (artist), Dave Yarvo (director), Kevin Maher (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dP6yAFdMkQ 0:04‐0:28, 0:35‐1:02, 1:36‐2:12. ​ ​ Description: Albanian‐American pop singer Kristine Elezaj is seen dancing in the desert with a background team. This was one of her first mainstream singles, and the first off her debut album, No ​ Questions Remain. ​

76) What: “Free Your Mind” music video. Who: En Vogue (artist), (director) , Frank Gatson, Jr. & Lavelle Smith (choreographers). When: 1992. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7iQbBbMAFE&ob=av2e 3:00‐3:17. ​ ​ Description: "Free Your Mind" spent sixteen weeks in the Billboard Top 40 and was nominated for a ​ ​ Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. The video, featuring all four members dancing on a white stage, won the 1993 MTV VMAs for Best R&B Video, Best Dance Video, and Best Choreography, and was nominated for an additional five awards, including Video of the Year. It was also nominated for the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.

77) What: “My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)”music video. Who: En Vogue (artist), Matthew Rolston (director),Travis Payne, LaVelle Smith Jr. & Frank Gatson, Jr. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (choreographer). When: 1992. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpugp6DIb3I 0:27‐0:50, 1:09‐1:30. ​ ​ Description: En Vogue are seen dancing in a sultry, colorful setting. The video won the MTV VMA for Best Choreography, as well as being nominated for Best Group Video, Dance Video, Direction, Editing, and Cinematography.

78) What: 18) What: “1234” music video Who: Feist (artist), Patrick Daughters (director). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABYnqp‐bxvg 0:26‐1:09. ​ ​ Description: Music video by singer Feist for the third single off her 2007 album , and still ​ ​ her most successful single to date. The dance features elaborate group choreography and a wide variety of colorful outfits. “1234” was nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video.

79) What: "Run (I'm a Natural Disaster)", music video. Who: Gnarls Barkley (artist), Happy Massee (director), (choreographer). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2GA3a15xF0c&ob=av2e 1:13‐1:33, 2:30‐4:10. ​ ​ Description: Cee‐Lo and Mouse performing on a TV show called City Vibin'— modeled after ​ ​ the ‘80s hip‐hop program Graffiti Rock— accompanied by a floor full of performers. Justin Timberlake ​ ​

29 makes a cameo in the video. The video won the 2008 MTV VMAs for Best Art Direction and Best Choreography.

80) What: “Thinkin’ Bout Somethin’” music video. Who: Hanson (artist), Todd Edwards (director), Heather Hall (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmG0DqhfDbY 3:22‐3:58. ​ ​ Description: The music video for the lead single of pop band Hanson’s album, Shout It Out. The group ​ ​ dance scenes were filmed on location with several hundred extras in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where the band comes from. The video pays homage to the Blues Brothers and features a cameo from comedian “Weird Al” Yankovic.

81) What: “Circle” music video. Who: Marques Houston (artist), Chris Stokes (director). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sS4zJNp_10&feature=related 0:56‐1:16, ​ ​ 1:33‐1:51, 2:40‐3:12. Description: "Circle" was the third single from Marques Houston's third album, Veteran. It reached ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ #78 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video features him dancing in a black studio while wearing ​ ​ ​ dark outfits, as well as atop a piano in a white studio.

82) What: “All for You” music video. Who: Janet Jackson (artist), Dave Meyers (director), Shawnette Heard, Marty Kudelka & Roger Lee (choreographers). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2KabvvLF7M 0:48‐1:32, 3;10‐3:40, ​ ​ Description: In the video for Janet Jackson’s last Billboard #1 single to date, “All For You,” she and her ​ ​ crew are seen performing a high‐octane dance in colorful, two‐dimensional settings— a subway station, a beach town, and a Hollywood street. At the 2001 MTV VMAs, the video was nominated for Video of the Year, Best Female Video, Best Dance Video, and Best Choreography, although it did not ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ win any of these.

83) What: “Control” music video. Who: Janet Jackson (artist), Mary Lambert (director), (choreographer). When: 1986. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH8xbDGv7oY&feature=fvst 3:27‐4:02, 6:51‐7:24. ​ ​ Description: Janet Jackson’s onstage dance at Los Angeles’ Grand Olympic Auditorium in the “Control” video is meant to embody the ‘control’ that she is trying to gain over herself, as described in the song’s lyrics. Several musicians, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, , and Jerome Benton, ​ ​ ​ ​ are seen playing the instruments behind her. TV actress Ja’net Dubois plays Jackson’s mother in the opening scene of the video.

84) What: “Escapade” music video. Who: Janet Jackson (artist), Peter Smillie (director). When: 1990. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFX3gQHIroU 2:30‐3:20. ​ ​

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Description: The video for Janet Jackson’s third Billboard #1 single, “Escapade” features a dance by ​ ​ Janet Jackson and several costumed dancers at a Mardi Gras‐style festival. It was one of seven Top 10 singles off Jackson’s album Rhythm Nation 1814, which is also the only album ever to have Billboard ​ ​ ​ #1 singles in three different calendar years— this and “Black Cat” in 1990, “Miss You Much” in 1989, and "Love Will Never Do (Without You)" in 1991. ​ ​

35) What: “If” music video. Who: Janet Jackson (artist), Dominic Sena (director), Tina Landon (choreographer). When: 1993. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyciLWAv9BA 3:09‐3:52. ​ ​ Description: Janet Jackson and her crew perform a choreographed group dance at a futuristic Asian nightclub. Some of their suggestive dance moves are said to be consistent with the song’s theme of sexual desire and voyeurism. “If” won the 1994 MTV VMA for Best Female Video, as well as being nominated for Best Dance Video.

85) What: “The Pleasure Principle” music video. Who: Janet Jackson (artist), Dominic Sena (director), (choreographer). When: 1987. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q‐gu1KETjVY 2:37‐2:57, 3:12‐3:58, 4:00‐4:32. ​ ​ Description: Janet Jackson is the lone figure to appear in her video for her song “The Pleasure Principle.” Its concept is relatively simple—Jackson enters an empty loft to practice her dancing, moving across the entire space in the process. “The Pleasure Principle” was relatively successful on the charts, if not quite to the same degree as the other singles from her breakthrough album, Closer. ​ ​ The video was nominated at the 1988 MTV VMAs for Best Female Video and won the award for Best Choreography.

86) What: “Rhythm Nation” music video. Who: Janet Jackson (artist), Dominic Sena (director), Anthony Thomas (choreographer). When: 1989. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAwaNWGLM0c 0:38‐1:01, 2:47‐3:27, 3:52‐4:20. ​ ​ Description: One of Janet Jackson’s most famous and influential videos, “Rhythm Nation” is memorable for its energetic, military‐inspired choreography within an abandoned factory. The video’s militant iconography has been said to represent a demand for both racial and gender equality in contemporary society. Tyrin Turner, later the star of the 1993 urban gangster hit, Menace II Society, ​ ​ makes a cameo appearance in the video, as a bystander observing the dance from behind a chain‐link th th fence. VH1 and MTV ranked the video 37 ​ and 44 ,​ respectively, on their lists of the greatest music ​ ​ videos ever made.

87) What: “So Excited” music video. Who: Janet Jackson (lead artist), Khia (featured artist), Joseph Kahn (director), Gil Duldulao (choreographer). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kxk2f1Fujs&playnext=1&list=PLD4E6A67F39514553 0:10‐0:52, ​ 1:30‐2:10, 2:33‐3:00.

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Description: This was the second single from Janet Jackson’s 2006 album, 20 Y.O., which was released th ​ ​ to commemorate the 20 ​ anniversary of Jackson’s career as a performing artist. Footage of Jackson ​ dancing is interspersed with shots of Khia’s rap.

88) What: “When I Think Of You.” Who: Janet Jackson (artist), (director), Paula Abdul (choreographer). When: 1986. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaleKN9GQ54&ob=av2e 1:55‐2:15, 2:57‐3:09, ​ ​ 3:50‐4:20. Description: Jackson is seen going around dancing in various locations in an urban neighborhood. Jackson filmed this video with British director Julien Temple; the opening sequence of the video is a reference to the director's 1986 film Absolute Beginners. Two of Jackson's nephews, TJ and Taryll ​ ​ ​ Jackson, make cameo appearances in the video. When this song went #1 in the U.S., Janet and her ​ brother, Michael, became the first siblings to both have Billboard #1 singles as solo artists. ​ ​

89) What: “Bad” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (artist), (director), Jeffrey Daniel (choreographer). When: 1987. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsUXAEzaC3Q 2:51‐3:42. ​ ​ Description: A 17‐minute short film directed by Martin Scorsese was made of the title track off of Michael Jackson’s 1987 album Bad. The dance sequence is essentially a contemporary version of the ​ ​ “Cool” scene from West Side Story, filmed at the Hoyt–Schermerhorn subway station in New York. In ​ ​ contrast to his previous videos, the video features an edgier, more aggressive‐acting Jackson, and audiences were shocked at Jackson’s dramatically altered appearance, particularly his much lighter skin (Jackson attributed this to a skin disease called vitiligo, rather than skin bleaching as many suspected it to be). “Bad” was originally supposed to be a duet with Jackson’s counterpart, .

90) What: “Beat It” music video Who: Michael Jackson (artist), Bob Giraldi (writer & director), (choreographer), (featured dancer). When: 1983 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeKIGJyKYn8 4:00‐4:22 ​ ​ Description: “Beat It” was one of the first music videos by a black artist to be prominently featured on MTV, and still widely considered one of the greatest music videos ever made. The video is also considered MJ’s first approach to black youth and urban culture— it features 80 actual members of the notorious Los Angeles gangs, the Bloods and the Crips, facing off in the garage of a rundown neighborhood. The synchronized group dance at the end— featuring the same style of “mass choreography” as the “Thriller” video— following the knife fight between the two gang leaders, symbolizes the fostering of peace between the two gangs. West Side Story has been cited as an ​ ​ influence on this video.

91) What: “Billie Jean” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (artist & choreographer), (director). When: 1983. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zi_XLOBDo_Y&ob=av3e 1:50‐3:30. ​ ​

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Description: “Billie Jean” is widely considered one of the most famous and successful singles in music history. Its music video was arguably the first to bring mainstream attention to MTV, as well as the first video by a black artist to be played in heavy rotation on the channel. This famous excerpt from the video— which was partially inspired by the film Somebody Up There Likes Me—features Jackson, ​ ​ wearing what is now one of his trademark outfits, dancing on a sidewalk with tiles that light up every time he steps on them. All of the solo moves in the video were choreographed by Jackson himself. th MTV ranked it as the 35 ​ greatest music video ever. ​

92) What: “Black or White” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (artist), (director). When: 1991. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2AitTPI5U0 3:47‐4:10, 2:18‐3:12. ​ ​ Description: “Black or White” was one of the first music videos to feature the technique of “morphing,” as Jackson is seen dancing in one international location after the next, including the Serengeti, the American Midwest, and before Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. The video features appearances by , Tess Harper, and George Wendt, model Tyra Banks, dancer ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ , and Michael’s niece, Jackie Jackson. In the original version of the video, Jackson is seen vandalizing Nazi and KKK propaganda in an empty alleyway— this imagery was deemed too offensive, and was removed from the final version of the video. “Black or White” set the record for most viewers ever for a music video, with approximately 500 million viewers in 27 countries watching the video upon its premiere. In 2009, Rolling Stone described ​ ​ the video as an “instant classic,” saying that “his future, for maybe the last time, looked virtually infinite.”

93) What: “Jam” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (artist), David Kellogg (director), Barry Lather (choreographer). When: 1991. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbHI1yI1Ndk 4:00‐4:50. ​ ​ Description: Michael Jordan joins Michael Jackson at an abandoned basketball court, and teaches him basketball moves in exchange for Jackson teaching him dance moves. Rapper and rap duo Kriss Kross make cameo appearances in the video. The song was later featured on the Bulls' ​ ​ 1992 NBA Championship video "Untouchabulls".

94) What: “Remember the Time” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (artist), John Singleton (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer). When: 1992. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LeiFF0gvqcc 6:26‐7:03, 7:04‐7:58. ​ ​ Description: This short film from Michael Jackson is set in Ancient Egypt and features appearances by Eddie Murphy, Iman, The Pharcyde, , Tom "Tiny" Lister, Jr. and Wylie Draper. It became ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ one of the most successful videos of the second half of Jackson’s career, and the dance scenes were praised for their elaborate costumes and physically challenging choreography. Michael’s kiss in this video— between him and “Queen Nefertiti,” played by actress Iman— was his first on‐screen kiss ​ ​ ever.

95) What: “Smooth Criminal” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (artist), Colin Chilvers (director), Jeffrey Daniel & Vincent Paterson (choreographers).

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When: 1988. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TWucYbAp8Lk 3:53‐4:35, 6:38‐7:30. ​ ​ Description: An excerpt from Jackson’s 1988 anthology film Moonwalker was released as the official ​ ​ music video for “Smooth Criminal,” the seventh single from the Bad album. Jackson is seen ​ ​ performing at a nightclub in a white tuxedo and hat, now one of his most iconic and recognizable outfits. The video is notable for its high‐octane choreography, as well as the “anti‐gravity lean” featured in the second excerpt, which was achieved by pegging the dancers’ shoes to the ground.

96) What: “Thriller” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (lead artist & co‐choreographer), Vincent Price (featured artist), John Landis (director), Michael Peters (co‐choreographer). When: 1983. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOnqjkJTMaA Zombie dance segment: 8:28‐9:40. ​ ​ With MJ singing as well: 9:40‐10:34. Description: The 1983 music video to the title track from Michael Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller, still ​ ​ the best‐selling LP of all time. In this 14‐minute video (the longest music video ever made at the time), Michael Jackson turns into a werewolf and zombie and terrorizes the girl with whom he walks home after an outing at the movies. It is especially famous for the “zombie dance” midway through, which featured MJ’s trademark use of "mass choreography" of synchronized dancers. The video is considered a major cultural milestone— it helped cement Michael Jackson’s status as a global superstar, helped to legitimize the MTV network, and was ranked the best music video ever by both VH1 and MTV. It was also the first music video to be added to the National Film Registry at the Library of Congress, in 2009.

97) What: “The Way You Make Me Feel” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (artist), Tatiana Thumbtzen (featured model), LaToya Jackson (featured actress), Michael Nesmith (director), Jeffrey Daniel (choreographer). When: 1987. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzZ_urpj4As 5:22 ​ ​ Description: This was the third single off Jackson’s hit album, Bad, and was one of a record five singles ​ ​ from the album to go #1 in the U.S. It features Jackson’s trademark choreographed group dancing, as well as some of his solo street dancing as he pursues and entertains a woman— model Tatiana Thumbtzen— similar to that featured in his past videos such as “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” It has been since become one of Jackson’s most imitated works.

98) What: “You Rock My World” music video. Who: Michael Jackson (artist), (actor), Paul Hunter (director), Anthony & Richmond Talauega (choreographers). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1‐7ABIM2qjU 4:40‐4:53, 6:11‐6:33, 6:53‐7:13, ​ ​ 9:31‐9:45, 10:14‐10:46. Description: “You Rock My World” was the lead single from Invincible, the only album of all‐new ​ ​ material that Michael Jackson released in the last 18 years of his life. The 14‐minute video contains similar imagery and plot elements to many of Jackson’s past music videos, including “Smooth Criminal” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.” It features Jackson and comedian Chris Tucker pursuing an attractive woman through the neighborhood street, before being confronted by a gang in a clubhouse. , Michael Madsen and all appear in this video.

