I don't know what caused it but the music video has become increasingly irrelevant over the last few years. MTV and VH1 are almost exclusively shitty reality television programs, and streaming music videos online seems to be the only option to watch them. The music video is one of the greatest art forms in entertainment and has launched the careers of countless incredible artists. Here is a list of my favorite music videos from the past 30 years.

Jay-Z -- "Big Pimpin'"



Jay-Z set a new precedent for rap videos with "Big Pimpin'." It wasn't a generic club setting with a bunch of bitches and bottles like every other rap video. This was shot in Trinidad during Carnival! Boats were replaced with 100-foot yachts and mixed drinks were replaced with cases of Cristal. Who better to do it than the ultimate baller and only artist I believe actually has the money he raps about? This video also made the director, Hype Williams, a household name and showed that videos could be as popular as the artists that made them. For those who are not familiar with the other music videos that Hype has directed, click here.

Pearl Jam -- "Do The Evolution"



This video says it all in the title. "Do The Evolution." Pearl Jam pushes the envelope with this Kevin Altieri-directed video that shows an animated view of the evolution of the human species. The girl dancing between scenes represents death and her important role in the creation of the world and its movements. This video has no bling, bitches, or whips, but is by far the most creative one on this list.

Nelly -- "Tip Drill (Uncut version)"



Ass, ass, and more ass. This video pretty much exemplifies everything that's absurd but enjoyable about hip-hop. Displaying some of the best Christmas hams I have ever seen and a great assortment of throwback jerseys, "Tip Drill" not surprisingly was banned from rotation by MTV and BET for its lewd and lascivious content. Don't watch this with your sister around.

Red Hot Chili Peppers -- "Californication"



"Californication" showcases the four talented members of the Chili Peppers, except instead of preforming they are competing in a simulated video game. This video is more "Gran Turismo" meets Grand Theft Auto than it is a conventional music video. Rock videos sometimes lack the glitz and glamor of hip-hop videos, but the Peppers kill it in this one and it is one of the coolest videos I have ever seen.

Big Tymers -- "#1 Stunna"



Who could have out stunted the Big Tymers in the late 90s and early 2000s? The answer to that is no one, as evident in their video for "#1 Stunna." Birdman and Mannie Fresh were still cool with each other and Weezy had probably just gotten his driver's license when this was filmed. I had to choose this over the more popular video for "Get Your Roll On" simply for the hysterical cameos from Cedric the Entertainer and Steve Harvey.

Rick Astley -- "Never Gonna Give You Up"



This is the funniest music video I have ever seen. The best part is that I am 100% certain that this was never intended to be humorous. Rick Astley scored a number-one hit in 1988 with this catchy jam, and whoever directed this video is a total genius. Is there any wonder why "RickRolling" has generated some 30 million views of this video on YouTube? Pay special attention for the real star of this video, the bartender, who truly steals the show. He can be seen doing extraordinary dance moves at :57, 1:33, 1:42, 2:07, 2:46 and 3:03. There also an 80s Bro sighting at 2:41 in which he almost gives the bartender a run for his money. You gotta watch this!

Busta Rhymes -- "Pass The Courvoisier Part II"



Busta has always been known for putting together epic music videos, especially when he teams up with Hype Williams. I chose this music video narrowly over the landmark "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See" because I find it to be a better song and love the ridiculous cameos by Monique and Jamie Foxx. The Asian massage parlor scenes are definitely the highlight of this video and anytime Diddy is doing Kung Fu moves, it's worth watching.

Bill Squier -- "Rock Me Tonight"



This video is similar to Rick Astley's because it's a serious song with a serious video that turns out to be totally hysterical. The star of "Rock Me Tonight" is Squier himself, who preforms a dance routine that could only be rivaled by Michael Jackson. What makes this video so entertaining are the deathly serious looks that Squier shoots the camera. From the same guy who brought us Bro'd-out 80s jams like "The Stroke," this might be his finest music video.

Robin Thicke -- "Wanna Love You Girl"



Another Hype Williams production, "Wanna Love You Girl" was the first single from Robin Thicke's debut album, "The Evolution of Robin Thicke," produced by The Neptunes. I thought this song and video was totally slept on, and to this day, am surprised it did not receive more attention. Shot in the Dominican Republic, this video has women that aren't your typical video chicks. This had Latin Mami's who made you want to hop on a flight and see them in person right away.

Karate Kid -- "You're The Best"



"The Karate Kid" -- with its characters Daniel Son, Mr. Miyagi, Johnny Lawrence, and the evil Cobra Kai students -- is a great 80s flick with an even better theme song. "You're The Best" epitomizes a triumphant arena rock ballad, and the music video interweaves some of the classic fight scenes from the movie (if you can even call them that). Some might find this inspiring, I find this one hilarious.

Puff Daddy featuring Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes -- "Victory"


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Over the years, Diddy has put together one of the best artist rosters in music. I know that is a bold statement, but between Biggie, Mase, Puffy, Shyne, The Lox, and others, they definitely have a case. If you are not a believer, check out "Been Around the World," "Can't Hold Me Down," or "Hypnotize" and you'll see how deep their talent is. It was really difficult to pick just one to throw on this list, but I had to go with "Victory" because it plays like a movie as opposed to a music video. Set in a futuristic city where Puff is a pawn in a game of life and death, it looks like it could have been part of a Jerry Bruckheimer film. With classic cameos by Dennis Hopper and Danny DeVito, this video is a cinematic masterpiece.

Aerosmith -- "Cryin'"



I remember watching this video as a third grader and getting really horny when I saw Alicia Silverstone. This video follows Silverstone and Steven Tyler's daughter Liv as they ditch school and go on a road trip together. I always wondered how Steven Tyler was cool with his daughter being in the video, considering she has scenes where she is pole dancing, tumbling half naked in bed with Silverstone, and just being slutty in general. Regardless, I'm happy he let her do it because it makes the video great. How long, by the way, do we think Aerosmith's "breakup" will last?

2pac -- "California Love"



Shot on the same set where the 80s Mel Gibson movie "Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome" was filmed, "California Love" is supposed to mirror what Oakland would look like in the year 2095. The video adapts the same costume designs and themes from the movie it's based on and also features cameos by George Clinton and Chris Tucker. Timeless song, amazing video, and vintage 'Pac = home run.

Guns N' Roses -- "November Rain"



This is actually my favorite Guns N' Roses track and one of the best songs of all time. The video follows Axl Rose as he marries a beautiful woman who dies shortly after their wedding. The smoke in the video is famous supermodel Stephanie Seymour, who was Axl's real-life girlfriend for two years. When they broke up in 1993, Axl had began to loose his mind and claimed that he and Seymour were brother and sister in a past life. Nevertheless, Slash's solo outside the church is an epic scene and coupled with the ending, this might be the best video of the bunch.

I know many of you will point out that I am missing several crucial songs, so weigh in the comments with your favorites.