Support for LAist comes from
We Explain L.A.
Stay Connected

Share This

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

Arts and Entertainment

Our Favorite Times L.A. Was Featured In A Music Video

We need to hear from you.
Today, put a dollar value on the trustworthy reporting you rely on all year long. The local news you read here every day is crafted for you, but right now, we need your help to keep it going. In these uncertain times, your support is even more important. We can't hold those in power accountable and uplift voices from the community without your partnership. Thank you.

Los Angeles is no stranger to playing itself in film and TV, but it has also been a star in several music videos over the last few decades. The same range of backdrops that Hollywood has recycled for years ad nauseum (haven't I seen that building before somewhere?) turns out to be perfect visual accompaniment to rappers, hair metal bands, drum-and-bass DJs, and singer-songwriters alike. Since the era of MTV turned pop music into equal parts sight and sound, artists have been taking us on a tour of L.A.'s myriad photogenic corners whether we were knowing passengers or not. Here's a collection of our favorite LA-centric music videos.

Most Read