Task 2- Understand styles, conventions and techniques of music videos

Research popular music genres in-concert and 'as live' footage 

There are different types of genres of music, you can not generalize it around a few genres that yo have just heard of. There is over 100 different music genres which are used in every different music video.

I am going to choose five different music genres and explain the codes and conventions of each of the different types of genres. I am going to talk about props that are used within the music video, the costumes, the location, the body language, the colors and symbols.

Hip-Hop and Rap

The first video which I will analyze is the music video called "whats up, whats haapin'"- T.I where he is talking about people reporting him to the police. The link for the video is; 

Props/Costumes- the props that are used within that video are jewellery, which is the expensive watches and the expensive neck pieces. He is also driving a car around, the car is a black challenger sitting on 22" Forgiato lto wheels. He customized the car to his liking but is promoting it for the company for other people to purchase or even try out. He also promotes the Audemar Piguet watches for the company as well as that he even promotes clothing, especially his own brand that he wears 'akoo.' He is also wearing baggy clothes within the video which shows that he is trying to look cool and show the style he likes. There are a lot of phones which are used within the video to communicate with one another. Within the video T.I also rides a push bike and the cameras are recording him while he is rapping at the same time.

Atmosphere- the atmosphere of the video is angry, as you can see he screw faces at the camera, also all of his friends are screw facing and looking angrily at the camera. The atmosphere is also calm throughout the music video other than when you at the peoples face reactions and emotions are then portrayed. 

Another example of a hip-hop music video is by Jay Z called hard knock life, the link is as follows; 

Another example of a rock music video is by Linkin Park called burnt it down, the link is as follows; 

Pop

Another music video which I analyzed was called "Live while were young" which was by one direction. In this video they are living life to the fullest by having parties and doing activities on the water etc. 

The link for this video is;

Props/Costumes- in this video they are wearing shirts and t-shirts with colored jeans or chino pants as they are called. They were also wearing different colored jackets and hey were also wearing different blazers. The clothing symbolizes the atmosphere and what kind of season it is, and they are trying to say that live life for the moment. 

Atmosphere- this video promotes a lively atmosphere where it will want to make people party, its like a party song. It hypes up the audience so that they get into a party mood so that they can vibe towards the music.

Another example of a pop music video is by JLS called one shot, the link is as follows;

In concert/ live 

The music video which I analysed for this was the Jay Z Encore/Numb music video. In the video he is doing a live performance with Jay Z which is recorded. The link for this music video was; 

Props/Costumes- in the music video Jay Z is wearing a simple shirt with a gold watch, where as Linkin Park is wearing a cap and a jumper/shirt. There are a lot of musical instruments used, such as music equipment known as the machine and also a lot of drums and guitars and pianos. 

Atmosphere- the atmosphere within the music is loud and a lively vibe, as Jay Z encourages his audience and the fans to scream to give that feeling. For example at one part of the performance he says, "If you want this encore, I need you to scream till your lungs are sore," this encourages the crowd to go wild and scream for Jay Z.

Another live and in concert music video is by Busta Rhymes Ft Linkin Park called we made it, the link is as follows;

Research videos that are created for animations, in concert/live, parody and homage 

Animations- these types of videos are made to look like animation while a realperson will be singing or a group will create their music video in the animation format. A video that does this really well is the music video called "My buddy" by 50 cent who is a rap artist. The link for this video is as follows;

 A quick synopsis of the video is that one of their friends from their entourage has been kidnapped, and there is a price on all of their heads as they all have to be killed. Now 50 cent and his friends have to go and rescue their mate who got kidnapped. 

Parody- these types of music videos are there to make the audience laugh about the music, for example if you look at this music video and if you click the link, the music video is actually by T.I who did an actual single called "Whatever you like." In the parody version there is a man dressed up as Barack Obama saying what he wants, but in the way that T.I would have done it. The link is as follows; 


In the video there is a guy dressed as Barak Obama and he is signing along to the song but he has got his own version, but the beat from the original music video. 

Homage- this is a tribute to someones life, for example if you look at the video for 2 pac Ghetto Gospel you can see how his life was and what he did but it is acted and done by someone else who is paying homage to him. It would influence people to find out more about his life etc. The link for 2 pac Ghetto Gospel is as follows;

A example of this is also Pacs Life by T.I and Ashanti. In this video they pay homage to 2pac and a tribute to his life, as they talk about him a lot and praise him. There is also a feature of 2 pac rapping on it. The link for this is as follows; 

Influence- these types of music video can either influence a person to do good, or it can influence them to do something bad. For example a UK underground rap music artist called Colours did a music video called Miyagi Monday Memory Lane which talks about all his bank robberies and the robberies that he carried out. He also talks about where he shops and goes clubbing. This video could influence a person to do such things if they are desperate for money or if they want recognition. The link for the music video is as follows; 

The music video lyrics can also inspire and influence someone to do what they say.

