2. ‘Super bass’ is one of Nicki
Minaj’s songs, off of her Pink
Friday album that was
released on 5th April 2011.
The song is categorised as a mix
between electronic and pop
(whilst having a hip hop
beat) and contains many
conventions of this genre –in
regards to the music video.
There are various systems of
signs in the video that create
meaning which consists of
technical and symbolic
codes. In this particular
media text, numerous
camera movements, shots
and editing are used to tell
the story.

3. The music video begins with a close up
shot of Nicki Minaj’s face which
immediately introduces the audience to
the main person within the video. The
extreme close up next allows you to move
your focus on to her eyes (which is full of
makeup) as they open and blink and
move in different directions. As it goes
from left to right you are shown the
dripping ice sculpture in the background
that has been carved into the shape of a
motorbike before her beginning to sing.

4. As she begins to sing, there is a range of
slow movement from one prop to another
to relate to what she is singing about. This
consists of wide shots and close up shots of
a bubblegum pink
ferrari, aeroplane, champagne bottle and
glasses as well as money (stacking up) and
men. The bubblegum pink props relates to
the idea of her being like a Barbie, which
many of the females may take interest in.
On the other hand, the close up shots of
the men’s abs, face and lips (extreme close
up shot) is shown in such a way to attract
women to the sexual idea that she is
making. Overall, these introductory shots
give you an idea of the perfect life that
most girls desire to have.

5. The way in which she interacts
with one of the males also creates
this type of idea of hot muscular
males being a woman’s main
focus – especially hers.

6. In order to appeal
to the men, there
are a number of
group shots of Nicki
Minaj and 5 other
females wearing
denim shorts, white
vest tops and
different coloured
Dr. Marten boots
which looks very
attractive. They are
all shown
performing a
choreographed
dance and gyrating
whilst looking
exactly the same as
Nicki Minaj.

7. On the 3rd setting, Nicki Minaj is shown in a bathing
suit, surrounded by men, with green hair (like a
mermaid) and heels. Immediately, she is the centre of
attention as she slowly walks around the frozen pool
and plays in it with one of the males. The editing used
within this scene is slow paced compared to the
music that is upbeat which makes the audience
focus on everything that is taking place. For
example, close up shots of Nicki Minaj’s legs, face
and body are used to create intimacy with the
viewer – in particular males. In this scene, she is
portrayed as being powerful and dominant
especially when she throws drink over the man and
says ‘I am Nicki Minaj, I mack them dudes up’ (*mack
– put them in line) in an abrupt way to emphasise her
importance – verbal code.

8. Again, she is the main focus at the chorus
and is shown on the ice sculpture of a bike.
The backdrop is white and there is flashing
lights on Nicki Minaj who stands out in a skin-
tight pink and white body suit. The idea of
intimacy is emphasised more through wide
and low angle shots of her dancing on the
bike and having constant eye contact with
the camera to portray her as this sexual
attractive person.

9. In the last scene, the editing used which
is black lights to set the glowing tone of
the people is really effective as it allows
the backup dancers and Nicki Minaj to
stand out in their seductive clothing from
the black background. The relationship
between each male and female is very
sexual and taunting, for example when
the woman takes hold of the men’s
head and circulates it. By doing this, we
see a manipulative side to the girls which
could be a reason as to why the
background is dark as it creates a
negative atmosphere.

10. Much like the scene where she is on the ice
sculpture bike, her actions in the last scene
reflects her confidence of being a strong
controlling woman who is of eye candy to
males and has the ability to get whatever
she wants.
Other shots consist of mid shots and long
shots as well as tracking throughout the
video to give the viewer a range of things
to look at.

11. To conclude, Nicki Minaj’s video is a sexy icy world
that adopts a playful approach to a story about a
boy that you have a crush on and want to impress;
in a provocative way. The colourful visuals, bright
lighting and people who are of eye candy draws
you into this world whereby Nicki Minaj is the
centre of attention. Whilst portraying women as
positive, she also shows negativity on their behalf
however, the idea of this is hidden through the sex
appeal shown throughout the video.