INTERTEXTUALITY MUSIC VIDEO ANALYSIS

TYGA - RACK CITY

Rack City is a song by an American rapper called Tyga. It is a typical narrative video because the conventions of a narrative video are use of characters, story line, often the artist plays one of the characters, however aspects of performance based on Grand Theft Auto. Tyga throughout the video makes intertextual references to the popular video game Grand Theft Auto. Also, in the making of this music video, Tyga mentions that he wanted the music video to be like a movie. 

The music video begins with an establishing shot of a city known as 'Rack City'. This is a common convention in films as most films usually open with establishing shots. The lighting is low key and it looks as it if is sun set bringing the shot a magical feel. The buildings in the shot look like silhouettes.

Following the establishing shot is an introduction to characters within the music video. These introductions are supported by text edited over the shot. The text looks like credits at the end of a film. In post production the footage of each character is stilled for a few seconds which emphasizes the importance of them. The lighting is low key and the setting is grim looking. The male in this screen shot is topless and wearing a chunky chain. His face expression shows him looking angry and he seems dominant in the situation.

Here is another screen shot similar to before, however in this screen shot the audience is introduced to the artist. This again looks like credits at the end of a film. The text is framed in the rule of thirds which reinforces the characters importance. Tyga is also topless however he is wearing no chain. He is a different setting to the male in the previous screen shot. The packages behind Tyga make it seem as if he in a warehouse. Mise en scene denotes him wearing a bandana around his head connoting conflict as bandana's are symbols of gang crime.

This is a close up of the love interest in the music video. Love interest are common in films. The text of her character name is framed in the rule of thirds. The background is in shallow focus highlighting her importance as she is in deep focus. The pink lipstick is girly and is a part of her star persona. Pink has connotations of love. Also, the prop of a candy cane in her mouth is sexual which is exposing her to the male gaze.

After the introduction of the characters, the music video cuts to black. After we see this long shot of Tyga riding a car. The car has ROADSTARR printed on to it which is an intertextual reference to the game creators of Grand Theft Auto (GTA). It is written in the same typography and has the same logo of a star.

 Here is the Rockstar logo.

This close up denotes the artist Tyga's costume. This is the typical costume in which game players of GTA go for. The black bandanna represents crime in which people commit in the game. Also, the multiple tattoos Tyga has connotes the game character as the main character is usually covered in tattoos as they symbolise respect. Tyga is represented as a stereotypical rap artist. The lighting in this shot is low key. Tyga is composed slight off center.

 This is the antagonist in the music video. This music video is a narrative and 'Mr. Rose' is the villain. The use of the red tint connotes danger which automatically allows the audience to identify that he is the "bad guy." In the background, there is the prop of  a yellow and black striped tape in which represents danger reinforcing that 'Mr. Rose' is the "bad guy." He is also composed in the center making him dominant and superior.

 This text has intertextual references to GTA. 'Rack City' has been typed using the same typography in which the game uses. The background within the text is a shallow focused mid shot of Tyga which connotes his importance. The colour gold represents the jewelry in which he wears which reinforces his star persona as a rap artist.

This is the original GTA typography. As you can see, the composition of each word is uneven. This is also done in the 'Rack City' title in which reinforces the intertextual reference to the game. Furthermore, the typography has a black outline to it in which the 'Rack City' logo conforms to and also uses a black outline.

This point of view shot belonging to the main artist has a voyeuristic feel to it. It makes the audience feel as if they are looking through the binoculars. The use of the binoculars, truck and the army men with guns makes it seem as if it is a mission and Tyga is secretly watching the men waiting to attack. GTA is a game well known for its mission modes and therefore this shot has intertextual references to the game.

 This long shot reinforces the idea of a mission. This gang whose identity is being hidden with masks are about to rob Mr. Rose. The all black costume is a symbol of unity between the gang. Gangs are common in the game GTA. The gang are composed in the rule of thirds connoting their importance. Also, the background shows a deserted warehouse. Missions in GTA commonly involve the player going to deserted locations such as a warehouse.

 This long shot denotes the army men attacking. The use of the props, guns has intertextual references to the game. The prop also conforms to rap music videos.

 This mid shot displays females being objectified. The use of the red tint connotes love and danger. The girl on the right is framed in the rule of thirds reinforcing that she is the love interest. GTA objectifies females like this as well. There are strip clubs within the game in which the character can visit and throw money at strippers. GTA is also an American game. The prop of American dollars reinforces the intertextual references to the game.