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99) What: “Jump” music video. Who: Kriss Kross (artist), Rich Murray (director). When: 1992. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=010KyIQjkTk 0:21‐0:31, 0:40‐1:25. ​ ​ Description: By far teenage rap duo Kriss Kross’ most famous and popular song, “Jump” spent eight weeks at #1 in the US in the spring of 1992. The video— which reached #1 on MTV and was nominated for Best Rap Video at the 1992 MTV VMAs— features the duo performing a hip‐hop dance, while sporting their trademark style of wearing their clothes backwards.

100) What: “Alejandro” music video. Who: Lady Gaga (artist), Stephen Klein (director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=niqrrmev4mA 4:10‐4:35, 5:36‐6:14, 6:14‐6:35, ​ ​ 7:34‐7:54. Description: The “Alejandro” video, featuring dance scenes with surrealist, religious and militant imagery, represents Lady Gaga’s struggle between light and dark forces, her relationship with homosexuals, and “the pain of living without your true love” (according to director Stephen Klein). Critics have compared it to the videos for Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” and “Vogue,” Christina Aguilera’s “Not Myself Tonight,” and Janet Jackson's “Rhythm Nation,” as well as the films Cabaret, Evita and ​ ​ ​ ​ The Matrix— although the director insists the video’s primary inspiration was his own past piece, The ​ ​ Stephen Klein Academy. The Catholic League criticized some of the religious imagery in the video, ​ including the allegedly blasphemous image of Gaga, dressed as Joan of Arc, swallowing rosary beads. “Alejandro” became the first music video to score 25 million views on YouTube in its first three weeks, and currently has roughly 150 million views. The song was also Gaga’s seventh straight Billboard Top ​ ​ 10 single and reached the Top 5 or better in nineteen European countries.

101) What: “Bad Romance” music video. Who: Lady Gaga (artist), Francis Lawrence (director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (choreographer). When: 2009 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrO4YZeyl0I 0:55‐1:02; 2:49‐2:59; 4:27‐4:44. ​ ​ Description: Winner of the 2010 MTV VMA for Video of the Year, the 2011 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video, and also the second‐most watched music video in YouTube history, the “Bad Romance” video portrays Gaga getting captured and sold to the Russian Mafia. Then, as she approaches the man who has purchased her, she engulfs his bed in flames— possibly another one of Gaga’s female empowerment messages, similar to that of “Telephone” and other videos and songs of hers. The video features elements of the works of Michael Jackson (the synchronized group choreography in this video is reminiscent of Jackson’s works, including “Thriller”) Maurice Sendak (the white costumes the dancers wear are inspired by Where the Wild Things Are) and Stanley Kubrick (the ​ ​ white‐room setting resembles that from the end of 2001: A Space Odyssey). ​ ​

102) What: “Born This Way” music video. Who: Lady Gaga (lead artist), Rick “Zombie Boy” Genest (actor), Nick Knight (director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (choreographer). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wV1FrqwZyKw 3:00‐4:01 ​ ​ Description: This is the video for the title track and lead single from Lady Gaga’s sophomore album, Born This Way. It takes place within a black vortex, in which Gaga and her background crew ​

35 performed an elaborately choreographed dance. The video contains many cultural and artistic influences, including Michael Jackson, Madonna, Alfred Hitchcock, Greek mythology, fairy tales, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ surrealism and the work of fashion designer Alexander McQueen. In one scene, Gaga appears beside ​ ​ ​ Rick Genest, aka “Zombie Boy,” an actor whose entire body is tattooed to make him look like a corpse— Gaga needed an hour of makeup to resemble him before each shoot. “Born This Way” is currently the fastest‐selling single in the history of iTunes, having sold one ​ ​ million copies in its first five days. It spent six straight weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and is one of only 20 songs in history to debut in the top spot. At the 2011 MTV VMAs, the video was nominated in the brand‐new category of Best Video with a Message (due to the video and lyrics’ anti‐xenophobia theme), as well as Best Female Video.

103) What: “The Edge of Glory” music video. Who: Lady Gaga (artist & director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (choreographer). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeWBS0JBNzQ 1:37‐1:50, 3:24‐3:46. ​ ​ Description: Lady Gaga’s self‐directed clip for “The Edge of Glory” features her performing on the streets and escapes of a alleyway. This is a relatively simple concept, especially in contrast to Gaga’s previous videos; the original director, Joseph Kahn, wanted the video to be more complex and filmed in multiple settings around New York City, but his idea was scrapped after he himself was dropped as the director. Clarence Clemons, seen playing the saxophone, is the only other person besides Gaga to appear in the video; sadly, Clemons died only two days after the video premiered on June 18, 2011. The video was said to have many ‘80s influences, including the “Billie Jean” and “Papa Don’t Preach” videos by Michael Jackson and Madonna, respectively.

104) What: “Judas” music video. Who: Lady Gaga (artist & co‐director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (co‐director & choreographer). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wagn8Wrmzuc&ob=av2e 1:38‐2:16, 3:00‐3:22. ​ ​ Description: The “Judas” video loosely recounts the story of Jesus Christ and Judas Iscariot, interspersed with footage of Gaga and her team dancing in a building called Electric Chapel (a reference to another song on the Born This Way album). Norman Reedus portrays Judas, Rick ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Gonzalez portrays Jesus, Gaga herself portrays Mary Magdalene, and a team of motorcycle riders are the twelve disciples. Some religious groups like the Catholic League criticized the video for its portrayal and sexualization of these biblical figures, but the video was successful on many channels and earned two MTV VMA nominations in 2011 for Best Choreography and Best Art Direction. The song became Gaga’s ninth Billboard Top 10 single. ​ ​ Along with its religious imagery, the video also contains a great deal of historical and cultural references: Gaga’s makeup in one scene is modeled after the Egyptian “Eye of Horus,” and the scene of her standing on a rock as waves engulf her is reminiscent of Sandro Botticelli's famous painting The ​ ​ ​ Birth of Venus. ​

105) What: “LoveGame” music video Who: Lady Gaga (artist), Joseph Kahn (director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (choreographer). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mB0tP1I‐14 0:56‐1:15, 2:54‐3:22. ​ ​ Description: Filmed in Los Angeles but set in Gaga’s home city of New York, the “LoveGame” video features references to Michael Jackson’s “Bad” (group dance scenes in a New York Subway station)

36 and possibly Britney Spears’ “Toxic” (Gaga is shown several times wearing only strategically‐placed crystals, just as Spears did in “Toxic”). “LoveGame” became another international hit for Gaga, becoming her third Top 5 hit in the U.S., but the video faced censorship issues in and the Middle East, among other areas, due to its erotic overtone and imagery.

106) What: “Paparazzi” music video. Who: Lady Gaga (artist), Jonas Âkerlund (director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (choreographer). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2smz_1L2_0 4:27‐4:51. ​ ​ Description: Lady Gaga dancing in a white body suit with choreographed dancers. Despite being seven minutes long, “Paparazzi” features relatively little dancing, in contrast to her other videos, concentrating instead primarily on the revenge story between Gaga and her ex‐lover (this storyline would later be continued in the video for her 2010 single, “Telephone”). The video won Best Art Direction and Best Special Effects at the 2009 MTV VMAs.

107) What: “Poker Face” music video. Who: Lady Gaga (artist), Ray Kay (director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (choreographer). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bESGLojNYSo 0:56‐1:12, 1:52‐2:18. ​ ​ Description: “Poker Face” remains one of Lady Gaga’s most successful worldwide singles, going #1 in twenty countries worldwide, selling 9.8 million digital copies, and earning 2009 Grammy nominations for Record and Song of the Year. The video features her dancing at a masquerade held at a getaway villa on “Poker Island.” It four nominations at the 2009 MTV VMAs—Video of the Year, Best New ​ ​ ​ Artist, Best Female Video and Best Pop Video. The images of her in this video are considered to be ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ among her most iconic looks.

108) What: “Telephone” music video. Who: Lady Gaga (lead artist), Beyoncé (featured artist), Jonas Âkerlund (director), Laurie‐Ann Gibson (choreographer). Time excerpts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EVBsypHzF3U 3:34‐4:04 (prison dance), 7:41‐8:12 ​ ​ (kitchen dance), 7:41‐8:12 (climatic dance). When: 2010 Description: A nine‐minute video to Lady Gaga’s single “Telephone,” featuring many references to comic books (, Wonder Woman), Hollywood (Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill Vol. 1, Thelma & Louise) and ​ ​ art (, Roy Lichtenstein). Lady Gaga and Beyoncé are two of the leading figures on today’s pop music landscape, now more female‐dominated than ever before. Their dancing in this video can be seen to collectively symbolize this female empowerment, as they are confined to prisoner and housewife status in the first two clips, but ultimately advance to strong, Wonder Woman‐like figures in the finale. It was nominated at the 2010 MTV VMAs for Video of the Year and Best Choreography, and winner of the award for Best Collaboration. The track was originally written for Britney Spears’ 2008 album, Circus, but Lady Gaga claimed it after it failed to make the cut. It received a 2009 ​ ​ Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. ​

109) What: “Champagne Showers” music video. Who: LMFAO (artist), Mickey Finnegan (director), (choreographers). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA8rcLvS1BY 3:25‐4:10, 6:01‐6:36. ​ ​

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Description: “Champagne Showers” is largely a continuation of the video for the group’s previous single, “Party Rockers Anthem,” featuring characters in the same outfits performing similar dance moves. This time, however, the horror film parodied is From Dawn Till Dusk by Robert Rodriguez. ​ ​ Dance teams Quest Crew, winners of Season 3 of America's Best Dance Crew, and the Shuffle Bot, ​ ​ appear in the video as well.

110) “Party Rock Anthem” music video. Who: LMFAO (lead artist), Lauren Bennett & GoonRock (featured artists), Mickey Finnegan (director), ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Quest Crew (choreographers). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ6zr6kCPj8 2:24‐2:36, 2:53‐3:08, 3:40‐4:11, ​ ​ 5:58‐4:11. Description: The “Party Rock Anthem” video is built as a parody of the 2002 film 28 Days Later, ​ ​ portraying a neighborhood taken over by a dancing “epidemic.” The video features a variety of dance movements, including break dancing, shuffling, and the “Running Man” of the late 80’s/early 90’s. Malcolm Goodwin, Colette Car, and American dance team “Quest Crew” (who also arranged the choreography in the video) are featured. The video also contains a fair amount of product placement, with items like Cherry Tree Cola and Beats by Dr. Dre headphones visible. The song has reached #1 in twelve countries worldwide, including the United States. At the 2011 MTV VMAs, “Party Rock Anthem” was nominated for Best Choreography.

111) What: “4 Minutes” music video. Who: Madonna (lead artist), Justin Timberlake & Timbaland (featured artists), Jonas & François (directors), Jamie King (choreographer). When: 2008. Time excerpts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bHHUhcV2eVY 3:09‐4:04. ​ ​ Description: Madonna and Justin Timberlake perform a duet dance while being chased and devoured by a massive “black vortex,” which is consistent with the song’s apocalyptic theme. The video was praised for its strong momentum, and was nominated at the 2008 MTV VMAs for Best Dancing in a Video. “4 Minutes” peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Madonna’s highest‐charting single since 2000’s “Music.” It was nominated for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

112) What: “Don’t Tell Me” music video. Who: Madonna (artist), Jean‐Baptiste Mondino (director), Alex Magno (choreographer). When: 2000. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRLHro9EPD0 2:15‐2:54, 3:00‐3:22. ​ ​ Description: A choreographed dance routine by Madonna with a black‐outfitted group of cowboys. The single sold 4.5 million copies worldwide and was nominated for Best Choreography and Best Female Video at the 2001 MTV VMAs. It was Madonna’s last song to chart in the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100 until 2008’s “4 Minutes.” ​

113) What: "Human Nature" music video. Who: Madonna (artist), Jean‐Baptiste Mondino (director), Jamie King (choreographer). When: 1995. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS6FCoq349o 1:00‐1:40. ​ ​

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Description: "Human Nature" features Madonna and her crew dancing in black leather and latex suits, which are said to represent the "constrictions of our society." The S&M‐inspired imagery in the music video was inspired by the work of comic artist and fetish illustrator Eric Stanton. Madonna's dance costume in this video is now included in the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame.

114) What: "Hung Up" music video. Who: Madonna (lead artist), Johan Reck (director), Jamie King (choreographer). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDwb9jOVRtU 4:38‐5:22. ​ ​ Description: "Hung Up" was Madonna's most successful single in years, reaching #1 in many countries worldwide. The music video is a tribute to John Travolta, with Madonna imitating many of his dance routines from films like Saturday Night Fever and Grease. She is seen dancing in a ballet studio and ​ ​ ​ ​ night club, while her extras perform in varied urban locations such as an apartment complex, a Chinese restaurant, and a bus stop. The video was nominated for five MTV VMAs in 2006 and became th a worldwide hit. Rolling Stone ranked the song as the 66 ‐​ best song of the ‘00s decade in 2009. ​ ​ ​

115) What: "Sorry" music video. Who: Madonna (artist), Jamie King (director), Talauega Brothers (choreographer). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5OPMI13qng 2:47‐3:12, 3:58‐4:10. ​ ​ Description: Following "Hung Up," "Sorry" was the second single off Madonna's album, Confessions ​ on a Dance Floor. Accordingly, the "Sorry" video is a continuation of the "Hung Up" video, and both ​ videos feature many of the same dancers, settings and costumes. The video features some exciting break dancing filmed inside a cage, as well as dance roller skating.

116) What: “Vogue” music video. Who: Madonna (artist), (director), Vicki Miles (producer), Karole Armitage (choreographer). When: 1990. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuJQSAiODqI 2:28‐2:47, 1:40‐1:57, 4:15‐4:47. ​ ​ Description: An old‐fashioned black‐and‐white dance video by Madonna, which pays homage to the female stars and the “Art Deco” art design from the Golden Age of Hollywood (including the works of 1930’s photographer Horst P. Horst and 1920’s artist Tamara de Lempicka). Though controversial for the revealing clothing worn by Madonna, the “Vogue” video became a major success, winning three th MTV VMA’s and ranked the 28 ​ best music video ever by Rolling Stone. It’s also credited with ​ ​ ​ popularizing the “vogue” dance style featured therein.

117) What: “Cinematic” music video. Who: Jessi Malay (artist), Thomas Kloss (director), Kevin Maher (choreographer). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36k‐4PCksiE 1:03‐1:21. ​ ​ Description: R&B singer Jessi Malay, former member of the group No Secrets, is seen dancing in a studio, accompanied by two background dancers. DJ Felli Fel, who collaborated with Malay on the track, is also seen in the video.

118) What: “Let Me Love You” music video. Who: Mario (artist), Little X (director).

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When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=geTVI6kDuEk&feature=fvst 1:44‐2:22, 3:00‐3:28, ​ ​ 3:36‐4:06. Description: “Let Me Love You” shows R&B single Mario performing in a colored studio with a background dance crew, as well as a duet with a female model. “Let Me Love You” was the #1 single in the US for the first nine weeks of 2005, and the music video received an MTV Australia Awards ​ nomination for Best R&B Music Video.

119) What: “U Can’t Touch This” music video. Who: MC Hammer (artist & co‐choreographer), Ho Frat Hooo! (co‐choreographer). When: 1990. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otCpCn0l4Wo 0:23‐0:53, 1:52‐2:10 (best excerpt), ​ ​ 2:10‐2:52. Description: “U Can’t Touch This” is easily MC Hammer’s best‐known single and music video. Hammer is seen performing his famous break‐dancing and “Running Man” dance move. He is also wearing the airy “parachute pants” that he helped popularize. Some critics have denounced this video for its commercialization of hip‐hop music; nonetheless, it has become MC Hammer’s signature work and won the 1990 MTV VMAs for Best Dance Video and Best Rap Video, along with garnering three other nominations.

