Rap music video conventions include depictions of drugs, wealth displayed through gold chains and flashy clothing, objectification of women, and shots that assert the rappers' power. Indie music video conventions focus on a live performance by the artist to highlight their passion and sometimes include a storyline that connects to the song lyrics to provide deeper meaning to the audience through the use of close-ups and varied camera angles.
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Conventions in music Videos: Rap and Indie
1. Conventions of Rap and Indie
music videos
Rappers are often seen taking
drugs in their videos
2. $ R.A.P $
Conventions in Rap videos from artists such as Snoop dog,
A$AP Rocky, Schoolboy Q and Eminem
• Gold chains
• Drugs
• Women
• Dutch tilt and low camera angles
• Frequent cuts to different locations
• Baggy clothing and obvious jewelry, reflecting
their wealth.
• Women are objectified and men are shown to
be above them.
3. Low angled shots to show the artists power
over the audience
My
name is
The real slim
shadyL$D
Man of
the Year
4. Lots of two shots of the rappers with women to
show how desirable they are
5. Conventions of Indie music videos
• It is common for indie music artists to be doing a live performance in
their videos as the main focus is then on them and it shows them
doing what they love.
• There is sometimes a storyline that follows the lyrics of the song,
which helps to show a deeper meaning to the audience.
• Close ups are often used to introduce you to the artist as are crane
shots as they help to show the audience the artist from many
different angles.