 This mid shot denotes Tyga talking to Mr. Rose. There is a female in the background of the shot being objectified as she is standing there playing golf on her own. Both, Tyga and Mr. Rose are composed in the rule of thirds. This is a restricted shot of Mr. Rose as he has his back towards the audience. Also, the use of low key lighting makes him appear as a silhouette which reinforces the restricted shot. Tyga is again dressed as a game character. The location is ostentatious in which conforms to the criminals locations in the game. When the game characters are talking to one another, subtitles appear on the bottom of the screen in white. In this shot, the audience can see white subtitles on the bottom of the screen. This again makes intertextual references to the game.

This is an example of the game during a conversation between three characters.

 This long shot looks voyeuristic. The 'bad guys' have caught the love interest and are using her as bait in an abandoned warehouse. This scene is a mission in the game GTA where the main character needs to rescue the love interest. The lighting is low key in which reinforces the dull dark mood of the "bad guy" characters. The female is represented as inferior as mise en scene denotes her tied to a chair whilst blind folded. There is light shining on the wet floor of the warehouse. This gives the scene a game-like effect as the shot looks pixelised connoting the graphics in a game.

 This is a mid shot of Mr. Rose. He is composed in the rule of thirds reinforcing his superiority. His performance shows him sniffing a rose in which is symbolic as his name is Mr. Rose. Also, the red tint connotes danger but it is also symbolic for him as red is the colour of a rose. The red tint acts as a visual motif for him. The use of the subtitles at the bottom of the shot conforms to the intertextual reference of the game GTA.

 This low angled mid shot denotes Tyga's costume as being blacked out symbolising him as a criminal. This shot is filmed with hand held camera movement making it appear realistic. The background is a plain building in which conforms to the game conventions as there are many plain grey buildings. The low angle connotes him as superior, to which foreshadows future events of the narrative.

 This extreme long shot displays Tyga and his love interest running from an explosion. The explosion is framed in the rule of thirds connoting its importance and that the mission has been completed. The background denotes an urban gritty setting in which there are a lot of in GTA. Also, there is the prop of a helicopter in the background which is a common used transportation in the game.

This long shot denotes Tyga looking at "Rack City". This is how the music video ends. The setting is an establishing shot. The sun is setting connoting a happy ending. Lighting is low key however the sun brings a happy mood to it. Tyga is composed in the of thirds connoting his importance. The text reading "RACK CITY SUMMER 2012 ONLY IN THEATRES" is a pastiche example of an action film.

CHRIS BROWN - SHE AINT YOU

PASTICHE: An artistic work in a style that imitates that of another work, artist, or period. (Wikipedia definition)

Chris Brown - She Aint You is a music video in which imitates legendary Michael Jackson's work within the video in a positive way. Chris Brown is known for being a huge fan of Michael Jackson and tends to makes intertextual references to him in his work regularly. This music video in particular was completely dedicated to Michael as a tribute for his death. Chris Brown imitates the pop icon's star persona and choreography. The song itself samples Michael Jackson - Human Nature. The girl singing in She Aint You is a sample of Human Nature. The fact that this is a tribute music video gives it repeatability.

This is how the music video begins. Immediately, the audience are aware that this is a homage to Michael Jackson. The white text stands out on the black background making it eye catching and reinforcing the music videos purpose.

Immediately, the music video starts with an extreme long shot of Chris Brown dressed in Michael Jackson's well known style of a white suit and black hat. Chris' performance denotes him posing as MJ's signature pose. He is composed in the center making this pose important.

 Here is a screen shot from MJ's Smooth Criminal music video in which Chris Brown's costume is dressed like.

This long shot denotes Chris Brown floating in the air. This effect caused a huge buzz and MJ is well known for it. The background is dark, cloudy and gloomy which is a convention of MJ's music videos. Chris Brown's costume is also made to represent MJ's star persona.

This screen shot is taken from MJ's Billie Jean music video in which he has a dark, cloudy, gloomy background.

 This is Chris Brown performance imitating MJ's signature move. He is surrounded by a crowd of dancers as he does it. Chris Brown's costume in this shot is replicating MJ's costume from Smooth Criminal. In that video, MJ is surrounded by dancers. In this scene, Chris Brown is surrounded by dancers.