Pastiche- this is when you imitate an artist or a time period. For example candyman- Christina Aguilera in this video she imitates the world war in america. this is signified by when she uses the army fatigues for the men in her video. she is also in a diner which is set up as if it is an proper old diner after the war. This portrays the time frame she is talking and referring back to. The link for this music video is as follows; 

Analyzing Lyrics

"We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"- Taylor Swift

I remember when we broke up the first time- Here she is reminiscing about the past and she explains what happened through it.

Saying,

"This is it, I've had enough," 'cause like- she sounds like she is being sarcastic the way she is speaking.

We hadn't seen each other in a month

When you said you needed space. (What?)

Then you come around again and say

"Baby, I miss you and I swear I'm gonna change, trust me." – she regrets the past and the chance she gave him. Remember how that lasted for a day? I say, "I hate you," we break up, you call me, "I love you."- This part of the lyrics shows mixed emotions from both sides.

Oooh we called it off again last night

But oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are

never ever ever getting back together

We are

never ever ever getting back together

You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me

But we are

never ever ever ever getting back together-the word never is repeated several times throughout the song, this shows the negativity and the fact she is ‘never’ going to get back with the guy. Like, ever...- when she speaks like this she is talking like she is still a teenager and she maybe being sarcastic. This part is not going along with the song so she maybe having the conversation with someone and then replying by saying 'like, ever.' I'm really gonna miss you picking fights

And me, falling for it screaming that I'm right

And you, would hide away and find your peace of mind

With some indie record that's much cooler than mine

This part of the song shows she has certainly made up her mind about him and she isn’t ever going to get back with him. This also shows that she maybe is being sarcastic whilst saying this.

Oooh, you called me up again tonight

But oooh, this time I'm telling you, I'm telling you

We are never ever ever getting back together

We are never ever ever getting back together

You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me (talk to me)

But we are never ever ever ever getting back together

Oooh yeah, oooh yeah, oooh yeah

Oh oh oh

I used to think that we were forever ever

And I used to say, "Never say never..."

Uggg, so he calls me up and he's like, "I still love you,"

And I'm like... "I just... I mean this is exhausting, you know, like,

We are never getting back together. Like, ever"

No! She keeps emphaising this word showing how she feels and doesnt want him anymore.

From the lyrics that I have analyzed I would think that she is sitting alone in the music video, talking to herself about her past and her ex. Also I would think that the guy would be trying to get her back but she will end up rejecting him every time he comes around the house. I also think that in the video she will be wearing her pajamas and just sitting in the house crying and thinking about the past, the atmosphere would also be dark and sad. I also think that she would be alone and moping around the house and she wouldn't want anyone around her as she is going through a hard time.

However from the video she is dressed up and she is happy that she and her ex aren't going out anymore. This is portrayed when she is dancing around the house with her friends who are dressed fancy and their all having a laugh at the same time. The guy tries to get her back but he just doesn't try hard enough. Also the beat on the music video is upbeat and a happy beat unlike what I thought which was that it would be depressing. The video also has all of her friends having a laugh and making her happy whereas she was meant to be depressed from what I thought by analyzing the video.

 
"Ima Boss"

(feat. Rick Ross)

[Meek Millz:]

Look I

be ridin' threw my old hood,- in this part of the music video he could be riding through his old hood as he says. 

But I'm in my

new whip.- he's inside his new car.

Same old attitude, but I'm on that new shit.

They say they

gon' rob me, see me neva do shit. - He says someone is going to rob him, so they probably would try in the music video.Cause they know that's the reason that's gone end up on a news clip.- 

Audemar on my wrist... BUSTDOWN!

We

poppin' bottles like I scored the winnin' touchdown.- popping bottles such as champagne bottles and drink bottles. 

Memba meek dead broke?

Look at me up now.

I run my city from south philly back to uptown.

Thank God all these bottles I popped,

All this

paper I been gettin',- the profit and the income he's getting in big amount.

All these

models I popped.- sexual intercourse with hot models. 

I done sold 100, 000 before my album got drop'd.

And I'm only 23, I'm the shit now look at me, look at me.

I'm a boss like my nigga Rozay.

Shawty ask'd me for a check, I told that bitch like "no way! " -his girlfriend asking him for a cheque, and he will tell her no. 

Cause I made it from the bottom, it was neva no way.

And I neva had a job, you know I had to sell YAAAAY!

Bitch I'm a BOSS! He keeps saying this word showing and emphasising how he feels and what he is a 'boss.'

I call the shots.

I'm with the murder team,

Call the cops.- telling the people to call the cops

We in the building,

Ya'll are not.-

his in the building with his mates and his telling the others they are not.

You short on the paper, you gone ball or not?...

[Chorus:]

Bitch, I'm a BOSS!

