The music video for Drake – First Person Shooter featuring J. Cole charges into the screen as an exhilarating exploration of rivalry, creative mastery, and self-assured dominance. Produced by House of Hazard x Denim and directed by Gibson Hazard.
From ping pong to chess, lyrical sparring, and recreating pop culture moments, the video weaves humor and gravitas in a seamless dance. Directed by Gibson Hazard, it begins with a quirky cameo from Brian Baumgartner (The Office), then spirals into competitive scenes between Drake and Cole. They reimagine Messi and Ronaldo’s chess pose, playfully reference the Spider-Man meme, and wrap it all up with a dramatic rooftop performance at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.
The aesthetic fuses slick, vibrant visuals with clever symbolism. Whether it’s the playful reenactments or Drake’s commanding presence atop the arena surrounded by dogs, the narrative pulses with energy. The video crescendos as Drake channels Michael Jackson, subtly nodding to his historic chart-breaking feats.
This is a fearless celebration of lyrical prowess and shared greatness. The video doesn’t just match the song’s intensity; it amplifies it, leaving an indelible mark that resonates long after the music fades.
CREDITS
Director – Gibson Hazard
EP/Producer – Liam Akiva
EP – Christian Tyler
Executive Producer /Creative Direction- Drake, qJamil “Big Juice” ‘Davis
Creative Direction – Jack Bannon & Reduciano
Production Company – House of Hazard x Denim
Line Producer – Cam Frengopoulos & Alex Dall’Orso
Associate Producer – Jackie De Niverville
Production Manager – Trevor Evoy
Production Coordinator – Amber Warus
Cinematographer – Bobby Shore
1st AC – Dave Stuart
B-Unit Director – Nick Dean
Production Designer – Electa Porado
Gaffer – Jordan Heguy
Key Grip – Todd N Thompson
Editors – Gibson Hazard & Jack Bannon
Sound Design – Chris Smith & Jack Bannon
3D Animation Lead – Reduciano
VFX – Mathematic
VFX – Karen Arakelian
VFX – Pendulum
VFX – Scissor Films
VFX – Black Hat
VFX – Aid6n.edits
Colourist – Dante Pasquinelli
Graphic Design – Alessandro Comotti
Special thanks to Scotiabank Arena, House of Hazard, OVO, Dreamville and Vanessa Hoffer