This is MJ doing his signature move whilst performing at a concert.

 This long shot denotes Chris Brown with two clones of him. This effect has been used in MJ's Don't Stop Til You Get Enough music video. Chris Brown's costume in this shot is snazzy and suave in which represents MJ's costume in Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. 

Here is a screen shot from Don't Stop Til You Get Enough. This is where MJ is composed in the center and there are two clones on either side of him.

 This mid shot is a restricted shot of Chris Brown. He is in the Smooth Criminal costume in this shot. Throughout the music video to Smooth Criminal, MJ continuously does this pose and hides his face from the audience. This is Chris Brown imitating MJ's performance from that music video.

 This mid shot displays Chris Brown in the rule of thirds. His composition is facing away from the audience. The background is red and black connoting love in which is the theme of the song She Ain't You. Chris Brown's costume is smart and formal which is how MJ always dressed.

 This long shot displays an outdoor setting including a dark, cloudy, gloomy sky and water. Chris Brown is dancing on the water. The water highlights Chris doing the moonwalk which is a Michael Jackson dance move.

 This long shot denotes Chris Brown doing another signature MJ move.

Here is a screen shot from MJ's Smooth Criminal music video in which he does his signature move.

GENRE STUDY

CHIPMUNK FEAT. ESMEE DENTERS - UNTIL YOU WERE GONE

'Until You Were Gone' is a EP single released by UK rapper Chipmunk featuring Esmee Denters. The single was released 16th April 2010 by a subsidiary of major label Sony Music, Jive. It is the genre of pop music and Chipmunk is a pop music artist. The music video conforms to the genre of pop music videos and I will explore how 'Until You Were Gone' does this.

The music video begins with a high angle above the artist himself. He is composed directly in the center. There is camera movement during this shot, the camera is spinning above him as is moves closer towards him. This makes him look inferior. The background is white connoting purity. It is simplistic. His costume denotes him wearing grey which stands out amongst the white background.

This mid shot is in the same shot as before of Chipmunk. After the camera reveals him, a whip pan over to Esmee reveals her and then the audience are taken back to Chipmunk. This camera movement immediately makes it clear to the audience that Chipmunk is the main artist and Esmee is the feature.

This text is Chipmunk's visual motif which reoccurs in his music videos. It is how the audience are able to identify him. This typography is the same on all his singles/albums. It is bold, capitals and eye catching. It uses two opposite colours which brings the other one out more.

Here are some other examples which show Chipmunk's branding logo.

 The white background is reoccuring and therefore is acting as a visual motif. Chip is still dressed in the same costume. This is a mid shot at a canted angle. Mid shots are conventional in music videos of the pop genre however canted angles are unconventional.

There is a lot of camera movement within this music video. This extreme close up displays Chipmunk holding a photograph of a long shot of Esmee. The camera is filming this at a canted angle. The camera zooms into the photograph where it comes alive and the audience are only seeing Esmee. A black background is in place this time, opposing the white background.

This is a close up/beauty shot of the featured artist Esmee Denters. This appears when the chorus appears in the song. This visual and sound synchronisation allows the audience to identify her as the feature artist. Close ups are conventional in pop music videos and therefore 'Until You Were Gone' conforms to the genre of a pop music video.

This is a close up/beauty shot of the main artist Chipmunk. He is too against the black background signifying a link between the two artists. Chipmunk is wearing a red long sleeve top. Red has connotations of love and the song is about love. The tone of his costume is a bright red. Pop music videos tend to have costume of bright colours and therefore this music video is conforming to that. Also, Chipmunk is composed in the rule of thirds which reinforces his importance as the main artist. His sunglasses are a trademark of his star persona. He always tends to wear sunglasses in his music videos which makes the prop a visual motif for the audience to identify with.

Editing shows that during the chorus, the music video is cutting to and forth between the two artist. Lighting is high key however the artists are being spot lit which is why there is a shadow across Esmee's face. High key lighting is conventional in pop music videos. Her hair is simple. She is known for her long straight brunette hair and front fringe. This is a part of her star persona.

Chipmunk is composed in the rule of thirds in this mid shot. His performance shows him performing to the camera. As most pop music videos are of the performance genre, performing to the camera is conventional. Chipmunk is also miming the song lyrics. This conforms to the pop music video genre and performance music video genre.