[x2]

I plan the shots

I call the cost

We in the bitch',

It's goin' downnnnnn.

Yeaa I'm the king,

Now where my mu'fuckin' crown?

[Chorus:]

Bitch I'm a BOSS!

[x6]

I plan the shots

I call the cost

[Ricky Rozay:]

Got so many shades, they thought I

had a lazy eye.- He's got a lazy eye. 

Shorty rode me smooth as my mercedes ride.

No love, cry when only babies die.

And when I go that casket, better cost a hundred thou.

I pray to God I look my killer in his eyes.

Snatch his soul up out his shirt, let's take him for that ride. -Music video should have a spiritual scene. 

O.g. is one who standin' on his own feet.

A boss is one who guarantee we gone eat.

Fuck a blog dawg cause one day we gone meet.

I'm a spazz on yo' ass like I'm on E!

Or a double stack, better nigga, double that.

Jerry jones money nigga, you a runnin' back.

Hershall walker, bo jack, ricky waters,

Better run that dope back.

BOSS!

And I put that on my maybach.- his car maybach

Fo' hundred thou, bitch you wish you saved that...

[Chorus:]

Bitch, I'm a

BOSS![x2]- This word is repeated several times throughout the music video and lyrics, it signifies that he is saying he is a BOSS.

I play the shots

I call the cost

We in the bitch',

It's goin' downnnnnn.

Yeaa I'm the king,

Now where my mu'fuckin' crown?

[Chorus:]

Bitch I'm a BOSS!

[x6]

I plan the shots

I call the cost

[Meek Mill:]

Couple cars I don't neva drive,- there will be a couple of good cars there not touched or used at all. 

Bikes I don't neva ride,

Crib I ain't neva been,

Pool I don't neva swim,

Fool you ain't better than, I move like the president.

Err'thang black on black, you know I be strappin' that.

Ratt'n ass niggas walkin' round wearin' wires. witness protected witnesses wearing wires

Fuckin' up the game, got the hood on fire.

Bitch I'm a king, call me sire.

If you say I "don't run my city",

You a mu'fuckin' liar...

I'm a BOSS!- repeats that same word throughout the whole song.

You a fraud.

You cross the line, I get you murdered for a cost.

Out in Vegas, I twist them laws.

At the fight we watchin' Floyd, we on the floor. would assume he is watching Floyd Mayweather boxing.

YEAH! Scared money don't make no money,

If I eva go broke,

I'm a take yo' money,

I ain't neva dropped a dime,- never dropping money in the video

You ain't take nun from me,

In the hood err'day, his in the hood of his home town.

Bitch I'm good, what I say?...

Bitch I'm a BOSS!

[Chorus:]

Bitch, I'm a BOSS!

[x2]

I plan the shots

I call the cost

I thought that the music video would have Meek Mill walking through his old hood with new cars,  on his own talking about how he made it through the bottom to the top where he ought to be, I also thought that he would be talking to hot models and there would be some sort of scene with sexual intercourse. In the video I also thought that the atmosphere would be calm because he is only speaking about his past and also how he made it, so I thought he would be calm and excited about the life that he is living right now.

What actually happened was the total opposite and different from what I thought of the music video. At the beginning of the video there is a phone call from Rick Ross to Meek Mill telling Meek that Ross is coming through the block. Also he is there sat with all his mates rapping on a motorbike with his entourage and he is directly speaking and rapping to the audience. He then drives around the city in a Rolls Royce and also his bike with a whole load of people following him. His also wearing a lot of expensive jewellery and watches that symbolises his wealth at the moment. He also does hand gestures when he is rapping, to signify things, for example when he says "three" he puts three fingers up. The atmosphere for the music video is lively and it kind of hypes the audience up a lot. 

Camera Angles:

Oblique angle – is a shot when the camera is tilting.Bird’s-Eye View – this is when the camera is facing from the top over the head of a character. For example look at the picture bellow;

High Angle – this is when the camera is looking downwards. An example of this is bellow;

Eye-Level – this is a shot thats done from eye level, an example of this is shown bellow;

Low angles – this is the oposite of an high angle shot, it shot from the bottom to see the top, it also makes the object look bigger, for example;

Cutting to the beat

This is when the pictures or lyrics of the music is cut with the beat, for example if you look at certain lyrics you will be able to break it down and see when another scene related to the lyrics comes in the music video. It is when a scene cuts to another on a beat. An example of this would be;

Chroma key

This is a technique that is often used in music videos, it is when two images are layered or streamed together.

Miming and lip synching

This is when the artist will either mime the act or mime the music video lyrics, for example if they are on stage and have a bad throat they are most likely to lip synch, which means they will be just miming and synching their lips to their lyrics.

Effects

These are used in music videos to make something like a fantasy seem real, for example if you look at the music video bellow, it shows that they have thunder and lightning whenever they feel like it, however in reality you cant do that.