Director: Hype Williams

Music Video Narrative Treatment The entire look and feel of this video is that of an abstract painting. The approach is that of a different look in hip-hop music videos derived from ghetto art.

The goal is to create a new insight for NAS, one that captures the essence of the artist and illustrates properly the feeling of the song and the song's lyrics, while taking NAS to the next level visually and artistically.

Introduction

As the song begins, we see various cutaways of the city at night, intertwined in a montage sequence (people, places, city lights, etc.).

Camera reveals extreme close-ups of Lauryn Hill as she sings the melody.

We see a high angle crane shot of Queens Bridge projects, as the camera booms downwards. We see NAS and the entire "firm" as they are seated on cars (on car roofs, hoods, etc.)...We see close-ups of their faces in a cross dissolve.

First Verse

Camera reveals NAS standing on a 20' by 20' mirrored platform seemingly "floating" through Times Square at sunset (similar to the style of Bjork Music Video).

In the background, city lights are reflected as NAS performs. Various colored lights slowly change as he "floats" by, as if "lit" by neon lights.

Also integrated we see NAS and the "firm" as he performs as if he's telling story to himself, his friends, etc.

First Chorus

We see Lauryn Hill as she also rides a mirrored platform across 7th Avenue (other side of Times Square).

Second Verse

Camera reveals NAS as he drives a gold Mercedes 600 SEC through Queens Bridge. We see money by the tons....crisp, new $100 bills as it "falls" from the sky.

People everywhere (kids, adults) run and grab for the raining money as it rains on the ghetto (Queens Bridge at sunset).

Second Chorus

We see various neighborhood, nighttime cutaway shots (slow motion....kids playing in the streets, dice rolling, blunt smoking, etc.).

Third Verse

Camera reveals a large with 12 foot mirrored walls and mirrored ceiling. We see NAS and the "firm" seated at a long mirrored table (on the table are rows and rows of new $100 bills) over which we see a huge 6 foot crystal chandelier. Camera reveals the "firm" dressed gangsta' style (Armani, Versace...shirts, ties, etc.).

Final Chorus

We see NAS and Lauryn Hill together as they perform throughout Times Square (on the mirrored platforms).

Intercut with these scenes will be various dissolves/cutaways of the objects/shots that relate to the lyrics:

Gold dice rolling
Money falling
Digital money counters
Jewelry
Rolex stacks

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