Gabriel Hart may not be a household name, but everyone in the industry is aware of his gift for dazzling visuals. The video and commercial director is one of hip hop's most in-demand lensmen, having shot for everyone from Ice Cube to Young Jeezy. He's also founder of Southern Trees Film Group.
In 2011, Hart directed ids for Yo Gotti ("We Can Get It On"), Rocko ("Exit Strategy"), Young Dolph ("Gangsta.") Hart prides himself on bringing a gritty realness to his videos, and that approach has put him at the vanguard of the new wave of hip hop music video directors.
Just as directors like Hype Williams and Brett Ratner pushed for the sleek polished look in the 1990s, Hart and his peers have resurrected an earthiness and relatability for hip hop videos.
"People appreciate the hunger I bring to videos," Hart has said. "I don't charge more after winning awards, because I don't do it for awards. I do it because I love it and that's why people gravitate to my work. I always get people asking me why I'm the one shooting the video. But the question should be, why shouldn't I be shooting the video? I tell stories with my videos, and the story will outweigh shine every time."
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Gabriel Hart may not be a household name, but everyone in the industry is aware of his gift for dazzling visuals. The video and commercial director is one of hip hop's most in-demand lensmen, having shot for everyone from Ice Cube to Young Jeezy. He's also founder of Southern Trees Film Group.
