Diane Martel, Pioneering Music Video Director for Mariah Carey, Method Man and More, Dead at 63

Diane Martel, the woman responsible for directing some of hip-hop’s most iconic music videos, has died at the age of 63.

According to her family, who issued a statement to Rolling Stone, Martel “passed away peacefully at [New York’s] Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital — surrounded by friends and family — after a long battle with breast cancer” on Thursday (September 18).

The family added that “she is survived by her aunt, Gail Merrifield Papp (wife of Joseph Papp, founder of the Public Theatre), her three beloved, loyal cats (Poki, PopPop, PomPom), and many loving lifetime friends.”

The first music video Martel directed was Onyx‘s “Throw Ya Gunz” in 1992. From there, she would go on to have an unprecedented run in the ’90s directing some of hip-hop’s most recognizable videos.

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Among them includes Gang Starr‘s “Mass Appeal,” Method Man‘s “Bring the Pain,” Ol’ Dirty Bastard‘s “Brooklyn Zoo,” Method Man and Mary J. Blige‘s “All I Need (Razor Sharp Remix),” LL Cool J‘s “4,3,2,1” featuring Method Man, Redman, DMX, Canibus and Master P, and The Lox‘s “Money, Power, Respect” featuring DMX and Lil’ Kim.

But not just hip-hop, it was during this time that Martel directed the video for Christina Aguilera’s debut single, “Genie In a Bottle,” while also striking up a strong bond and successful working relationship with Mariah Carey, directing videos such as “Dreamlover,” “Heartbreaker (Remix)” featuring Da Brat and Missy Elliott, and the holiday juggernaut “All I Want for Christmas Is You.”

In the 2000s and 2010s, her run continued, directing videos for Beyoncé, Mobb Deep, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Eve, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys, N.E.R.D. and John Legend, as well as acts like The Killers, Goldfrapp, Skin of Skunk Anansie, The White Stripes, Robyn and Britney Spears.

In 2013, she was responsible for directing two videos for one of the decade’s most controversial hits, Robin Thicke‘s “Blurred Lines.” Called out for being sexist and misogynistic, the minimalist video featured Thicke, Pharrell and T.I. dancing in front of a white background while surrounded by nude models.

In an interview with Grantland at the time, Martel explained the video’s concept. “I wanted to deal with the misogynist, funny lyrics in a way where the girls were going to overpower the men,” she said. “Look at Emily Ratajkowski’s performance; it’s very, very funny and subtly ridiculing. That’s what is fresh to me. It also forces the men to feel playful and not at all like predators. I directed the girls to look into the camera, this is very intentional and they do it most of the time; they are in the power position.”

Despite her intentions, the video caused uproar and spawned sexual assault allegations, when Ratajkowski accused Thicke of harassing her on set. Martel later confirmed the model’s account of Thicke’s alleged behavior and claimed to have called out the singer on the set.

Martel also served as the creative director for Miley Cyrus‘ divisive performance at the 2013 MTV VMAs, and held that same role for the her ‘Bangerz’ tour. She also directed several of the pop star’s music videos.

Nominated for Best Direction at the VMAs in 2005 alongside Francis Lawrence for Jennifer Lopez’s “Get Right,” Martel was named the Harlan J. Strauss Visiting Filmmaker at the University of Oregon in 2022 and led a series of community events there.

The last video she directed was Ciara‘s “Ecstasy,” which was released in April. In a tribute to the director on Instagram, CiCi shared the video with the caption: “You believed in me and I believed in you! You will forever hold a special place in my heart and I am forever grateful for all the magic we’ve were able to make together. I know it was all God! Heaven has just gained an Angel. I love you so much @DianeMartel_ A.k.a. Miss D! Rest In Paradise.”

Tributes have poured in from all over the music world. DJ Premier took to Instagram to write: “R.I.P. DIANE MARTEL who passed yesterday Sept. 18th from breast Cancer. She directed our @gangstarr video ‘MASS APPEAL’ (1994).

“She directed so many classics from Onyx (Throw Ya Gunz), ODB (Brooklyn Zoo), Method Man (Bring The Pain), Clipse (Grindin), Big Shug (Treat U Better), Keith Murray (The Most Beautifullest Thing In This World), Khia (My Neck, My Back), Mariah Carey (Dreamlover/All I Want For Christmas), Christina Aguilera (Genie In A Bottle), Robin Thicke (Blurred Lines), Miley Cyrus (We Can’t Stop) and many more…”

He added: “And add Photography to her menu. Your endless history will remain recognized. Sleep Peacefully 🫡🙏🏾🤍🕊️.”

Check out more tributes from the likes of Hype Williams, Charli XCX and others below.

Instagram/@charlixcx

Complex sends its condolences to Diane Martel’s friends and family.