In this long shot, there is camera movement of the camera slowly spinning making Esmee appear distorted as she sings "gone, gone, gone." The movement of the camera reflects the song lyrics. This long shot denotes Esmee also wearing red costume. This illustrates to the audience that her and Chipmunk are connected.

In this close up, Esmee is holding a photograph frame to which the camera does the same technique as before and zooms in to reveal Chipmunk. This music video is very fun and experimental like most pop music videos. Esmee is dressed in a leather jacket which is considered sexy for the male gaze. Leather is a conventional costume within pop music videos. The editing in this music video is always cutting to the beat and therefore creates fast paced editing as the pop genre tends to contain upbeat beats.

In this close up, Chipmunk is wearing a plain white shirt. He looks formal. The background is in shallow focus which highlights his importance. A red light is shining on him. Red is a colour theme throughout this music video. Chipmunk is composed in the center connoting him as superior.

This high angle looks voyeuristic. Because of the canted angle, it has a CCTV image feel to it. The screen looks as if it is split in half separating the two artist. They are both framed in the rule of thirds however symmetrically to one another. Chipmunk is in the foreground whereas Esmee is in the background. Chip is represented as dominant. The lighting is low key however the artists are spot lit which is common in pop music videos. The red light is again shining on them. The background looks like wallpaper which is elegant and classy. Esmee is dressed in a gold sparkly top. This extravagant top is conventional in pop music videos as she is a female. Females tend to be represented as glamorous for the male gaze. Males on the other hand are represented as more formal or casual. Chipmunk has been represented as both of these looks in this music video. Costume change is also conventional in pop music videos.

This mid shot displays Esmee composed in the rule of thirds. She is being lit at such an angle that it is casting a shadow on the left side of the screen making it look distorted. At this point she is being objectified as she is singing just the last couple words of Chipmunk's verse.

This is an interesting shot of Chipmunk. Unconventionally, given that he is a male and the main artist of this song, he is being objectified in this shot. It is as if he is on a canvas on the wall. The wallpaper gives the shot a "homely" look and the canvas adds to this. However, he is framed in the rule of thirds which makes him superior.

In this mid shot, Chipmunk is performing to the camera. He is dressed casually in this which adds to the "homely" look. The colour grey connotes his mood as this song is about love and how he misses the girl since she is gone. He is composed in the center which reinforces his importance as the main artist in the song.

This close up denotes Chipmunk's trademark C. The C stands for Chipmunk and he always poses like this. This is a visual motif for the audience to identify with.




Here are some pictures of Chipmunk doing his trademark pose.

In this mid shot, the two artist are performing to each other. Esmee's performance shows her as angry at Chipmunk whereas he seems sad and cant look at her. They are separated as a split screen. The two colours, black and white really contrast with one another and reinforce the idea of the split screen.

In this birds eye view shot of Chipmunk, his costume displays him as wearing purple. Purple has connotations for independence. This song is a break up song about how he misses the girl. The costume being purple symbolises that he is getting over her. Purple is made by mixing blue and red. Red is a common colour theme throughout the music video. Chipmunk is wearing a chain which reflects his star persona as he is always wearing chains.

This is the split screen shot again. However, this time there is camera movement involved and it spins. This connotes the distortion of the break up.

This mid shot displays both Esmee and Chipmunk. Chipmunk is composed in the rule of thirds whereas Esmee is slightly off frame in the rule of thirds. Esmee's costume is all black which connotes sexiness. Chipmunk is wearing a brown leather jacket. Brown connotes calmness and in this shot, they are facing each other with no aggression. The background is black with sparkles connoting stars. The sparkly stars is funky and glamorous which is a convention of pop music videos. Chipmunk is wearing his sunglasses in this shot and a chain. He also had his hood up and is being represented as him.

This is a low angle which makes both artist appears as superior. Esmee is wearing red costume again. Chipmunk is dressed in casual clothes. The starry background makes them seem isolated from every body else. There is a lot of space around them reinforcing the idea of isolation. This connotes how Chipmunk is feeling. He is lonely without the girl and misses her.

This mid shot displays Chipmunk composed in the center reinforcing that he is the main artist and Esmee composed beside him reinforcing that she is the featuring artist. This shot then whip pans upwards letting the last shot the audience see is just of the stars. It ends with the audience seeing a shooting star which is a symbol of a wish. This then fades to black connoting the end of the music video. Pop music videos tend to fade to black and this then conforms to it.