The staging-rapup.kinsta.cloud staff has spent the last week scouring YouTube, rewatching videos from the past year. We whittled it down to 10 of our favorites that were released between January 1, 2009 and December 29, 2009. Our selections include an O.G. and a rap newcomer, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and a pop star who wowed us twice over with her visual masterpieces. Here are our picks in no particular order. Feel free to share your favorites.

Snoop Dogg f/ The-Dream – “Gangsta Luv” (Director: Paul Hunter)

Major Lazer f/ Nina Sky & Ricky Blaze – “Keep It Goin’ Louder” (Director: Eric Wareheim)

Raekwon – “House of Flying Daggers” (Directors: Erick Sasso & Brian Wendelken)

Lady Gaga – “Paparazzi” (Director: Jonas Akerlund)

Keri Hilson f/ Kanye West & Ne-Yo – “Knock You Down” (Director: Chris Robinson)

Jay-Z f/ Kanye West & Rihanna – “Run This Town” (Director: Anthony Mandler)

Ciara f/ Missy Elliott – “Work” (Director: Melina)

Rihanna f/ Young Jeezy – “Hard” (Director: Melina)

Kid Cudi – “Day ‘N’ Nite” (Director: So Me)

Lady Gaga – “Bad Romance” (Director: Francis Lawrence)