120) What: “Dip It Low” music video. Who: Christina Milian (artist), Matthew Rolston (director). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5z5Mvyp1QHw&ob=av3e 0:42‐1:09, 1:32‐2:14. ​ ​ Description: “Dip It Low” remains Milian’s only single to reach the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100. It ​ ​ peaked at #5 and was nominated for a 2005 Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. The ​ ​ video features her dancing in an East Asian‐themed room. There have been some lawsuits over the unauthorized use of a sample of the 1993 song “La Sirena” in “Dip It Low”.

121) What: “Say I” music video. Who: Christina Milian (lead artist & co‐director), Young Jeezy (featured artist), Ray Kay (co‐director). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpU0QVpg3Mk 1;17‐1:43, 1;51‐2:14. ​ ​ Description: “Say I” features nighttime hip‐hop dancing on a bridge by Christina Milian and her crew. Although the clip was popular on video channels, Milian was dropped from Island Records shortly after its release.

122) What: “Get Ur Freak On” music video. Who: Missy Elliott (artist), Paul Meyers (director). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPoKiGQzbSQ 2:54‐3:30, 2:16‐2:46. ​ ​ Description: The “Get Ur Freak On” video takes place in the jungle and features cameo appearances from hip‐hop artists Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, and Timbaland, who co‐wrote and co‐produced the song, basing the beat off the Indian music form, “Bhangra.” Rolling Stone ranked th ​ ​ “Get Ur Freak On” the 14 ‐​ best song of the decade in 2009. ​

123) What: “I’m Really Hot” music video.

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Who: Missy Elliott (artist), Bryan Barber (director). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYExg7T‐MCM 1:33‐1;53, 1:57‐2:09, 2:19‐2:47, ​ ​ 3:23‐3:45, 4:00‐4:19. Description: This video portrays an alleyway dance battle between an African‐American hip‐hop crew led by Missy Elliott and a rival Japanese dance team. Intermittent shots of individual break dancers are also included in the video, which pays homage to Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol. 2. It was ​ ​ nominated for Best Dance Video at the 2004 MTV VMAs.

124) What: “One Minute Man” music video. Who: Missy Elliott (lead artist), Ludacris & Trina (featured artists), Dave Meyers (director). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XayUCLgxS5c&NR=1 0:20‐0:48, 1:12‐1:20, ​ ​ 1:40‐2:02 Description: Choreographed group dance inside the “Get Ur Freak On” , a reference to Missy Elliott’s previous single. The video features an additional verse by female MC Trina not present on the album version of the song.

125) What: “Tightrope” music video. Who: Janelle Monáe (lead artist & choreographer), Big Boi (featured artist), Wendy Morgan (director), Memphis Jookin Community, (choreographers). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnefUaKCbc 1:02‐1:48; 3:07‐3:44. ​ ​ Description: In the “Tightrope” video, dance is used as a form of rebellion against the austere nature of the insane asylum, named the “Palace of the Dogs,” where the video takes place. The “Tightrope” music video references the classic 1943 short film, "Meshes of the Afternoon.” The video was nominated for a 2010 MTV VMA for Best Choreography, and was named the #1 Music Video of 2010 by British magazine, New Musical Express (NME). ​ ​

126) What: “Street Symphony” music video. Who: Monica (artist), Darren Grant (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 1999. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCNuYbNBEdA 1:52‐2:06, 1:22‐1:32, 1:50‐1:58, ​ ​ 3:25‐3:54. Description: A dance video by R&B singer Monica. The video take place in a poor neighborhood and is filled with dark colors, consistent with the song’s somber theme. It became a minor hit on BET and MTV. The song was Monica’s first single not to chart in the Billboard Top 10, despite being a critical ​ ​ success.

127) What: “So Pure” music video. Who: Alanis Morrissette (artist & director), Kevin Oday & Anne White (choreographers). When: 1999. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aGN3CJ40XCU 0:13‐0:44, 0:52‐1:25, 1:28‐1:53, ​ ​ 2:00‐2:30. Description: The first music video by a major artist to debut on the Internet. “So Pure” features Alanis Morrissette performing six different styles of dance duets—ballroom , , swing, tap, freestyle and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ rave— with actor Dash Mihok. It received an MTV VMA nomination for Best Choreography in 2000. ​

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128) What: “Helena” music video. Who: My Chemical Romance (artist), (director), Michael Rooney (director). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSNKCfxcYvE&ob=av2e 2:38‐3:12. ​ ​ Description: A ballad to lead singer Gerard Way's late grandmother, Elena Lee Rush, “Helena” was ​ ​ shot on‐location in the Immanuel Presbyterian church on Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles, ​ ​ ​ ​ California. The video portrays a funeral, and this excerpt features a group of people dancing while ​ holding umbrellas, while the band members carry a coffin down a flight of stairs. Tracy Phillips is the dancer portraying the title character in the video. The song was nominated at the 2005 MTV VMAs for Best Rock Video, Best Choreography, Best New Artist, and Viewer's Choice, though it did not win any. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

129) What: “My Love is Like Wo” music video … Who: Mya (artist), Paul Hunter (director), Travis Payne (choreographer). When: 2003 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4gcQj_NZ30 2:40‐3:23. ​ ​ Description: Mya performs solo tap dancing in the “My Love Is Like Wo” music video, in which she is … also the lone performer. She was nominated for Best Dance Video and Best Choreography at the 2003 ​ ​ ​ ​ MTV VMAs.

130) What: “You Got It (The Right Stuff)” music video. Who: New Kids on the Block (artist). When: 1988. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbIEwIwYz‐c 1:17‐1:36, 2:23‐2:40. ​ ​ Description: Boston boy band New Kids on the Block are seen performing a group dance together in the black‐and‐white video for “You Got It (The Right Stuff).” The title of the song was changed to avoid confusion with ’ hit single earlier that year, “The Right Stuff.” VH1 ranked this nd song the 82 ​ best of the 1980s. ​

131) What: “Bye Bye Bye” music video. Who: *NSync (artist), Wayne Ishman (director), (choreographer). When: 2000. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo‐KmOd3i7s 0:22‐0:45, 1:30‐1:53, 3:32‐4:01, ​ ​ 2:06‐2:34. Description: In this video, boy band *NSync are portrayed as puppets controlled and cut loose by an evil puppetress (played by fashion model Kim Smith), a reference to the cover and theme of their album No Strings Attached, of which “Bye Bye Bye” was the lead single. The group is also seen dancing ​ ​ in a rotating, zero‐gravity box. The video was a major hit, breaking the record for longest time spent at #1 on , at 25 days. It was also nominated for five MTV VMAs in 2000, winning Best ​ ​ th Pop Video and Viewer’s Choice. Canadian music channel MuchMusic ranked it the 60 ​ best video of ​ all time.

132) What: “Super Bass.” Who: Nicki Minaj (artist), Sanaa Hamri (director). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4JipHEz53sU&ob=av2e 0:46‐1:14. ​ ​

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Description: The latest single by African‐American Trinidadian artist Nicki Minaj. The video features ​ ​ her in a colorful world, dancing with a number of identically‐dressed women with pink wigs. Critics praised the song for its visual appeal and “eye candy” qualities. The song became Nicki Minaj’s first Billboard Top 10 single as a lead artist, peaking at #3. The video was nominated for Best Female Video ​ and Best Hip‐Hop Video at the 2011 MTV VMAs.

133) What: “Bathwater” music video. Who: No Doubt (artist), Sophie Muller (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer). When: 2000. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k_g9hDeOic&ob=av2e 1:07‐1:56, 2:04‐2:19. ​ ​ Description: No Doubt’s fourth album, Return of Saturn, was unable to match the success of its ​ ​ predecessor, , and likewise, “Bathwater” was less successful as a single than the band’s ​ ​ previous singles, such as “.” Nevertheless, the energetic dance video drew critical acclaim. Lead single Gwen Stefani is seen dancing in a “U Can’t Touch This” shirt (a reference to MC Hammer), accompanied by drummer , dancer/actress Tracy Phillips, and the then‐obscure group, “The Pussycat Dolls.”

134) What: “Hypnotize” music video. Who: The Notorious B.I.G. (artist), Paul Hunter (director). When: 1997. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2taRwe_6afk 1:42‐1:55,3:20‐3:26, 4:00‐4:10. ​ ​ Description: “Hypnotize” was the last music video that the Notorious B.I.G. would partake in before his untimely death in March 1997. The video portrays B.I.G. and Puff Daddy fleeing the police’s helicopters onboard a cruise ship, interspersed with footage of them with an entourage of female dancers. The video won the award for Best Rap Video at the MTV VMAs in 1998; the song itself made B.I.G. only the fifth artist ever to have a posthumous Billboard #1 hit when it topped the charts in May ​ ​ 1997.

135) What: “Here It Goes Again” music video Who: Ok Go (artist), Trish Sie (director & choreographer). When: 2006 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA 2:18‐2:50 ​ ​ Description: Chicago band Ok Go performs a choreographed dance on four aligned treadmills in a single continuous take. Praised for its originality, this music video became an Internet hit and allowed Ok Go to break out to the mainstream after several years in the underground rock scene. The video won the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video. The song remains the group’s only ​ ​ Billboard Hot 100 hit, peaking at #38. ​

136) What: “Entourage” music video. Who: Omarion (artist). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEPp4WBh7oQ 3:10‐3:38. ​ ​ Description: Omarion uses his explosive dancing to express his desire for his love interest, which is consistent with the song’s lyrics: “Baby, I want you to be my entourage.” Tyrese, and Lil Fizz, fellow member of Omarion’s former band, B2K, all appear in the video. Peaking at #78, this is Omarion’s third highest‐charting Billboard solo single. ​ ​

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137) What: “I Get It In” music video. Who: Omarion (lead artist & director), Gucci Mane (featured artist). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJYRl04Kqt4&ob=av2n 0:15‐0:45, 1:04‐1:48. ​ ​ Description: Omarion performs with a break dance crew and a marching band in his self‐directed video for “I Get It In.” Featured rapper Gucci Mane also makes an appearance; the track was originally slated to feature Lil Wayne, but Gucci Mane replaced him after Omarion left Lil Wayne’s label, Young Money.

138) What: “Touch” music video. Who: Omarion (artist), Danielle Polanco (featured dancer), Diane Martel (director), (choreographer). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Z_5lpErdyM 1:38‐2:21. ​ ​ Description: This video of Omarion’s second solo single, “Touch,” features a combination of street dancing and a duet between Omarion and guest dancer Danielle Polanco, who would later make her name as part of the Step Up franchise. The song peaked at #94 on the Billboard Hot 100. ​ ​ ​ ​

139) What: “Roses” music video. Who: OutKast (artist), Bryan Barber (director). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f9lkxq7tGuY 1:18‐2:06. ​ ​ Description: André 3000 is portrayed as the lead dancer of a high school play, with Big Boi as his jock classmate. The video features many elements from West Side Story, as well as cameo appearances by ​ ​ Paula Abdul, Lukas Haas, Kevin McDonald, , , , and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ members of the Atlanta musical collective “” of which OutKast is a member. Peaking at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100, this was the third and final Top 10 single from OutKast’s 11x platinum ​ ​ album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, the second rap album to win the Grammy Award for Album of ​ ​ the Year.

140) What: “Get This Party Started” music video Who: P!nk (artist), Dave Meyers (director) When: 2001 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mW1dbiD_zDk 2:50‐3:22 ​ ​ Description: P!nk’s signature song and video; winner of two MTV VMAs in 2002. Shot at a night club in Los Angeles, the video feature a variety of hip‐hop, electronica and break dancing. Professional dancers Kevin Federline and Geovohn Lambert also make cameo appearances. Rolling Stone ranked st ​ ​ “Get The Party Started” as the 81 ‐​ best song of the ‘00s decade in 2009. ​

141) What: “Beep” music video. Who: The Pussycat Dolls (lead artists), will.i.am (featured artist), Benny Boom (director). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1r9ghI7YcL0 2:32‐3:02; 1:38‐1:56. ​ ​ Description: One of the Pussycat Dolls’ earlier mainstream hits, the “Beep” video features hip‐hop and burlesque‐style dancing in various locations, including a nightclub and dance studio. The song and its video were seen as a counterpart to the Black Eyed Peas’ “My Humps” from the year before; will.i.am was the for both singles.

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142) What: “When I Grow Up” music video. Who: The Pussycat Dolls (artist), Joseph Kahn (director), Robin Antin & Mikey Minden ​ ​ (choreographers). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0K46C82v9o 2:57‐3:57. ​ ​ Description: “When I Grow Up” was filmed in Hollywood and features the girl group dancing in a glamorous, brightly lighted setting, as is consistent with the song’s theme about the desire for fame. The music video won the award for Best Dancing at the 2008 MTV VMAs, and was nominated for an additional five awards, including "Video of the Year". ​ ​

143) What: “Commander” music video. Who: Kelly Rowland (lead artist), (featured artist), Masashi Muto (director), Fatima Robinson (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwfKZ‐1jyiw&NR=1 1:16‐1:33, 2:02‐2:35, 2:48‐3:20. ​ ​ Description: “Commander” features two clones of Kelly Rowland, dressed in different‐colored, each leading a crew in a futuristic onstage dance‐off. David Guetta, the song’s producer, and Rico Love, who wrote its lyrics, both make cameo appearances in this round.

144) What: “Motivation” music video. Who: Kelly Rowland (lead artist), Lil Wayne (featured artist), Sarah Chatfield (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1XozsBN5Z4 1:03‐1:18, 2:14‐2:21, 2:54‐3:05, ​ ​ 3;22‐4:00. Description: Kelly Rowland’s most successful solo single to date comes with a music video that takes place in a blue‐lit warehouse and features choreographed group dance, with Rowland leading an otherwise all‐male crew.

145) What: "Walk This Way" music video. Who: Run‐DMC (lead artist), Aerosmith (featured artist), Jon Small (director). When: 1986. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4B_UYYPb‐Gk 3:28‐4:04. ​ ​ Description: "Walk This Way" is considered one of the most important and groundbreaking musical works of modern times, as it is credited with bringing rock and hip‐hop together and elevating rap to the mainstream music scene. In the music video, is symbolically seen breaking through the wall separating his rock group, Aerosmith, from hip‐hop group Run‐DMC. The two groups then perform together onstage, finishing with a three‐person dance in which much attention is placed on Run‐DMC's Adidas sneakers (the group was famous for product‐placing this brand). The video was one of the first rap videos to be prominently played on MTV, received two MTV VMA nominations in 1987, and ranked in the Top 11 of Rolling Stone, MTV and VH1's lists of the 100 Greatest Music Videos Ever. ​ ​

146) What: “It’s Tricky” music video. Who: Run‐DMC (artists), Penn & Teller (featured dancers). When: 1987. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l‐O5IHVhWj0&NR=1&feature=fvwp 3:22‐3:37. ​ ​

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Description: “It’s Tricky” features a short single‐file dance performed by the three members of Run‐DMC and the comic duo Penn & Teller, who are seen wearing grey office clothes and Run‐DMC’s signature black bowler hats. The single reached #57 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. ​ ​

147) What: "Ain't Nuthin' But A She Thing" music video. Who: Salt‐n‐Pepa (artist), Ellen von Unwerth (director). When: 1995. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na3u8S9tF9o 1:29‐1:40, 1:58‐2:24. ​ ​ Description: This video features group dancing by a massive crowd of gathered women, which is consistent with the song's theme of female empowerment. Furthemore, the dancing is interspersed with footage of the Salt‐n‐Pepa members dressed as policewomen, firewomen, and other positions often stereotyped as being exclusively male.

