Before reality TV took over, cable networks like BET, MTV and VH1 (along with an assortment of broadcast programs) used to dedicate hours to airing music videos. Now, there are only a handful of such shows around and fans are more likely to watch their favorite artist’s latest clip online than on TV. With that said, the quality and concepts for most musicians have gone down. Gone are the days of the multi-million dollar video shoot that was more than a lip-syncing affair and produced mini movies. Still in the midst of Black Music Month, BlackEnterprise.com takes a trip down memory lane with some of the most expensive music videos made by African American artists. You’ll also discover which famous family has a penchant for not only making records but breaking them (and budgets) as well. —Anslem Samuel
Anslem Samuel, Senior Producer, has been a culture critic and entertainment journalist for over 10 years. After a four-year stint as Culture Editor at The Source, the New York native became the founding Editor-in-Chief of The Ave, an independent quarterly publication that combined entertainment, social issues and politics. From there, he served as the Senior Editor for XXL magazine for three years before moving up the ranks to Digital Content Director for XXLMag.com. Also heading up an award-winning relationship blog, he now brings his lifestyle expertise to BlackEnterprise.com
