2. What is Contemporary R&B?
• Contemporary R&B is a genre that combines
elements of rhythm and
blues, pop, soul, funk and hip hop.
• Commonly performed by Afro-Americans.
• popularized by vocalists such as Michael
Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Whitney
Houston and Mariah Carey.

3. Common Characteristics
• ‘Showing off' material possessions such as, expensive
jewellery or cars etc.
• Dancing, whether it’s a routine or not.
• Night club/urban settings like underground carparks, dimly
lit street etc.
• Feature male gaze in male artist videos mainly.
• Relationship storyline.
• Lots of performance where star persona is shown
obviously.
• Clothing is usually smart/casual, men in suits women in
dresses etc.
• Alchohol being drank/bought.

4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNVNzRzDt-k – Usher Ft Nicki Minaj – Lil Freak
This music video is very similar to most of that genre, it has lots of redundant
features such as setting. This video is set in an underground night club with
minimal men however lots of women there to be looked at, which is what
Laura Mulvey’s theory explains. This video has a large amount of
performance from the artist and the featuring artist. It also has a dance
routine however it is only performed by a woman with minimal clothing. Also
there is a very subtle storyline between the artist and an unknown female,
this is a common feature in this genre.

5. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOOxlVUC08Q – Rita Ora – How We Do (Party)
This video is set in a house party type environment, with dim lighting and people
drinking alcohol in the backgrounds. It is more of a Pop video because it is very
brightly coloured and energetic with no storyline other than it just being teenagers
having a good time being youthful. There is more performance in this video, even
during the verses. All the people in the scenes are wearing very urban clothing
keeping with the redundant features of the genre. There is no set dance routine
however it does have people dancing during the more upbeat parts of the song. Still
the element of ‘showing off’ is in this video, it is shown through her clothing and
glamorous appearance and there is also a part where she is holding a snake.