148) What: “Push It” music video. Who: Salt‐n‐Pepa (artist). When: 1987. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vCadcBR95oU&ob=av2e 0:36‐0:54, 1:58‐2:12. ​ ​ Description: Perhaps the group’s most famous song, “Push It” was ranked #440 on Rolling Stone's list th ​ ​ of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and was ranked the 9 ​ greatest hip‐hop song of all time by VH1. ​ ​ ​ The duo released a live version of the song as the music video, featuring onstage dancing and DJ and vocal work by DJ Spinderella and Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor, the music producer who discovered ​ ​ Salt‐n‐Pepa.

149) What: “Whatta Man” music video. Who: Salt‐n‐Pepa (lead artist), En Vogue (featured artist), Matthew Rolston (director), Travis Payne, ​ ​ Frank Gatson, Jr. & Randy Connor (choreographers). ​ When: 1994. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8‐WFNbMohTQ 1:13‐1:33, 2:38‐3:11. ​ ​ Description: Hip‐hop dance by female rap trio Salt‐n‐Pepa and their background dancers. Rappers Treach and make cameo appearances in this video. The video won the MTV VMAs for th Best Dance Video, Best R&B Video, and Best Choreography in 1994. VH1 ranked it the 87 ​ best music ​ video ever in 2001. “Whatta Man” was Salt‐n‐Pepa’s most successful single, peaking at #3 in the U.S.

150) What: “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)” music video Who: Shakira (lead artist), Freshlyground (featured artists), Marcus Raboy (director), Christopher Probst (cinematographer), Hal Honigsberg (editor). When: 2010 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRpeEdMmmQ0 2:11‐2:26, 2:40‐3;15. ​ ​ Description: The music video and dance are performed by Colombian singer Shakira and South African “Afro‐fusion” group Freshlyground. “Waka Waka” was the official song of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and the dance became popular after Shakira included it in her pre‐kickoff performance in Soweto on th June 10 ,​ 2010, the day before the World Cup began. The music video is now the third most‐watched ​ in YouTube history.

151) What: “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” music video. Who: Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em (artist & choreographer), Rage (director).

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When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UFIYGkROII 3:14‐3:48. ​ ​ Description: 16‐year‐old rapper Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em performs his trademark self‐choreographed dance move— as do the many background dancers with him, including Bow Wow, Chris Brown, Omarion, ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ UNK, Baby D, Jibbs, and Arab. The video and single became an internet phenomenon; the ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ dance itself became massively successful and an omnipresent sighting around the country in fall 2007. “Crank That” remains Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s only Billboard #1 hit; he is now largely considered a one‐hit ​ ​ wonder.

152) What: “ Baby One More Time” music video. … Who: Britney Spears (artist), Nigel Dick (director), Randy Connor (choreographer) When: 1998. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C‐u5WLJ9Yk4 Famous hallway dance: 0:45‐1:20. ​ ​ Additional gym dance: 2:41‐3:02; 3:12‐3:20. Description: The music video for Britney Spears’ debut single (which writer had originally offered to the girl group TLC) is considered culturally significant as Spears’ first nationwide appearance, launching her to stardom and popularizing the “” phase of the late 90’s. It was th nominated for three MTV VMAs in 1999 and was ranked the 90 ​ best music video ever by VH1 in ​ 2001. The video— which was originally meant to be animated, rather than live action— features Britney Spears as a high school student performing choreographed group dances in various locations around Venice High School in Los Angeles. The hallway dance is especially famous and controversial, as many parent associations felt that Spears was too scantily dressed for a 16‐year‐old. However, this controversial schoolgirl outfit is now considered one of Spears’ most iconic looks, and has been parodied many times (including in ’s “” video). This dance scene is also thought of as one of her most memorable onscreen moments.

153) What: “Hold It Against Me” music video. Who: Britney Spears (artist), Jonas Åkerlund (director), (choreographer). ​ ​ ​ ​ When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=‐Edv8Onsrgg 1:40‐2:10, 3:57‐4:29. ​ ​ Description: “Hold It Against Me” shows Spears reflecting on her own personal struggles as a pop star as she portrays a pop star that falls from space on a meteorite to find fame on Earth, only to cave into the pressure of this mounting celebrity. The video features numerous choreographed dance sequences and excerpts from Spears’ past videos, including “ Baby One More Time.” Critics praised … the dancing and video concept, but criticized some of the product placement in the video. The single made Spears the second artist, after Usher, to score Billboard #1 hits in the ‘90s, ‘00s and ‘10s. ​ ​

154) What: “I’m A Slave 4 U” music video. Who: Britney Spears (artist), Francis Lawrence (director), Wade Robson (choreographer). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mzybwwf2HoQ 1:31‐1:54. ​ ​ Description: Considered one of her more risqué videos, “I’m A Slave 4 U” features Spears both as a solo belly dancer and as the leader of a sweaty choreographed group dance performed in a sauna. Though the video was primarily choreographed by Wade Robson, Puerto Rican dancer Mayte Garcia assisted Spears with her belly‐dancing sequences. “I’m A Slave 4 U” was nominated for Best Female ​

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Video, Best Dance Video, and Best Choreography at the 2002 MTV VMAs, at which Spears included ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ live animals in her performance of this song, prompting some protests from animal rights activists.

155) What: “Oops! I Did It Again” music video Who: Britney Spears (artist), Nigel Dick (director), Tina Landon (choreographer). When: 2000. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CduA0TULnow 1:28‐1:48. ​ ​ Description: The music video of the lead single and title track of Britney Spears’ sophomore album, Oops! I Did It Again. The music video and its accompanying dance sequences helped further solidify ​ Spears’ status as a pop megastar and contributed to the ongoing “teen pop revival” of the late 90’s and early 00’s. The dance is notable for its futuristic setting (astronauts dancing at a space statio on Mars) and for the red‐latex catsuit Spears is wearing, which was considered especially provocative and eye‐catching, in contrast to her outfits in previous videos.

156) What: “Piece of Me” music video. Who: Britney Spears (artist), (director), Kevin Maher (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4FF6MpcsRw 1:58‐2:07, 2:24‐2:51. ​ ​ Description: The $500,000 “Piece of Me” video features Britney Spears and her background team performing in a multi‐colored illuminated background while wearing satin dresses. Although some critics criticized the video for featuring a digitally‐altered version of Spears’ body, they appreciated its production values as significantly better than those of her previous music video, “.” The video was a big hit at the 2008 MTV VMAs, winning the awards for Video of the Year, Best Female Video, and Best Pop Video. It was also her first video to actually win a VMA, after being nominated multiple times before.

157) What: “Til The World Ends” music video. Who: Britney Spears (artist), Ray Kay (director), Brian Friedman (choreographer). When: 2011. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzU9OrZlKb8&ob=av2e 2:27‐2:47. ​ ​ Description: Spears performs an underground clubhouse dance in an apocalyptic setting (December st 21 ,​ 2012, the last day of the Mayan calendar and alleged “last day on Earth”). Critics have compared ​ several aspects of this video to that of her earlier hit, “I’m A Slave 4 U.” It received two nominations at the 2011 MTV VMAs for Best Pop Video and Best Choreography. The video was filmed in a basement ​ ​ ​ ​ studio in Los Angeles.

158) What: “(You Drive Me) Crazy” music video. Who: Britney Spears (artist), Nigel Dick (director), Darrin Henson (choreographer). When: 1999. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4VK9_CfOLQ 0:40‐1:12, 1:37‐1:49. ​ ​ Description: The video for Spears’ third solo single was filmed at the Redondo Beach Power Station in ​ ​ ​ ​ California. Spears is portrayed as a waitress who rallies her fellow dancers together for a group dance ​ at a club. The song was included on the soundtrack to the film Drive Me Crazy, and two stars from the ​ ​ film, Melissa Joan Hart and Adrian Grenier, make cameo appearances in the video. ​ ​ ​ ​

159) What: “Wind it Up” music video. Who: Gwen Stefani (artist), Sophie Muller (director).

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When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9sY‐TsLXiDo 0:41‐0:55, 2:08‐2:19, 2:35‐3:05. ​ ​ Description: Like the song itself, the “Wind It Up” video pays homage to The Sound of Music, with ​ ​ Gwen Stefani portraying ’ character, Maria von Trapp, and many of the costumes and scenery similar to that from the movie visible. Like the movie, the music video features several dance sequences, interspersed with footage of Stefani.

160) What: “Cry Me A River” music video. Who: Justin Timberlake (artist), Francis Lawrence (director). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DksSPZTZES0 1:53‐2:24. ​ ​ Description: This excerpt features some of the gravity‐defying dance moves from the video for “Cry Me A River,” still one of Justin Timberlake’s best‐known works. It was filmed in Malibu, California and takes place at the home of the former lover described in the song’s lyrics (supposedly Britney Spears, portrayed by Lauren Hastings), whom Timberlake sneaks up and spies on, along with encountering an additional female (portrayed by Kiana Bessa). The video became an international hit, and won two MTV VMAs in 2003 out of a total of five nominations. The song earned Timberlake his first Grammy th Award as a solo artist (Best Male Pop Vocal Performance), and Rolling Stone ranked it as the 20 ‐​ best ​ ​ ​ song of the decade in 2009.

161) What: “Like I Love You” music video. Who: Justin Timberlake (lead artist), Clipse (featured artist), Bucky Chrome (director). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ3slUz7Jo8 1:31‐2:06 (best one), 2:30‐2:42, ​ ​ 3:25‐3:54, 4:27‐4:44. Description: Justin Timberlake performs a choreographed group dance in a parking lot and a night club in the video for “Like I Love You,” his debut single as a lead solo artist. Pusha T and Malice, the two members of featured rap duo Clipse, as well as Pharrell Williams, who co‐produced the song with of , are featured in the music video. The song earned at 2003 Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

162) What: “Rock Your Body” music video. Who: Justin Timerlake (artist), Francis Lawrence (director), Staci Flood (featured dancer). When: 2003. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSVHoHyErBQ 0:41‐1:10, 2:41‐3:20. ​ ​ Description: “Rock Your Body” features disco‐style dancing, Michael Jackson‐inspired choreography, and a beat box breakdown performed midway through by Timerlake. This is one of the videos that established Timberlake’s success as a solo artist after many years with the group *NSync, and won the 2003 MTV VMA for Best Dance Video.

163) What: “Creep” music video. Who: TLC (artist), Matthew Rolston (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer).. When: 1994. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlZydtG3xqI 1;12‐1:33 ​ ​ Description: A music video filmed in both black‐and‐white and color that alternately shows the members of TLC performing individually and together in a group. The song was TLC’s first #1 hit, and spent a total of four weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 charts. ​ ​

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164) What: “Girl Talk” music video. Who: TLC (artist), Dave Meyers (director). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdV8XyxFIPM&feature=fvst 0:53‐1:11, 1:43‐2:01, ​ ​ 3:00‐3:16. Description: “Girl Talk” was the lead single off 3D, TLC’s fourth album and their first release following ​ ​ the tragic death of group member Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. These three excerpts from the video show them dancing in a garage and in the African jungle, while wearing corresponding outfits to each location.

165) What: “No Scrubs” music video. Who: TLC (artist), Hype Williams (director). When: 1999. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyfLER3Z0‐Q&ob=av2n 1:06‐1:44, 2:05‐2:45, ​ ​ 2:55‐3:25. Description: “No Scrubs” was a massive hit for TLC, spending 4 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and ​ ​ earning a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year. The music video, directed by Hype Williams, features the group members in three different outfits dancing on a stage in front of the TLC logo. It won the 1999 MTV VMA for Best Group Video, as well as being nominated for Best Hip‐Hop Video, Best Direction, Best Art Direction, Best Editing and Viewer’s Choice.

166) What: “Waterfalls” music video. Who: TLC (artist), F. Gary Gary (director). When: 1995. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8WEtxJ4‐sh4 3:27‐3:49, 3:52‐4:20. ​ ​ Description: These two excerpts from the “Waterfalls” video show, respectively, CGI versions of the TLC members dancing in front of a waterfall, and the real‐life versions of them dancing in the middle of the ocean. “Waterfalls” became the group’s signature song, and the music video won four 1995 MTV VMAs off of ten nominations, including Video of the Year and Viewer’s Choice.

167) What: “What About Your Friends” music video. Who: TLC (artist) When: 1992. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVJBhDoGapM 1:14‐1:30, 3:12‐3:36. ​ ​ Description: “What About Your Friends” was the third single off TLC’s debut album, Ooooooohhh... On ​ the TLC Tip, and the third straight to go Top 10 in the U.S. The video’s concept is relatively simple: Left ​ Eye, Chilli and T‐Boz are seen dancing with a rowdy group at a house party. The video features an appearance by Chicago actress Ella Joyce, who would later star in several other TLC videos, including “Waterfalls.”

168) What: “Cowboy Casanova” music video. Who: Carrie Underwood (artist), Theresa Wingert (director). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oM7NQQ0Lfu4 1:35‐2:18, 2:24‐2:51. ​ ​ Description: Carrie Underwood’s first choreographed video, featuring a crew of female background dancers dressed in garters, corsets and flapper party gowns. The video was filmed in New Orleans and ​ ​

50 won numerous country music awards. In one week, the single moved from #96 to #11 on the Billboard Hot 100— this is the sixth‐greatest one‐week climb by any single in Billboard history. ​ ​ ​

169) What: “Burn” music video. Who: Usher (artist), Jake Nava (director), Jessica Clark (featured model). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5XNWFw5HVw 3:34‐4:05. ​ ​ Description: “Burn” was the second single off Usher’s blockbuster album, Confessions. It was #1 on ​ ​ the Billboard Hot 100 for seven weeks immediately after Usher’s own “Yeah!” had been #1 for twelve ​ ​ weeks: this gave Usher a record nineteen consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 as a solo ​ ​ artist. The song also received two Grammy nominations. The music video was shot at Frank Sinatra’s former house in Los Angeles; this excerpt shows Usher performing a solo dance in the driveway before a white car and a row of burning palm trees. The video debuted at #1 on TRL and spent 33 days ​ ​ on the countdown; it also received a nomination for Best R&B Video at the 2004 MTV VMAs.

170) “Caught Up” music video. Who: Usher (artist), Mr. X (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2005. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3IWTfcks4k 0:41‐1:06, 2:59‐3:44. ​ ​ Description: Usher is portrayed as a gang leader in the “Caught Up” video, leading his hoodlums through alleyways, dancing all the way, before they finally make it up to a bright stage to perform before a huge crowd. As the final single off Usher’s blockbuster album, Confessions, “Caught Up” ​ ​ proved quite successful, with the single reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the video spending ​ ​ 34 days on TRL’s countdown. At the 2005 MTV VMAs, “Caught Up” was nominated for Best Male ​ ​ Video.

171) “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” music video. Who: Usher (lead artist), Pitbull (featured artist), (director). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C‐dvTjK_07c 1:23‐2:05, 3:00‐3:56. ​ ​ Description: The lead single from Usher’s 2010 EP, Versus. Usher performs his trademark “krump” ​ ​ dance (an energetic dance involving fast body movement) at a nightclub throughout this music video. The video includes several special effects, including stop‐freezing the other dancers while Usher continues moving at normal speed.

