Synopsis
The video places Uncle Imani and Ta'Raach in a loose, surreal live-action setting that is repeatedly invaded by hand-drawn marks, shapes, and graphic details. Rather than following a conventional storyline, it treats the performers and their surroundings as a moving canvas for the track's money-minded swagger. The rough animation gives the footage a playful, unstable energy, turning a straightforward rap performance into a colorful collage that feels deliberately improvised and constantly in motion.
Factoids & Trivia
- "PAPER$$$" emerged as a collaboration between The Pharcyde member Uncle Imani and emcee-producer Ta'Raach. The track was presented as a preview from Uncle Imani's planned solo work.
- The video was released online in September 2012, following the earlier online appearance of the song in April of that year.
- Its visual approach combines live-action footage with hand-drawn animation, giving the performers a constantly changing, sketchbook-like appearance.
- The production credits list Lee Wignall as editor, with additional animation by Jonatan Jonsson and Tsvetelina Tomova.
- The animation was created by Ruffmercy, whose recognizable style is built around loose, rough-looking drawings layered over filmed images rather than polished, conventional cartoon animation.
- The video's deliberately raw look fits the playful, off-center sensibility associated with Uncle Imani's work in The Pharcyde, while also reflecting Ta'Raach's underground hip-hop production style.