Analysing a music video

OMARION FT. CHRIS BROWN & JHENE AIKO - POST TO BEGENRE- HIP HOP

Conventions in a hip hop videoCharacteristics of genre

Many hip hop films use lots of references to wealth through mis-en-scene.

The typical lyrics in hip hop videos talk about drugs, parties, sex etc. This music video talks about sex, drugs and parties. ‘Ooh, the hoes go for me have your chick send a pic like pose for me’

The expensive Ferrari shows the artist to be wealthy.

Conventions in a hip hop videoLinks between lyrics and visuals

In most hip hop videos there is usually some link between lyrics and visuals. Very simply it can be a image of the object being discussed. This is because narrative is not a huge thing in hip hop however there needs to be some links even small.

At some points in the music video when ‘girls, chicks and hoes’ are mentioned images of sexualised woman are shown.

Conventions in a hip hop videolinks between music and visuals

In many hip hop videos for example ignition and super bass the bouncing and dancing is edit to make it look like the people in the video are actually listening to the track. This dance is edited to fit in with the bouncy

beat of the next verse.

All 3 artists at the beginning move their heads in time with the beat.

Conventions in a hip hop videoclose ups and motifs

There are many close ups in a hip hop video. These are usually used to establish the artist and show their importance.

All close ups in the music video are of the main artist and unlike other hip hop videos don’t show his whole face.

It is common for hip hop videos to feature other artists both singing and just appearing in the music video to promote it.

This music video featured 2 other artists singing.

Conventions in a hip hop videoreferences to looking

Voyeurism is used extensively in hip hop videos, because the general audience for hip hop is male. By applying the male gaze theory to videos ensures they keep viewers and attract new people to their audience.

Throughout the music video a motif of an attractive woman is constantly shown.

Conventions in a hip hop videoperformance, narrative or concept based