172) What: “Love In This Club” music video. Who: Usher (lead artist), Young Jeezy (featured artist), Brothers Strause (directors), Victor Carter (choreographer). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cB5e0zHRzHc 4:46‐5:26. ​ ​ Description: The “Love in This Club” video portrays the club culture and atmosphere described in the song’s lyrics, finishing with a choreographed group dance led by Usher. The video features appearances from a number of celebrities, including Kanye West, Puff Daddy, and Keri Hudson, who plays Usher’s love interest in the video. “Love In this Club” reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 ​ ​ charts; the video was nominated for Best Male Video at the 2008 MTV VMAs, but lost to Chris Brown’s “With You.”

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173) What: “OMG” music video. Who: Usher (lead artist), will.i.am (featured artist), Anthony Mandler (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnPB76mjxI 2:03‐2:33, 3:20‐3:40. ​ ​ Description: Usher plays the role of Max Headroom, a fictional British artificial intelligence from the ‘80s, dancing in various futuristic settings. The video has been praised for its choreography, special effects, and use of colorful flashing lights. It was nominated for three MTV VMAs in 2010, and Usher also became the first artist to score Billboard number‐one singles in the '90s, '00s, and '10s when ​ ​ “OMG” reached #1 in June 2010.

174) What: “U Don’t Have to Call” music video. Who: Usher (artist), Little X (director), Rosero (choreographer). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AszPTJXIgM 2:11‐2:48, 3:17‐3:37, 4:05‐4:39. ​ ​ Description: The music video for “U Don’t Have to Call” was filmed in Los Angeles at the Westin ​ ​ ​ Bonaventure Hotel. Puff Daddy and Pharrell Williams make cameo appearances in the video. The ​ video features Usher’s famous hip‐hop and break dancing, and was nominated at the 2002 MTV VMAs for Best Choreography. The single reached #3 of the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Usher’s third consecutive Top 5 hit, following “” and “U Remind Me.”

175) “U Got It Bad” music video. Who: Usher (artist), Mr. X (director). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3IWTfcks4k 3:39‐4:10. ​ ​ Description: This excerpt from “U Got It Bad” shows Usher performing a solo dance in the rain, lamenting the lack of affection from his love interest. “U Got It Bad” was Usher’s third Billboard #1 ​ ​ single and won the 2001 MTV VMAs for Best Male Video and Best R&B Video.

176) What: “U Remind Me” music video. Who: Usher (artist), Dave Meyers (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bxau9B3jOHM 2:20‐2:56. ​ ​ Description: Usher performs a solo break dance before the setting sun in a slightly flooded parking lot. R&B singer Chilli of the group TLC— who would later be briefly married to Usher— appears in the video. It was Usher’s second Billboard #1 single, after 1998’s “Nice And Slow,” and won him his first ​ ​ Grammy Award, in the category of Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

177) “U‐Turn” music video. Who: Usher (artist), Mr. X (director). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0aMnYRRPZc 0:43‐0:54, 1:23‐1:48. ​ ​ Description: Usher performs the dance routine described in the song’s lyrics, in a black‐and‐yellow setting consistent with the color scheme of the “U‐Turn” highway sign. The single was not released in the United States but managed to chart relatively high in many European countries.

178) What: “Yeah!” music video.

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Who: Usher (lead artist), Lil Jon & Ludacris (featured artist), Mr. X (director), Flii Stylz (choreographer). When: 2004 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiXbRBS5Z58 2:02‐2:27 ​ ​ Description: “Yeah!” is considered one of the most successful pop singles of the last decade; the song topped the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for twelve weeks, and the music video spent 50 straight days on ​ ​ MTV’s Total Request Live. The music video, featuring all three artists, forty dance extras, and model ​ ​ Melyssa Ford in a night club, has extensive use of laser beams, as well as dance moves such as the Rockaway and the handclap; Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You” has been cited as an influence. It was nominated for four VMAs in 2004 and won two, including Best Dance Video. At the 2005 Grammy Awards, “Yeah!” was nominated for Record of the Year and won the award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration.

179) What: “You Make Me Wanna” music video. Who: Usher (artist), Bille Woodruff (director), Frank Gatson, Jr. (choreographer). When: 1997. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQRzrnH6_HY 2:34‐3:05. ​ ​ Description: Five clones of Usher perform together in a blue‐colored room in the video for “You Make Me Wanna,” one of Usher’s earliest hits and his first Top 10 single in the United States. It was nominated at the 1997 MTV VMAs for Best R&B Video, as well as the Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, Usher’s first Grammy nomination.

180) What: “Something Good” music video. Who: Utah Saints (artists), Eran Creevy (director), Kate Prince (choreographer). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V‐OuTWswP_U 0:45‐1:35, 2:01‐2:20. ​ ​ Description: “Something Good” was one of Utah Saints’ early singles, from 1992, and was re‐released in 2008. The music video to this new remix features a group performance of the “Running Man” dance, which became popular around the time of the original song’s release.

181) What: “Ice Ice Baby” music video. Who: Vanilla Ice (artist) When: 1990. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rog8ou‐ZepE 1:09‐1:31, 2:55‐3:05. ​ ​ Description: “Ice Ice Baby” was the first #1 rap single in the United States. The single and its music video are credited with bringing mainstream attention to rap, but also controversial for presenting a watered‐down, commercialized version of this music form. The music video features Vanilla Ice performing the “Running Man” dance fad that he and MC Hammer popularized in this era. It was filmed atop a warehouse in Dallas, .

182) What: “The New Workout Plan” music video. Who: Kanye West (artist & co‐director), Little X (co‐director). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ua61XY84gGg 4:08‐4:38. ​ ​ Description: “The New Workout Plan” video visualizes the song’s lyrics, in which West is heard operating an all‐female workout session. The song and video satirize the cultural concept of women being valued only for their bodies, and men being valued only for their money. A number of

53 celebrities make cameo appearances in the music video— among them are , Anna Nicole ​ ​ ​ Smith, GLC and Fonzworth Bentley. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

183) What: “Runaway” music video. Who: Kanye West (lead artist & director), Pusha T (featured artist), Selita Ebanks (featured model). When: 2010 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7_jYl8A73g 3:55‐4:17, 5:04‐5:40. ​ ​ Description: In 2010, Kanye West produced a 35‐minute short film called Runaway, featuring several ​ ​ of the tracks off his album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. When the song “Runaway” was itself ​ ​ released as a single that year, West released a segment from the short film as the single’s accompanying music video. The excerpted clips, all filmed in Prague, feature ballerinas dancing to a combination of hip‐hop and classical music, as featured in the song. Rolling Stone ranked “Runaway” ​ ​ as the best single of 2010, and it was also the most successful single off the album, peaking at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. ​ ​

184) What: “Can I Have It Like That” music video. Who: Pharrell Williams (lead artist), Gwen Stefani (featured artist), Paul Hunter (director). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDC5yOSuCv0 0:35‐0:44, 1:02‐1:20, 3:22‐3:39. ​ ​ Description: “Can I Have It Like That” was Pharrell’s debut single as a recording artist, rather than as a producer, his typical role. The music video shows him, featured artist Gwen Stefani, and a team of hip‐hop dancers dressed in white performing before a large background equalizer. The video was filmed in Los Angeles and achieved minor success on TRL. ​ ​

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DANCING IN FILM ALPHABETICALLY, BY TITLE

1) What: Dance from 10 Things I Hate About You. ​ ​ Who: , Heath Ledger, Andrew Keegan (actors), Gil Junger (director). When: 1999. Description: 10 Things I Hate About You is a modernization of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, ​ ​ ​ ​ and this scene, in which Julia Stiles’ character dances on a table at a party, embodies the character of Kate the Shrew in Shakespeare’s play. “Hypnotize” by the Notorious B.I.G., is playing in the background.

2) What: Dance from (500) Days of Summer. ​ ​ Who: Joseph Gordon‐Levitt (actor), Marc Webb (director). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tJoIaXZ0rw 0:58‐1:41. ​ ​ A dance scene from the 2009 sleeper hit, (500) Days of Summer, performed to the song “You Make ​ ​ My Dreams” by Hall & Oates. The scene is meant to encapsulate the ecstasy that Joseph Gordon‐Levitt’s character feels after his romantic outing with his love interest— one of the few high points of their relationship.

3) What: Opening dance from Austin Powers in Goldmember. ​ ​ ​ ​ Who: Mike Myers (actor), Britney Spears (dancer), Jay Roach (director). When: 2002. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhPkkHuovFY&feature=related 1:36‐2:16 ​ ​ Description: A comical dance‐off between Britney Spears and Austin Powers from the third movie in the series, Goldmember. The song playing is Spears’ single off the movie soundtack, “Boys.” Spears’ ​ ​ appearance is one of numerous celebrity cameos in the film.

4) What: Dance from Black Swan. ​ ​ Who: Natalie Portman (actress), Darren Aronofsky (director). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsvtIzebNcw 0:00‐0:47 ​ ​ Description: Natalie Portman dancing the part of the evil “Black Swan” from Tschaikovsky’s Swan Lake ​ in Hollywood’s psychological thriller Black Swan. Portman won an Academy Award for Best Actress for ​ ​ her performance in this film, which was credited with bringing new popularity to the professional ballet scene following its 2010 release. The dance scenes also caused some controversy, as Portman’s “dance double” Sarah Lane claimed to have been underrepresented for her role in these scenes.

5) What: Dance from The Breakfast Club. ​ Who: Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevex, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald, (actors), John Hughes (director). When: 1985

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Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRMrMzw0t20 1:14‐1:35 ​ ​ Description: The famous dance from the classic teen comedy, The Breakfast Club. In the context of the ​ ​ film’s storyline, this dance can be seen as the moment in which the characters overcome the stereotypes that previously drove them apart and join each other in a group celebration. The song they perform to is “We Are Not Alone” by Karla DeVito.

6) What: Dance from Breakin’. ​ ​ Who: Adolfo Quinones, Ice‐T, Michael Chambers, Lucinda Dickey (actors), Joel Silberg (director). When: 1984 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkIYF80xSdw 0:57‐1:30, 2:52‐3:31. ​ ​ Description: While not a critical success, Breakin’ (aka Break‐dance: The Movie) was popular in the ​ ​ ​ ​ 1980’s, thanks to the break‐dance scenes like this one, which appears towards the end of the film. Breakin’ is now thought of as a predecessor to more recent movies such as Step Up. ​ ​ ​

7) What: Dance from Clerks 2. ​ ​ Who: Rosario Dawson, Brian O’Halloran, Jason Mewes, Kevin Smith (actors), Kevin Smith (director). When: 2006 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uz7GkFu6bDA 1:47‐2:00 (Jay & Silent Bob dance), ​ ​ 2:00‐2:31 (group dance). Description: A comic dance from the 2006 comedy Clerks II. It features both group choreographed ​ ​ dance and a separate duet by Jason Mewes and Kevin Smith, known collectively as “Jay & Silent Bob.” The dance is performed to “ABC” by the Jackson 5.

8) What: Dance from Dirty Dancing. ​ ​ Who: Patrick Swayze & Jennifer Grey (dancers), Emile Ardolino (director), (choreographer). When: 1987. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpmILPAcRQo 1:24‐2:20; 2:53‐3:24. ​ ​ Description: The climatic dance of the movie Dirty Dancing, performed to the song “(I've Had) The ​ ​ ​ Time of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes. The dance is considered one of the most famous ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and iconic dance scenes in movie history— particularly due to the signature image of Swayze holding Grey horizontally in the air as her character “overcomes her fears.”

9) What: Dance from Do The Right Thing. ​ ​ Who: Rosie Perez (dancer), Spike Lee (director). When: 1989. Time excerpts: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyDWNT0TnZE 1:07‐2:00 ​ ​ Description: A solo dance by Rosie Perez in the opening of Spike Lee’s 1989 dramedy, Do The Right ​ Thing. This dance scene was Perez’s first appearance in a motion picture. The dance can be ​ interpreted as a call for black strength and unity— a prominent theme both in the movie itself, and in the song “Fight the Power,” by political rap group Public Enemy, that the dance is performed to.

10) What: “Greased Lightning” dance from Grease. ​ ​ Who: John Travolta (lead dancer) Jeff Conaway, Barry Pearl, Michael Tucci, Kelly Ward (supporting dancers) Randal Kleiser (director). When: 1978 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0mhYLF‐914 1:11‐1:48. ​ ​

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Description: The “Greased Lightning” dance, one of the signature moments from the 1978 musical Grease, features members of the high school gang the “T‐Birds” fantasizing about how spectacular ​ their broken‐down car could become if well‐enough repaired. Interestingly, the movie version features the main character, Danny Zuko (John Travolta), as the lead singer/dancer, although Jeff ​ Conaway's character, Kenickie, performs it in the stage version. John Travolta talked the director, ​ Randal Kleiser, into making this switch.

11) What: “You Can’t Stop The Beat” dance from Hairspray. ​ ​ Who: John Travolta, , Nikki Blonsky, (actors) (director). When: 2007 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovLKUoMqPSg Blonsky & Efron’s part 0:40‐1:05, ​ ​ Travolta’s part 2:22‐3:01, Queen Latifah’s part 3:35‐4:28. Description: The climatic dance in the 2007 movie musical Hairspray, which itself is based on the 2002 ​ ​ Broadway play. The dance features 1960’s‐style , synchronized group choreography, and represents the play’s theme of overcoming adversity and social prejudices to ultimately succeed (which Tracy, Blonsky’s character, and other figures in the play experience).

12) What: Dance from House Party. ​ ​ Who: Kid ‘n Play, Martin Lawrence, Tisha Campbell, A.J. Johnson (actors), Reginald Hudlin (director). When: 1990. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFSyBBglmpI 0:02‐1:10, 1:18‐1:56. ​ ​ Description: A friendly dance‐off scene at a house party performed by several actors, including Tisha Campbell, Kid ‘n Play, and hip‐hop duo Kid ‘n Play. The duo performs some of their signature toe‐touch and kick moves that they first performed as backup dancers for Salt‐n‐Pepa. Several trademark fashion styles from the late ‘80s/early ‘90s are visible, including yellow bodysuits, high‐top , and the famous “parachute pants” popularized by MC Hammer. “Ain’t My Type Of Hype” by Full ​ ​ Force is the song playing in the background. House Party was director Reginald Hudlin’s senior thesis ​ ​ at Harvard University; the film has since become a cult favorite.

13) What: Dance from A Knight’s Tale. ​ ​ Who: Heath Ledger, Shannyn Sossamon (actors), Brian Helgeland (director). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt7w‐wf0Fho. 0:32‐1:07. ​ ​ Description: A courtyard dance from the 2001 adventure film A Knight’s Tale. Like other scenes in the ​ ​ movie, this excerpt is notable for combining old‐fashioned medieval settings and costumes with modern pop music and dance (the song the dance is performed to is “Golden Years” by David Bowie).

14) What: Dance from The Mask. ​ ​ Who: & (actors), Chuck Russell (director). When: 1994. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pEh2n6UnWyo 0:51‐1:18, 1:58‐2:37. ​ ​ Description: A comical duet by Jim Carrey and Cameron Diaz from The Mask, one of Jim Carrey’s ​ ​ three 1994 films that bolstered him to stardom. The song the dance is performed to is “Hey! Pachuco!” by the Royal Crown Revue.

15) What: Dance from Napoleon Dynamite. ​ ​ Who: Jon Heder (actor), Jared & Jerusha Hess (co‐directors).

