Coodie & Chike

Coodie & Chike are a powerhouse filmmaker duo known for their visually rich storytelling and deep-rooted relationships in hip-hop culture.  They rose to prominence directing Kanye West’s early music videos like “Through the Wire,” “Two Words,” and “Jesus Walks.”  Over time, they expanded from music videos into feature documentaries and long-form storytelling via their company Creative Control — creating acclaimed works like ESPN’s Benji and A Kid from Coney Island. 

In this episode, Ben dives in with Coodie & Chike to uncover their creative philosophy, their approach to storytelling, and how they’ve sustained longevity in an ever-changing media landscape. You’ll hear about their earliest days capturing raw footage, navigating the challenges of creative ownership, building trust with artists, and evolving from music video directors into documentarians shaping cultural narratives. Expect honest lessons on collaboration, balancing artistic risk and audience, and how empathy and context become your greatest tools as a storyteller.