Synopsis

Slaine delivers a stark, performance-driven introduction with "Rich Man, Poor Man." The video moves between tightly framed rap performances, rooftop footage, street-level imagery, and shots featuring a Hummer, using a gritty, urban visual style that matches the track's confrontational tone. Rather than following a conventional storyline, it builds its impact through repetition, attitude, location work, and changing camera angles. The result is a raw snapshot of Slaine's early Boston identity and the hard-edged aesthetic surrounding his first solo release.

Factoids & Trivia

• "Rich Man, Poor Man" served as Slaine's debut single and music video, appearing during the 2006 rollout of his EP of the same name.

• The track was produced by Germz and released through Boston-based CommonWealth Records.

• The production was shot on a Panasonic DVX camera paired with an M2 35mm adapter and Nikon 28mm and 50mm lenses. It was reportedly the first video on which the camera operator used the M2 system.

• The video's creators acknowledged during the production process that it did not have a narrative. The finished clip instead relies on performance footage and atmosphere.

• Behind-the-scenes discussion singled out the rooftop material as one of the video's most memorable visual elements.

• The video was reported as the 2006 "Video of the Year" winner at the M.I.C. Boston Hip-Hop Music Awards.