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When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr7djGY1fhA 0:50‐1:23. ​ ​ Description: Napoleon Dynamite’s (Jon Heder) dance to the song “Canned ” by Jamiroqai is one of many aspects of this surprise box‐office hit to have had an enduring impact on popular culture. Since this dance is part of Napoleon and his friend Pedro’s underdog, yet ultimately successful, presidential campaign, it is also consistent with the movie’s theme of how social outcasts can overcome adversity and achieve widespread acceptance.

16) What: Dance from Pulp Fiction. ​ ​ Who: John Travolta & Uma Thurman (actors), Quentin Tarantino (director). When: 1994. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ik‐RsDGPI5Y 1:02‐1:48 ​ ​ Description: Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) participate in a “twist contest” at a 1950’s‐era restaurant, Jack Rabbit Slim’s, in the third act of Quentin Tarantino crime class Pulp Fiction. It is widely considered one of the most memorable dance scenes in Hollywood ​ ​ history and a signature moment in the movie.

17) What: Dance from Saturday Night Fever. ​ ​ Who: John Travolta (dancer), John Badham (director). When: 1977 Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV1RZyCWQSU 0:31‐0:53; 1:30‐2:09 ​ ​ Description: Tony Manero (John Travolta) performing a solo dance at a Brooklyn disco club in the 1977 movie Saturday Night Fever. This movie is credited with popularizing disco in the 1970’s, thanks to Travolta’s dancing and imagery, and to its popular soundtrack— which includes the song “You Should Be Dancing,” by the , which Travolta dances to in this clip.

18) What: Dance from Scooby‐Doo 2. ​ ​ Who: Freddie Prinze, Jr., Matthew Lillard, , Linda Caredllini, Seth Green (actors), (featured singer), Raja Gosnell (director). When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On‐cVVBZVLY 0:55‐1:15. ​ ​ Description: A light‐hearted comic dance featured at the end of the live‐action film, Scooby‐Doo 2. ​ ​ Ruben Studdard, winner of Season 2 of , was invited to make a cameo in this scene, performing “Shining Star” by Earth, Wind and Fire.

19) What: Dance from Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. ​ ​ ​ ​ Who: Whoopi Goldberg, , Ryan Toby, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Alanna Ubach (actors) Bill Duke (director) When: 1993. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OaEH1e_DLm0 1:16‐2:00, 2:27‐2:55. ​ ​ Description: An improvised, contemporary take on the religious song “Joyful, Joyful,” performed in the climax of the 1993 comedy Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. The lead singer of this number is Lauryn ​ ​ Hill; after making her acting debut in this film, she would experience massive success both as a solo artist and as a member of the , before becoming a public recluse shortly thereafter.

20) What: Dance from Step Up. ​ ​

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Who: Channing Tatum & (actors), (director & co‐choreographer), Jamal Sims (co‐choreographer). When: 2006. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GW‐FOrD2KE 1:48‐2:17, 2:30‐4:17. ​ ​ Description: Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan perform one of their multiple dance scenes in the movie Step Up, which would be a major breakthrough for both up‐and‐coming actors. “Til The Dawn” ​ ​ by Drew Sidora is the song playing in the background.

21) What: Dance from Step Up 2: The Streets. ​ ​ Who: Harry Shum, Jr., Adam G. Sevani, Briana Evigan (actors), Jon Chu (director), Dave Scott, Jamal ​ ​ Sims & Nadine "Hi Hat" Ruffin (choreographers). When: 2008. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hurM8c97QLQ&feature=related 0:30‐1:23, ​ ​ 2:22‐3:00. Description: The climatic dance in the rain from the movie Step Up 2: The Streets. The sequel featured ​ ​ few of the actors from the original Step Up, aside from Channing Tatum, and did not fare as well ​ ​ commercially; the dance scenes were still well‐acclaimed, though, and earned a Fred and Astaire Award in 2009.

22) What: Opening dance from Stomp the Yard. ​ ​ Who: Columbus Short & Chris Brown (actors), Sylvain White (director), Dave Scott (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o99Vf0f0Ulc 2:49‐3:15, 3:50‐4:10, 6:18‐6:58, ​ ​ 7:30‐7:57. Description: In this opening sequence from the film Stomp the Yard, Chris Brown, Columbus Short and ​ ​ others are portrayed as members of a dance team, the Goon Squad, competing in a dance face‐off in inner‐city Los Angeles. Break‐dancing and step‐dancing (also known as “stepping”) are featured prominently in this performance, as is Chris Brown’s signature “handstand” move. Hip‐hop tracks “TTB Anthem” by the J‐Squad and “Monsta” by O‐Solo are used in the background.

23) What: Club dance from Stomp the Yard. ​ ​ Who: Columbus Short (actor), Sylvain White (director), Dave Scott (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flLxyEII_zU&feature=related 0:04‐0:46. ​ ​ Description: To impress the members of a college fraternity, DJ Williams (Columbus Short) performs this solo step dance at a club. “Walk It Out” by rapper Unk is the song that Short dances to.

24) What: Swimming pool dance from Stomp the Yard. ​ ​ Who: Columbus Short (actor), Sylvain White (director), Dave Scott (choreographer). When: 2007. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytb2FWB1fnA 3:42‐4:23. ​ ​ Description: DJ Williams (Columbus Short) practices his dance moves in an empty swimming pool, to ready himself for dancing with the rest of his fraternity. “Go Hard or Go Home,” by Bay Area rappers E‐40 and The Federation, is the song featured in this scene. ​ ​ ​

25) What: Dance from White Chicks. ​ ​ Who: Marlon Wayans & Shawn Wayans (actors).

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When: 2004. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkj2HhFxPUU 1:20‐2:20 (girls’ dance), 3:11‐3:42 ​ ​ (Wayans’ brothers’ dance). Description: A comic nightclub dance‐off from the 2004 whiteface drag comedy, White Chicks. The ​ ​ girls perform to “Crazy in Love” by Beyoncé, while the Wayans twins perform to “It’s Tricky” by Run‐DMC.

26) What: Dance from Zoolander. ​ ​ Who: (actor & director), Owen Wilson (actor). When: 2001. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InIxKCa3H9g&feature=related 1:38‐1:53. ​ ​ Description: A comic “walk‐off” competition between the two lead actors of the movie, Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller. The movie’s theatrical running was hurt by its release date— September 28, 2011— being so soon after the 9/11 attacks, but it has since become popular through TV showings and DVD sales.

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LIVE PERFORMANCES ALPHABETICALLY, BY ARTIST

1) What: “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” live performance. Who: Beyoncé (artist). When: 2009. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAwaQOi11OQ 1:34‐2:34, 3:59‐4:52. ​ ​ Description: Beyoncé performs the “Single Ladies” dance routine with a large background team at the 2009 MTV VMAs, which took place in New York City’s Radio Music Hall, wearing the same silver costume and metallic glove that was featured in this song’s music video. She began her performance by singing the opening of her song “Sweet Dreams” as well. Her performance was very well‐received and overall ratings for that year’s VMAs were up 17% from 2008, with an estimated 9 million viewers tuning in.

2) What: “Billie Jean” live performance. Who: Michael Jackson (recording artist) th When: March 25 ,​ 1983 ​ Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rG0cjYwgqxA 3:28‐3:53 ​ ​ Description: Michael Jackson’s 1983 performance of “Billie Jean” at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium, to th celebrate the 25 ​ anniversary of Records. It’s considered one of the greatest live solo ​ performances of all time, and is particularly famous for featuring Jackson’s first display of the famous “” dance (included in the video excerpt). The moonwalk is inspired by Marcel Marceau ​ "walk‐against‐the‐ wind" pantomime techniques.

3) What: “The Way You Make Me Feel” live performance. Who: Michael Jackson (artist). When: 1988. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsAhlDN9JVQ 1:56‐2:46. ​ ​ Description: Jackson gave a joint performance of this song and “Man in the Mirror” at the 1988 Grammy Awards. The song’s routine was similar to the version performed on his record‐breaking Bad ​ World Tour, with four background dancers and Jackson wearing his signature outfit and black fedora. It is still considered one of the most memorable live performances of his career.

4) What: “OMG” live performance. Who: Usher (lead artist), will.i.am (featured artist). When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CuLgCoSUlw 0:18‐0:52, 1:22‐2:08. ​ ​ Description: Usher is seen performing and dancing to his hit single, “OMG,” in front of 70,000 fans at Wembley Stadium in . Will.i.am later joined him onstage to perform his verse in this song, and Justin Bieber made a well‐received surprise appearance as well.

5) What: “More” live performance. Who: Usher (artist).

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When: 2010. Time excerpt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GooDeRQwnmM 1:13‐1:45, 1:53‐2:15. ​ ​ Description: No official music video was released for Usher’s single “More,” but a one‐minute promotional video for the 2010 NBA All‐Star Game, featuring footage of Usher and various NBA All‐Stars, was put out instead. Usher also performed this song at the opening performance of itself at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas while wearing a gladiator‐style plastic breastplate— it was the best‐attended NBA All‐Star Game in history, with 108,000 fans in attendance.

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FACT FILES: (For selected artists with multiple entries).

AALIYAH ● Full name: Aaliyah Dana Haughton. “Aaliyah,” means “highest, most exalted one” in Arabic. ● Born January 16, 1979 – Died August 25, 2001. ● Mixed African‐American and Native American descent. Born in Brooklyn, grew up in Detroit, and attended the Detroit High School for the Performing Arts. ​ ​ ● Her first nationwide appearance was on the show Star Search in 1989. Her uncle, ​ ​ entertainment lawyer Barry Hankerson, signed her to his Blackground Records label when she was twelve. R&B singer R. Kelly served as her mentor and produced her debut album, Age ​ Ain’t Nothing But A Number (1994) under Jive Records. It went double platinum in the U.S. ​ ● Aaliyah and R. Kelly were secretly married in 1994, but Aaliyah lied about her aged on the marriage certificate, claiming to be 18 when she was really 15. The marriage was therefore annulled, and after the controversy that ensued, Aaliyah quit R. Kelly’s label and signed with Atlantic Records, where she released her triple‐platinum sophomore album, One in a Million ​ (1996). ● Aaliyah contributed to several movies’ soundtracks, including “Are You That Somebody?” on the Dr. Dolittle soundtrack in 1998. She also performed the song “Journey to the Past” for the ​ ​ 1997 animated hit Anastasia. The song received an Academy Award nomination for Best ​ ​ Original Song, and Aaliyah became the youngest Oscar performer and first African‐American female performer ever when she sang this song at the 1998 ceremony. Aaliyah also later starred in two movies— Romeo Must Die (2000) and Queen of the Damned (2002), the latter ​ ​ ​ ​ being released posthumously— and was also nearly cast in Charlie’s Angels (2000) in the role ​ ​ of Alex, which ultimately went to Lucy Liu. She was also considered for roles in movies such as Honey and The Matrix sequels, and had signed seven movie deals at the time of her death. ​ ​ ​ ● Aaliyah (2001) was her final LP, and produced several hits, such as “We Need A Resolution” ​ and “Rock the Boat”. The I Care 4 U, featuring her previous singles and ​ ​ various unreleased tracks, was released in 2002 and set a new record by spending 188 weeks in the chart. ​ ​ ● On August 25, 2001, Aaliyah and eight others were killed in an airplane crash in the Bahamas; she was on her way to Florida after a video shoot in the Caribbean. The pilot, Luis Morales III, was unlicensed at the time, had not been approved to fly that plane, and was later found to have been under the influence of cocaine and alcohol. Her family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Blackhawk International Airways because of this, and it was later settled in court for an undisclosed amount ● Aaliyah was ranked as one of "The Top 40 Women of the Video Era" and "100 Sexiest Artists" in VH1's 2003 The Greatest series. She was also ranked at number 18 on BET's "Top 25 ​ ​ Dancers of All Time".

Aaliyah’s official site: www.aaliyah.com/aaliyah ​ Aaliyah fact file: http://factspage.blogspot.com/2010/04/25‐interesting‐aaliyah‐facts.html. ​ ​

CHRISTINA AGUILERA

● Full name: Christina María Aguilera.

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● Born December 18, 1980 in Staten Island, New York. ● Disney contributed immensely to her success: she was part of The Mickey Mouse Club with ​ ​ Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake as a pre‐teen, and later sang “Reflection” for the Mulan ​ soundtrack in 1998, the same year she was signed to RCA Records. ● Her eponymous debut album came out in 1999, and went 9x platinum in the U.S., fueled by the #1 Billboard singles “Genie in a Bottle,” “What a Girls Wants,” and “Come On Over (All I ​ ​ Want Is You).” ● In 2000, Aguilera released two albums: a Spanish‐language album, , with the ​ ​ Spanish version of her earlier songs, and a holiday album, . ​ ​ ● In 2002 came her fourth studio album, Stripped, which went 4x Platinum in the U.S. and was ​ ​ nominated for four Grammys. This album was notable for its single and music video “Beautiful,” which was nominated for Song of the Year and which touched upon several controversial topics, including anorexia, homosexuality, bullying, self‐esteem and transgender ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ sexuality. ● Since Stripped, Aguilera has twice gone on four‐year stretches without releasing an album. ​ ​ Back to Basics (2006) sold 6 million copies worldwide, and produced the hits “Ain’t No Other ​ Man” and “Candyman”. Bionic (2010) was considered a commercial and critical ​ ​ disappointment, as was her acting debut that year, Burlesque. ​ ​ ● Aguilera has sold over 50 million records worldwide, including 16 million records in the United States, and 46 million singles worldwide. Rolling Stone ranked her fifty‐eighth on their list of ​ ​ the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. She has had four successful tours: Christina Aguilera: In ​ , the Justified/Stripped Tour with Justin Timberlake, the Stripped World Tour and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ the Back to Basics Tour. However, her tour to promote her Bionic album in 2010 was ​ ​ ​ ​ cancelled. ● Married Jordan Bratman in 2005, and had one son before her 2011 divorce. She has also been romantically affiliated with dancer Jorge Santos, ● Influences: , , , Billie Holliday.

Official site: http://www.christinaaguilera.com/us/home ​ Aguilera’s page on RollingStone.com: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/christina‐aguilera ​ Trivia facts: http://www.tv.com/christina‐aguilera/person/69930/trivia.html ​

BEYONCÉ

● Full name: Beyoncé Giselle Knowles. th ● Born September 4 ,​ 1981 in Houston, Texas, where she grew up and formed a girl group with ​ her friend Kelly Rowland and several other singers. This group was initially called Girl’s Tyme, but later changed its name to Destiny’s Child and became one of the best‐selling all‐female groups ever. Beyoncé began her mainstream solo career in 2002, but continued performing with Destiny’s Child until they broke up in 2005. ● Beyoncé’s “Work It Out” was a hit off the soundtrack to Austin Powers in Goldmember, which ​ ​ Beyoncé starred in. In 2003, she released her debut album, Dangerously in Love, which went ​ ​ 4x platinum in the U.S. The two biggest singles off the album, “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy,” spent a combined total of 17 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. The other two singles, “Me ​ ​ Myself & I” and “Naughty Girl,” were also successful, both entering the Top 5 of the Hot 100. Beyoncé promoted the album with her Europe‐only Dangerously in Love Tour.

