1. Unit 29 – Music Video Production
Music Video Analysis Worksheets
Music Video Analysis - Race
Song Title: Crazy in Love
Artist: Beyoncé ft Jay-Z
Directions: As you closely watch the music video, answer the following questions with
as much detail as possible.
1. What races do you see represented?
African-Americans are represented throughout this particular music video including both the
artists Beyoncé and Jay-Z and all the backing dancers. Due to this genre of music being R&B,
there is a noticeable absence in other races being represented in this video, this is mainly down
to the fact that R&B artists are stereotypically of mixed race backgrounds.
2. Are there any dark skinned women shown? How many?
The female artist herself is African-American and therefore has dark skin, and so are all the
female backing dancers.
3. What is the race of the person at the focus of the video?
African-American.
4. What are the black/Latino/Asian/white/Native American/Pacific Islander people
doing?
Due to this particular music video being performance based, at the beginning of the music video
a positive representation of African-American women is constructed, by having Beyoncé walking
down an urban street coming across strong and confident whilst singing to the camera, creating
a powerful, independent representation of African-American women which is commonly
associated with the R&B genre. Although she is dressed very casual, she still has a lot of skin
revealed therefore emphasizing the idea that women in the media are objectified including
African-American women who tend to come across strong and independent. The video then
cuts to Beyoncé being surrounded by cameras and spotlights, again creating that strong,
powerful representation of African American women, the cut between the urban area and her
being surrounded by cameras creates the idea that African-American women like Beyoncé are
strong enough and have the potential to make something of themselves by going from living in
urban areas to becoming a national superstar. However it is noticeable that as soon as Jay-Z
appears in the video with Beyoncé her costume changes from casual clothing to more expensive
clothing, creating the representation that African-American women still depend on men in
terms of finance. The stereotypical gangster like representation of African-American men is
portrayed within this music video by having Jay-Z blowing up an expensive car, therefore
portraying him in a negative light. Although the fact that he blows up an expensive car and is
wearing gold jewellery creates a wealthy and materialistic representation of African American
men.
5. What’s the message of the song?
The message behind this song is about women who fall so in love with a man they start acting
crazy.
6. What type of music is the song?
This music is R&B emphasized by the urban settings and gangster like representation.