Synopsis

Lushlife's "Magnolia" turns a rap performance into a fast-moving handmade lyric video. Cardboard words are worn as oversized heads by a succession of strangers and friends, who perform across streets, shops, parks, rooftops and other everyday settings. As the lyrics progress, each new person and location creates another visual interpretation of the track. The brisk editing, playful costumes and constantly changing environments give the video a spontaneous, communal energy while keeping the focus on the song's densely written verses.

Factoids & Trivia

• Every one of the song's 188 words was handmade as a cardboard head using discarded grocery-store boxes, hot glue guns and paint pens.

• The production was completed entirely with practical materials and effects, without CGI.

• People appearing as the various rappers were recruited at more than 65 locations, alongside a small group of friends.

• The video reportedly cost just under $80 to make, making its large cast and extensive location count especially striking.

• "Magnolia" was released as part of Lushlife's 2012 album "Plateau Vision."

• The video received the 2012 ARTE Creative Music Video Award and was selected for the 2013 SXSW Music Video Competition.

• It was also an official selection at Sprockets and won Best Urban Budget at the 2013 UK Music Video Awards.

• The concept is often discussed as a handmade rap update of Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" video, replacing Dylan's lyric cards with wearable cardboard constructions.