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nd th ● Her 2 ​ album, B’Day (2006), released on her 25 ​ birthday, went triple platinum in the U.S. ​ ​ ​ ​ and featured hit singles “Déjà Vu,” “,” and “,” the top‐selling single of 2007 and Beyoncé’s longest‐running #1 single ever, spending ten straight weeks atop the Hot 100. ● Her third solo album, I Am... Sasha Fierce (2008) featured a greater presence of her aggressive ​ ​ alter ego, Sasha Fierce. Thanks to the hits “Halo,” “Diva,” and arguably her most famous song to date, "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It),” the album sold seven million copies worldwide and ​ ​ won six Grammy Awards, the most any artist has ever garnered in one night. ● Beyoncé took a year off performing before releasing her album 4 (2011), in order to achieve ​ ​ songwriting inspiration. The album topped the Billboard 200 charts, but has so far failed to produce a smash hit on par with those of her previous albums. ● In addition to singing, Beyoncé has had a successful acting career, with movies such as The ​ Pink Panther (2006), (2008) and Dreamgirls (2006). The latter of these is ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ considered her signature role, as fictional R&B singer Deena Jones; she performed the Oscar‐nominated song “Listen” in the film’s second act. ● Beyoncé has been involved in several philanthropic projects, founding the Survivor Foundation with her two parents and fellow Destiny’s Child singer Kelly Rowland for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The Beyoncé Cosmetology Center opened in 2010. ● She has long been romantically affiliated with rapper Jay‐Z. They married in ● She has sold 75 million records worldwide. In her native United States, she has sold 11.2 million albums and 25 million singles. In 2009, Billboard listed her as the most successful ​ ​ female artist and the top radio artist of the 2000s decade. She has also had four successful ​ ​ tours: the Dangerously in Love Tour (2003) the Verizon Ladies First Tour with Missy Elliott and ​ ​ ​ ​ (2004),∙ The Beyoncé Experience (2007) and the I Am... Tour (2009/2010). ​ ​ ​ ​ ● Influences: Janet Jackson, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Bob Fosse.

Official site: http://www.beyonceonline.com/us/home ​ Trivia: http://www.tv.com/beyonc%E9‐knowles/person/79267/summary.html?q=Beyonce&tag=search_resu lts;title;1

CHRIS BROWN

● Full name: Christopher Maurice Brown. ● Born May 5, 1989 in Tappanhock,Virginia. ● Brown began dancing and singing at a young age— he was signed to local record label, Hitmission Records, at age 13, and to mainstream label, Jive Records, at age 15. ● “Run It!” (feat. Juelz Santana) was Brown’s first mainstream single. It became a Billboard Hot ​ ​ 100 #1 single, the first debut single by a male artist to do so since ’s “This Is It” in 1995. ● In 2006, a year after his mainstream debut, Brown won 's Best R&B Soul New Artist, BET's Best New Artist, Teen Choice's Male Breakout Artist and Billboard's Male Artist of the Year, New Artist of the Year and overall Artist of the Year ● He has released four studio albums: Chris Brown (2005), Exclusive (2007), Graffiti (2009), and ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ F.A.M.E. (2011). He has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards and six MTV Video Music ​ Awards. Brown has also starred in three films.

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● He has headlined the Up Close and Personal Tour, UCP Exclusive Tour, Fan Appreciation Tour, and F.A.M.E. Tour. He has also opened for Beyonce and Rihanna on their tours. ● His career was greatly harmed by his 2009 felony assault of fellow singer and girlfriend Rihanna, for which Brown was sentenced to five years probation and six months of community service (interestingly, Brown’s own mother was subject to domestic violence by her spouse as well). Brown maintained a low profile in the months following this incident. ● Influences: Michael Jackson, Usher, .

Brown’s home page: http://www.chrisbrownworld.com/us/home. ​ ​ Brown’s page on MTV.com: http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/brown__chris__18_/artist.jhtml . ​ ​ Brown’s page on RollingStone.com: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/chris‐brown. ​ ​

CIARA

● Full name: Ciara Princess Harris. ● Born October 25, 1985 in Austin, Texas. ● She is of Creole, German and Irish descent. Comes from a military family; lived in , New York, California, Arizona, and Nevada as a child, and then finally settled in Atlanta, Georgia. ● Signed to ’s label Sho’Nuff at age 18; later moved up to LaFace Records and released her first single, “Goodies,” which reached #1 in the United States. The album Goodies was released in 2004 and is now certified triple platinum. “Oh,” “1, 2 Step” ​ ​ and “” were the other successful singles off the album. ● Her second album, Ciara: The Evolution (2006), was seen as a coming‐of‐age project for the ​ ​ singer: it also went platinum and had several successful singles, such as “Get Up” and “Like A Boy.” Her next two albums, Fantasy Ride (2007) and Basic Instinct (2010), were considerably ​ ​ ​ ​ less commercially successful; Ciara has been feuding with her record company, LaFace Records, claiming they have failed to support her and her work, and has asked to be released from her contract with them. ● To date, Ciara has sold over 18 million albums worldwide. She has won one Grammy on five nominations and won two MTV VMAs on seven nominations. She has also acted in two films and is shooting a third. ● She is a second cousin to rapper and fellow Atlanta artist

Ciara’s official site: www.legacyrecordings.com/artists/ciara ​ ​ Ciara’s biography: http://www.kovideo.net/ciara‐biography‐28862.html ​ Ciara’s MySpace page: www.myspace.com/ciara ​

DESTINY’S CHILD

● An R&B girl group from Houston, Texas, active 1997‐2006. The group’s most famous and ​ ​ ​ ​ primary members were Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland, and Michelle Williams. Singers ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ LeToya Luckett, LaTavia Roberson, and also spent time with the group. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ● They began performing underground under the name “Girl’s Tyme” in 1990. They failed their 1990 audition on the TV talent show Star Search, their first nationwide appearance, but ​ ​ later signed them in 1997, and they released their first single, “No, No, No.”

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In 1996, they finally changed their name to Destiny's Child, a name featured in the Book of ​ Isaiah. ​ ● Destiny’s Child released a total of four studio albums in their nine‐year career: Destiny's Child ​ (1998), The Writing's on the Wall (1999), Survivor (2001), and (2004). While ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ their debut was less successful, peaking at #67 in the US, their last three all reached the Top 5 of the Billboard 200 chart and went, respectively, 8x, 4x and 3x platinum. Their total US sales ​ ​ stand at roughly 18 million units, and worldwide sales stand at roughly 60 million units. This makes them the second most successful girl group ever, following the . ● Destiny’s Child had four Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles and ten Top 10 singles. “Lose My Breath,” ​ ​ “Bills, Bills, Bills,” “Soldier,” and “Bootylicious” are among their most famous songs. ● Destiny’s Child went on two world tours: Destiny's Child World Tour (2003) and Destiny ​ ​ ​ Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It (2005). The latter tour grossed; it was also during this tour that the ​ group members announced they would break up to pursue their solo careers. The group officially disbanded following the 2005 release of their , #1’s. They have, ​ ​ however, occasionally reunited for concert performances, including a reunion show in July 2011 to promote Kelly Rowland’s new solo album.

Destiny’s Child’s official site: http://www.destinyschild.com/index2.html ​ Destiny’s Child’s site on Music World Entertainment: http://musicworldent.com/artists/destinyschild ​ Info regarding their break‐up: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/destinys‐child‐to‐split‐20050613

JANET JACKSON ● Full name: Janet Damita Jo Jackson. ● Born May 16, 1966 in Gary, Indiana. ● She is the youngest member of the Jackson family, which includes her famous brothers Michael, Jermaine and Tito. Her father trained them vigorously for the entertainment business. Jackson was not intrigued by this career path as a child, and has said that, were it not for her singing, she would have liked to pursue a career in law. ● Janet did not perform with her brothers in the Jackson 5, but joined them later when the group expanded to become “The Jacksons.” They had several hits in the late ‘70s, including “Blame It on the Boogie” and “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground).” Janet appeared in several TV shows during this period, including Good Times, Diff’rent Strokes and Fame, before ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ releasing her eponymous debut album in 1982, and its follow‐up, Street, in 1984. ​ ​ ● Control (1986) is generally considered to be her breakout album, having sold 14 million copies ​ worldwide and been certified 5x platinum by the RIAA. Five of the album’s seven singles reached the Top 5 of the Billboard Hot 100, and the album was nominated for Album of the ​ ​ Year at the 1986 Grammys. ● Her next album, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814 (1989), had a record seven Top 5 singles ​ ​ and is the only album to produce number‐one singles in three different calendar years. The album went 6x platinum and was nominated for nine Grammy Awards. The Rhythm Nation ​ World Tour became the world's most successful debut concert tour by any singer in history. ​ ● Janet (1993) sold 350,000 copies in its first week, then the record for the highest first‐week ​ sales by a female artist in history. She also starred in her first feature film that same year— John Singleton’s Poetic Justice, alongside rapper Tupac Shakur— and received an Oscar ​ ​ nomination for the movie’s song, “Again.” She has since appeared in a total of five movies.

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● Jackson suffered from depression and anxiety in the mid‐1990’s (in part from her divorce from Rene Elizendo), but signed with Virgin Records for a then‐record $80 million and released in 1997. The album dealt with many sophisticated ​ ​ issues, such as homophobia and domestic violence, and went triple platinum. ● All For You (2001) sold 600,000 copies in its first week and is now certified triple platinum. The ​ title track is Jackson’s last Billboard #1 single to date. Her next album, Damita Jo (2004), fared ​ ​ ​ ​ less well; some blame this to the negative attention brought by Jackson’s infamous “wardrobe malfunction” incident while performing at the XXXVIII halftime show. Her next two albums, 20 Y.O. (2006) and Discipline (2008), were considerably less successful than her ​ ​ ​ ​ previous efforts. ● Jackson has won five Grammy Awards and sold about records worldwide. She was th ranked #77 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock 'N' Roll. She is tied for 8 ​ all‐time, with 10 th ​ Billboard #1 singles, and 10 ​ all‐time with 33 cumulative weeks atop the chart. She is also tied th ​ ​ for 5 ​ all‐time with 27 Top 10 singles. ​ ● Jackson has gone on the following tours: Rhythm Nation World Tour (1990), Janet World Tour ​ ​ ​ (1993–95), The Velvet Rope World Tour (1998–99), All for You Tour (2001–02), Rock Witchu ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Tour (2008), : Up Close and Personal (2011). The Rhythm Nation Tour was the ​ ​ ​ most successful debut tour in history at the time; Jackson turned down a role in The Matrix to ​ ​ go on The Velvet Rope World Tour.

Janet Jackson official site: www.janetjackson.com ​ Janet Jackson’s MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/janetjackson ​ Janet Jackson trivia: http://www.tv.com/janet‐jackson/person/35231/trivia.html ​

MICHAEL JACKSON ● Full name: Michael Joseph Jackson. ● Born August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana – Died June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. ● Nicknamed the “King of Pop.” He is the “Most Successful Entertainer of All Time,” according to Guinness World Records. He won 13 Grammy Awards and sold 750 million albums worldwide. He had 13 Billboard #1 singles number‐one singles—more than any other solo male artist— ​ ​ and his singles spent a combined 37 weeks at #1, the sixth most of any artist in history. He is fourth all‐time with 28 Top 10 singles. ● He was the eighth of ten children to an abusive father, Joseph Jackson, who beat and mocked his children in an effort to train them as performers. Michael was repeatedly subject to childhood abuse. ● Michael formed the child quintet “The Jackson 5” with four of his brothers— Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, and Marlon— and was signed to Motown Records. They became one of the few groups to have their first four singles— “ABC,” “I Want You Back,” “The Love You Save,” and “I’ll Be There”— all top the Billboard Hot 100 charts; all four of these hits came before Michael’s twelfth birthday. Later, as adults, they performed as “The Jacksons,” scoring hits like “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Blame It on the Boogie.” ● His solo career began in 1971 with the album Got to be There. He released four currently ​ ​ out‐of‐ print solo albums before 1979’s landmark Off the Wall, his first work with . Off ​ ​ ​ the Wall has now sold 20 million copies worldwide, fueled by classic singles such as “Don’t ​ Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock With You.”

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● His follow‐up, Thriller (1982), is cited by Guinness World Records as the best‐selling album of ​ ​ ​ ​ all time, with estimated sales of 65‐110 million copies worldwide. The album was #1 in the United States for 37 weeks, produced seven Billboard Top Ten singles (becoming the first ​ ​ album to ever do so), and won eight Grammys. Thriller is also credited with popularizing music videos and MTV, particularly due to the videos for its singles "Billie Jean" and "Beat It," and ​ ​ ​ ​ the title track— which is generally considered to be the greatest music video ever made. ● Bad (1987), his next album, has now sold 30 million copies worldwide and is the only album ​ ever to produce five Billboard number‐one singles. Dangerous (1991) was the first album to ​ ​ ​ ​ ever ship seven million units in the U.S. in its first two months, eventually selling 32 million copies worldwide. “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal,” and “Black or White” are among the best‐known singles off these two albums. After Dangerous, Jackson took a ten‐year break from studio ​ ​ albums before 2001’s Invincible. Despite producing one credible hit, “You Rock My World,” ​ ​ the album failed to match the success of his previous LPs— it would be the last album of all‐new material he released in his lifetime. ● Jackson had three world tours: the Bad World Tour, Dangerous World Tour, and HIStory World Tour. The Bad World Tour was the most successful tour ever at the time, with 4.4 million attendees. Other memorable performance of his include Super Bowl XXVII (which drew the largest viewing audience in the history of American television), and the Motown 25th ​ Anniversary concert, at which he inaugurated his signature “moonwalk” dance. ● Jackson had several charities, most notably the Heal the World Foundation, designed to aid underprivileged children. ● Jackson faced several controversies throughout his life. The most serious of these were his child abuse charges, first in 1993 against a boy named Jordan Chandler, and later during his 2005 trial, People v. Jackson, during which he was later acquitted on all charges due to a lack ​ ​ of evidence. ● In 2009, Jackson began rehearsing for a series of concerts known collectively as This Is It, which would have had him performing 50 concerts to over one million people, at London's O2 arena, from July 13, 2009 to March 6, 2010. However, on June 25, 2009, Jackson suddenly died of a heart attack in Los Angeles. Roughly a billion people around the world watched his th public memorial service on live television on July 7 .​ VH1 ranked his death the most shocking ​ ​ moment in music history.

Michael Jackson’s official site: www.michaeljackson.com ​ Michael Jackson fact file: http://popcorn.oneindia.in/artist‐biography/16725/1/michael‐jackson.html ​ Article on Jackson’s death: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/31552029/ns/today‐entertainment/t/michael‐jacksons‐life‐cut‐shoc kingly‐short/

LADY GAGA

● Real name: Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta. ● Born March 28, 1986. ● Italian‐American descent. ● Attended NYU (dropped out early) and formed a band with her classmates called the Stefani Germanotta Band (SGBand). They performed throughout Manhattan.

