From directing Jay-Z’s ground-breaking Streets is Watching to crafting award-winning short films, Abdul Malik Abbott is a creative force who’s spent decades blurring the lines between music, cinema, and storytelling. A Harlem native with an artist’s soul and a filmmaker’s eye, Abbott’s journey—from the Boys Choir of Harlem to the helm of Platinum-selling music videos and indie films—proves that true artistry knows no bounds.
A Pioneer in Music Video Storytelling
Long before music videos became cinematic spectacles, Abbott was redefining the genre. His work on Jay-Z’s early visuals—Ain’t No… and Dead Presidents, both #1 hits on MTV and BET—showcased his knack for weaving narrative into rhythm. But it was Streets is Watching, the mini-movie-meets-music-video starring Jay-Z, that cemented his legacy. A Platinum-selling release that topped the Billboard charts, it proved Abbott’s ability to turn hip-hop into high art.
From Harlem to Hollywood: A Filmmaker’s Rise
Abbott’s transition from music videos to feature films was seamless. His directorial debut, State Property (Lionsgate), starring Jay-Z and Beanie Sigel, became a cult classic, grossing $11 million and landing in Billboard’s Top 10 home video sales. Raw, unfiltered, and dripping with authenticity, the film captured the grit of street life while showcasing Abbott’s sharp direction.
But his talents stretch beyond urban drama. Abbott’s portfolio includes the jazz-infused visuals for Abbey Lincoln’s People in Me, the live concert film Kenny Lattimore: Live from the Warner Theater, and even multimedia projects with Oscar-nominated actor Burt Young. Whether it’s hip-hop, R&B, or spoken word (his Telly Award-winning collab with poet Yazmin Monét Watkins, Grateful), Abbott’s work always pulses with emotion.
The Renaissance Man: Musician, Mentor & More
Abbott isn’t just a director—he’s a storyteller in every medium. Under the moniker DJ ABBY AB, he composes and produces music for his group B.O.S.S, blending soul, funk, and electronic vibes. Their tracks have graced soundtracks (The Loft) and spawned EPs like Liquid Leather, proving his creative versatility.
Behind the scenes, Abbott is equally impactful. A dedicated member of the Directors Guild of America (DGA), he’s served as Co-Chair of the African American Steering Committee and mentored emerging filmmakers through the DGA’s prestigious Diversity Director Initiative. His commitment to uplifting the next generation mirrors his own journey—a kid from Harlem who turned passion into a prolific career.
Award-Winning Shorts & Future Projects
Abbott’s recent work continues to push boundaries. His short film Curse of War and its B.O.S.S.-scored spin-off Let It All Go merge haunting visuals with social commentary. The sultry fashion short Balance of Power earned a People’s Telly Award, while his dark comedy The Audacity and foster youth project The Ties That Bind highlight his range.
Now, as a producer and editor for the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and developer of the animated series Kid’s Crew, Abbott shows no signs of slowing down. His career—a tapestry of music, film, and activism—is a testament to what happens when talent meets relentless drive.
Why Abdul Malik Abbott Matters
In an industry that often boxes creatives into categories, Abbott defies labels. Director, editor, composer, mentor—he’s a true polymath whose work resonates across cultures and mediums. From the streets of Harlem to global stages, his art reflects the beauty, struggle, and rhythm of life itself.
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