09/20/2025
Diane Martel, the famed music video director behind Clipse's "Grindin," Nicki Minaj's "Pills N Potions" and more, has passed away at the age of 63.
On Thursday (Sept. 18), news broke that Martel died in New York following a battle with breast cancer.
“Diane passed away peacefully at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital—surrounded by friends and family—after a long battle with breast cancer,” her family said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “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.”
Martel was known as a trailblazing director whose list of credits is extensive. She scored her first music video gig in 1992 by directing Onyx's “Throw Ya Gunz.” She would go on to direct other notable rap visuals, including Gang Starr “Mass Appeal," Eve's “Who’s That Girl," Clipse's "Grindin," Khia's "My Neck, My Back (Lick It)," Nicki Minaj's "Pills N Potions," ODB's "Brooklyn Zoo" and more. Outside of hip-hop, she worked on Cyrus’ “We Can’t Stop” and Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” featuring Pharrell and T.I. and many others.
Pusha T offered his condolences on social media, writing, "RIP Diane Thank You For Everything 'Bucky Chrome.'"
DJ Premier also shared kind words on Instagram after getting wind of Martel's passing.
"Your endless history will remain recognized," Premo wrote. "Sleep Peacefully."
Martel's directorial output had slowed down in recent years. The last music video she directed was for Ciara’s “Ecstasy,” which dropped in April.
Watch some of the videos Martel directed in the comments below. ⬇️
