BY: Alexis Eichelberger

Art has always been used as a medium to make a message heard loud and clear, from the emotional to the political. For some, that means adding a little shock value to a music video, where it be in wardrobe, plot or otherwise.

In the past few weeks, four global stars in particular have released music videos meant to shock viewers into thought and feeling. Here are their provocative works:

Miley Cyrus’ “Mother’s Daughter”

Miley Cyrus has been all kinds of provocative since she ditched her Hannah Montana wig and the sweet persona that accompanied it. Dressed in a red latex bodysuit (with teeth down THERE), Cyrus holds nothing back as she dances and bares her teeth at the camera. The video also features cameos by a number of activists challenging the social, sexual and gender norms, all scantily clad and unapologetic in nature.

Post Malone’s “Goodbyes (ft. Young Thug)”

The video for rapper Post Malone’s latest single “Goodbyes” begins with old school gang violence and ends with a romantic zombie encounter. In the opening moments, Post is stabbed and bleeds out in a particularly gruesome knife fight scene. Moments later, he’s shown crawling from his grave, very much undead. Sometimes you just can’t say goodbye yet.

Madonna’s “God Control”

“This is your wakeup call,” the description of Madonna’s latest video reads. The video runs more than eight minutes and depicts graphic scenes of violence reminiscent of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. It’s been criticized for being done in poor taste by many. But in true Madonna fashion, the video unapologetically makes its message very clear: Gun violence must be stopped.

Halsey’s “Nightmare”

Halsey has been pop music’s rebel since she came into the mainstream a few years ago. She’s young, biracial, bisexual and proud. Her latest single and video is a testament to female strength and shameless ferocity. Clad in latex, she’s sexy and knows it. But she’s also tired and angry of what women deal with regularly, and wants you to know it.