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● She later performed with another singer, Lady Starlight. later offered her a contract, and she worked as a songwriter for several years before earning a recording contract with ’s label, Kon Live Distribution. ● She has released three albums: The Fame (2008), The Fame Monster (EP) (2009), and Born ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ This Way (2011). These have produced such hit singles as “Just Dance,“ “Poker Face,” “Bad ​ Romance,” “The Edge of Glory,” and many others. In total, she has sold roughly 15 million albums worldwide, 50 million digital singles, and won five Grammy Awards. ● She has gone on two worldwide tours: The Fame Ball Tour and the Monster Ball Tour. The Fame Ball Tour set the record for the highest‐grossing tour ever by a debut headlining act. ● She was named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by Time magazine in 2010. ​ ​ ● The name “Gaga” is based on the Queen song “Radio Ga Ga.” Freddie Mercury is a heavy influence on Gaga. ● Artistic Influences: David Bowie, Queen and , Madonna, Whitney Houston, Britney ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Spears and Michael Jackson. ​ ​ ​

Lady GaGa’s official site: http://www.ladygaga.com/Default.aspx ​ Good article, with links to more material: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/lady‐gaga‐discusses‐her‐struggles‐and‐connection‐to‐fans‐ in‐rolling‐stone‐cover‐story‐20110525

MADONNA

● Full name: Madonna Louise Ciccone. ● Born August 16, 1958 in Bay City, Michigan. She grew up in Michigan and earned a dance scholarship at the University of Michigan. She dropped out, moved to New York City, and performed for two bands, Breakfast Club and Emmy, before signing to Warner Bros. Records in 1982, where she released her debut single, “Everybody,” and her self‐titled debut album. ● Her full discography of studio albums is Madonna (1983), Like a Virgin (1984), True ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Blue (1986), Like a Prayer (1989), Erotica (1992), Bedtime Stories (1994), (1998), ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Music (2000), American Life (2003), Confessions on a Dance Floor (2005), and Hard Candy ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ (2008). ● Madonna has had twelve Billboard number‐one singles, the fifth‐most of any artist in history, ​ ​ and they have spent a combined 33 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100. She is also tied with ​ ​ Elvis Presley with six Billboard #2 singles, the time, and has had 48 singles in the ​ ​ Top 40, the most of any female artist and the fourth most of all time. Her 37 Top 10 singles are also the most of any artist ever. ● Her #1 singles include “Vogue,” “Like A Virgin,” “Music,” “Papa Don’t Preach,” “Justify My Love,” and “Like A Prayer.” Among her other most famous songs are “4 Minutes,” “Human Nature” “Hung Up,” “Sorry” and “Express Yourself.” ● Madonna has gone on eight concert tours, seven of which have been worldwide. 1987’s Who's That Girl World Tour was her first global tour; the concert in Paris broke attendance ​ records by drawing 130,000 fans. Her 2008 Sticky & Sweet Tour is currently the ​ ​ highest‐grossing tour ever by a solo artist, and the second highest‐grossing tour of all time, ​ with approximately $408 million in ticket sales. Madonna’s 2006 Confessions Tour had previously held this record, grossing $195 million.

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● Madonna is the most successful solo female artist of all time; she has sold over 275 million records worldwide, including over 80 million records in the United States. Madonna has made roughly $800 million in her career. ● Madonna has also acted in several movies, including Evita (1996), for which she won the ​ ​ Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. This role, along ​ ​ ​ with A League of Their Own (1989), is among her few critical successes; others, such as Four ​ ​ Rooms (1995), The Next Best Thing (2000) and Swept Away (2002) have been less successful ​ ​ ​ ​ in that regard. Madonna vowed never to act again after Swept Away. ​ ​ ● Madonna has been married twice, to actor Sean Penn and director/screenwriter Guy Ritchie. ● Influences: Marilyn Monroe, Ella Fitzgerald, Nany Sinatra, Betty Davis, Blondie, The Pretenders.

Madonna home page: http://www.madonna.com/ ​ Madonna trivia: http://www.tv.com/madonna/person/64097/trivia.html ​

BRITNEY SPEARS: ● Full name: Britney Jean Spears. ● Born December 2, 1981 in McComb, Mississippi. Grew up in Kentwood, . ● Britney’s parents, Lynn and James, were very demanding of her as a child, enrolling her in gymnastics, dancing and choir classes by age 3. They drove her to Atlanta to audition for The ​ Mickey Mouse Club when she was 8, and although she was initially rejected, the show ​ eventually accepted her in 1992. She starred in this show with fellow “mouseketeers” Christina Aguilera and Justin Timberlake. ​ ​ ​ ● Jive Records later signed her and had Swedish songwriter Max Martin compose “ Baby One … More Time,” which would be her first solo hit and featured on Rolling Stone’s 2007 list of the “40 Songs That Changed The World.” ● In 1999, she released the full album Baby One More Time, which has currently sold 25 ​… ​ million copies worldwide and is certified 14x platinum by the RIAA. Guinness World Records recognizes it as the “Best‐selling album by a teenage solo artist.” She also became the first debut solo artist to simultaneously have both a #1 album and single on the Billboard charts). ​ ​ ● Her second album, Oops! I Did It Again (2000), sold 1.3 million copies in its first week, still the ​ ​ record for a female solo artist (and briefly the most of any solo artist ever before being bested by Eminem’s The Marshall Mathers LP the following week). The album produced the hit ​ ​ singles “Stronger,” “Lucky” and the title track. During this period, Spears was now considered part of Jive Records’ “teen‐pop trifecta,” along with *NSync and the Backstreet Boys. She had two successful tours named after her first two albums. ● Her next two albums— Britney (2001) and (2003)— both debuted at #1 in the U.S. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and produced hit singles such as “I’m A Slave 4 U,” “,” and especially “Toxic,” which won Spears her first Grammy Award (for Best Dance Recording in 2005). She promoted these two albums with the Dream Within A Dream Tour and the Onyz Hotel Tour, respectively. ● In 2002, she starred in the critically panned Crossroads as Lucy Wagner, her first and only ​ ​ starring movie role. ● After In The Zone, Britney went on a musical hiatus, with no new albums until 2007’s Blackout ​ ​ ​ and no touring until the Circus Tour in 2009. During this interim, Britney was marred by several personal troubles, including drug addictions, a custody battle for her children, stints in rehab and hospitals, and the death of her favorite aunt. Rolling Stone described this dark ​ ​

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period of her life as “the most public meltdown of any star in history,” as her struggles were amplified by their extensive coverage by the paparazzi. ● Blackout (2007) was Spears’ first album in four years. Although it sold a respectable 3 million ​ copies and produced hit singles “Gimme More and “Piece of Me,” Britney did very little to promote the album and it was her first album not to reach #1 on the Billboard 200. Circus ​ ​ ​ (2009) was considered her official “comeback” album, as she had sobered up considerably at this point, had even bigger singles— “Circus,” “,” and “Womanizer” (her first Billboard #1 single since “ Baby One More Time”—and promoted this album with an … accompanying tour this time. Circus also gave Spears the Guinness World Record as the ​ ​ ​ ​ youngest female artist to have five albums debut at #1. ● 2011’s Femme Fatale also debuted at #1 and produced the hits “Hold It Against Me” and “Til ​ ​ The World Ends.” She promoted it with the Femme Fatal World Tour, featuring Nicki Minaj as the opening act in North America. ● Spears is one of the best‐selling musical acts in history, having sold over 100 million records worldwide and 33 million in the United States, making her the eighth best‐selling female artist in America. Spears is also recognized as the best‐selling female artist and the fifth best‐selling artist overall of the first decade of the 21st century. She has also grossed a record $350 million from her tours and $185 million from those tours’ merchandise. ● Spears has had several notorious relationships over the years, including two failed marriages to Jason Alexander and Kevin Federline, and a time with Justin Timberlake, whose breakup allegedly inspired his signature song, “Cry Me a River.” ● Spears is a natural brunette, but is often seen with dyed blonde hair. ● Influences: Madonna, Janet Jackson.

“The Tragedy of Britney Spears.” Excellent article: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/the‐tragedy‐of‐britney‐spears‐rolling‐stones‐2008‐cover‐st ory‐20110329 Spears’ RollingStone.com page: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/britney‐spears ​ Spears’ official site: http://www.britneyspears.com/iwannago/ ​ Trivia: http://www.tv.com/britney‐spears/person/3702/trivia.html ​

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE ● Full name: Justin Randall Timberlake ● Born January 31, 1981 in Memphis, . ● His first nationwide appearance was on the TV talent show Star Search. He later starred in the ​ ​ Disney Channel TV series The New Mickey Mouse Club with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, ​ ​ ​ and JC Chasez. Timberlake and Chasez later formed the group 'N Sync, now cited as the third ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ best‐selling boy band in history. Their eponymous debut, ‘N Sync (1997), is now certified ​ ​ diamond (sales of 10 million) by the RIAA. No Strings Attached (2000) sold a still‐record 1.1 ​ ​ million copies in its first day, and 2.4 million in its first week, ultimately going diamond as well. The group began their ongoing “hiatus” after releasing their 5x platinum third album, Celebrity (2001). Timberlake now began his solo career, collaborating with acclaimed ​ producers Timbaland and the Neptunes. ● Since leaving ‘NSync, Timberlake has released two very successful solo albums: Justified ​ (2002) and FutureSex/Love Sounds (2006) have together sold 18 million copies worldwide, ​ ​ won six Grammy Awards and produced numerous hits, such as “Cry Me A River,” “Rock Your Body,” “SexyBack,” “My Love,” and “What Goes Around Comes Around.” The latter three …

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songs, all off FutureSex/Love Sounds, made this album one of the few ever to send all three of ​ ​ its first singles to the top of the Billboard Hot 100. Timberlake promoted his albums with two solo tours—Justified and Lovin' It Live (2003/2004) and the FutureSex/LoveShow (2007)— ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ and one joint tour with Christina Aguilera—the Justified/Stripped Tour (2003). ​ ​ ​ ● Since 2007, Timberlake has had featured appearances on several hit singles— including “4 Minutes” with Madonna, “Dead & Gone” with T.I., and “” and “Give It To Me” with Timbaland— but has overall concentrated on his film career more than his music career. Among his best‐known films are Alpha Dog (2006), Shrek The Third (2007), Friends With ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Benefits (2011), and especially The Social Network (2010), in which he received widespread ​ ​ ​ acclaim for his performance as Napster co‐founder Sean Parker. ● Timberlake has had several celebrity relationships, including with Britney Spears, Cameron Diaz, and . He enjoys country music and playing golf. ● Influences: Michael Jackson, Prince.

Official site: www.justintimberlake.com ​ RollingStone.com biography: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/justin‐timberlake/biography ​ MySpace page: www.myspace.com/justintimberlake ​

TLC ● An R&B/hip‐hop group, active primarily from 1992‐2003. Its members were Tionne "T‐Boz" ​ Watkins, Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, and Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes. ​ ​ ​ ● The group were founded 1990 when Cristal Jones of Atlanta, Georgia announced she was nd looking for two singers to join her in a group called 2 ​ Nature. T‐Boz and Left Eye responded ​ to her,and the group was introduced to LaFace Records. Co‐founder Anthony “L.A.” Reid was impressed with T‐Boz and Left Eye, but felt that Jones should be replaced; Chilli later took her placed, and the group TLC (named for the members’ initials) was formed. ● TLC peaked in the mid‐90’s with their 4x‐platinum debut, Ooooooohhh... On the TLC Tip ​ (1992), followed by the diamond‐selling CrazySexyCool (1994). These albums sold a combined ​ ​ 22 million copies worldwide and produced hit singles such as “Waterfalls,” “Ain’t 2 Proud 2 Beg,” “Creep” and “Diggin’ On You.” Disputes amongst the group members led to a considerable musical hiatus, but they eventual returned with 1999’s Fanmail. Fueled by ​ ​ Billboard #1 singles “No Scrubs” and “Unpretty,” the album sold 12 million copies worldwide ​ and was nominated for seven Grammy Awards, winning two. ● TLC went through several difficulties in their career, including friction with their record producers, filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, and nearly breaking up shortly before Left Eye’s death. Left Eye was particularly troubled, experiencing alcoholism, an abusive relationship with football player Andre Rison, and an arrest for arson in 1995. T‐Boz suffered from sickle cell illness in 1992. ● In April 2002, shortly before the release of their platinum‐selling fourth album, 3D (2002), Left ​ ​ Eye was killed in a car accident while vacationing in Honduras. Chilli and T‐Boz successfully promoted 3D without Left Eye, and continue to perform both together and as solo artists; ​ ​ they recently performed a series of TLC’s hits on the finale of Season 10 of American Idol. ​ ​ ● Among the band’s achievements are four Billboard #1 singles, ten Top 10 singles, four ​ ​ multi‐platinum albums, and four Grammy Awards. TLC has sold 36 million albums worldwide, ​ ​ including 22 million in the United States. Billboard magazine cited them as the seventh most ​ ​ ​ successful act of the 1990s.

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TLC fact file: http://www.soyouwanna.com/tlc‐37437.html ​ Article on Left Eye’s death: http://articles.cnn.com/2002‐04‐26/entertainment/obit.lopes_1_watkins‐and‐thomas‐tionne‐t‐boz‐w atkins‐rozonda‐chilli‐thomas?_s=PM:SHOWBIZ TLC’s MySpace page: http://www.myspace.com/tlcmyspace ​ RollingStone.com page: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/artists/tlc ​

USHER ● Full name: Usher Terry Raymond IV. ● Born in Dallas, Texas on October 14, 1978; grew up in both Chattanooga, Tennessee and ​ ​ Atlanta, Georgia. ● Joined a local quintet, the NuBeginnings, and was spotted at a talent show by Bryant Reid, brother to Antonio “LA” Reid, co‐president of LaFace Records. Usher soon was signed to LaFace and released his self‐titled debut album in 1994. It was mildly successful, peaking at #167 on the Billboard 200. ​ ​ ● Usher teamed with producer for his sophomore effort, My Way (1997). The ​ ​ album’s lead single, “You Make Me Wanna,” was his first major mainstream hit, and the second single, “Nice & Slow,” was his first Billboard Hot 100 hit. Usher also released a live ​ ​ concert album, entitled Live, in 1999. ​ ​ ● Usher’s third studio album, 8701— named after the date it was released, August 7, 2001— ​ ​ sold 8 million copies and was praised as a more mature work in contrast to his earlier works. It produced two #1 singles, “U Remind Me” and “U Got It Bad.” ● 2004’s Confessions sold 1.1 million copies in its first week, the best first‐week sales of any ​ ​ album by a male R&B artist and the seventh best week the Nielsen SoundScan history. This ​ ​ album has produced some of Usher’s most recognizable songs, including “Yeah!,” “Caught Up,” “Burn,” “My Boo,” and “Confessions Part II.” Together, these songs spent a total of 28 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2004, giving Usher the record for the most time spent atop this chart by an artist in one calendar year. Confessions is certified diamond (10x ​ ​ platinum) in the United States, was the most successful solo album by any artist in the ‘00s, and received the 2004 Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B Album. ● While Here I Stand (2008) topped the Billboard 200 charts and featured the #1 single, “Love in ​ ​ ​ ​ This Club,” it failed to match the high expectations established by Confessions. Usher fared ​ ​ better in 2010, with the release of his sixth LP, Raymond v. Raymond, and the EP, Versus. ​ ​ ​ ​ “OMG,” “More,” and “DJ Got Us Falling in Love” were the most successful singles from these releases— the former made Usher the first artist to score #1 singles in the ‘90s, ‘00s and ‘10s. ● Overall, Usher has had nine Billboard #1 singles, sixteen Top 10 singles, and sold 65 million ​ ​ copies worldwide. He is widely considered to be the reigning King of R&B, ● In 1998, Usher started his own record label, US Records. He also founded the philanthropic New Look, and is co‐owner of the NBA basketball team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. ● Usher has gone on five tours: My Way Tour (1998), Evolution 8701 Tour (2002), The Truth ​ ​ World Tour (2004–05), One Night Stand Tour (2008), and OMG Tour (2010–11) ​ ​ ● Usher has starred in a number of films—The Parenthood, The Faculty, She's , Texas ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ Rangers, Light It Up, Disney's Gepetto, In The Mix, and the TV series — though most ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ have not been huge critical or commercial successes. ● Influences: Michael Jackson, .

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Usher’s official website: www.ushernow.com/ ​ Usher’s MTV.com page: www.mtv.com/music/artist/usher/artist.jhtml ​ Usher’s MySpace page: www.myspace.com/usher ​

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