Music video analysis

In the establishing shot we can see the view of a
cities skyline, and the blue sky connotes this sense
of a nice day and gives the music video a happy
tone. In addition to this, the fact that both Rihanna
and Drake meet in a busy city adds this idea of fate
and emphasising this happy tone for the audience.
Here we see our first shot of Drake and Rihanna for the
first time. Drake (playing the male protagonist) appears
very normal in the shot. The fact that he has stubble, is
wearing normal clothes and has no bling or expensive
clothing lines illustrates that he is just a normal guy in
this video. We would tend to assume that he would be
wearing more extravagant and expensive clothes, as this
is common in most of his other videos, and RnB videos
in general. This can be seen for example in the shot in
the bottom left, from his video Started From the Bottom,
where we can see his expensive clothes car and bling. In
What’s My Name he is far more normal, and easier for
the audience to empathise with.

When we see Rihanna enter the shot, we can see that she
is the centre of attention. The use of the red hair is very
bold, and it could be argued that she is setting a trend for
her fans, due to her popularity around the world.
Furthermore, we can see her glamour, which is
highlighted in her jewellery black and white striped
blazer, and also the bright light behind her makes her very
desirable and almost romantic in the eyes of the audience,
and Drake.
Here we can also see her full outfit, which is very
colourful and bold, which gives off this youthful feel and
also places her at the centre of attention again.
We can also see that Drake has spotted her at this point,
and it would seem that there is an instant connection
between the two. The use of the over shoulder shot allows
us to almost see things from his point of view. It could
also be argued that this shot again adds to the idea of
Rihanna being the centre of attention, as we are forced to
see her next to Drake, who (as established before) looks
more normal and less glamorous.

Once Drake has walked up to her we can see that there
is this instant connection between them. The use of the
medium shot demonstrates this intimacy between them
that is there from the start, highlighted by the closeness
of their bodies. In addition to this, the use of the close
ups allows us to see that there is this connection, and
the use of eye contact between them emphasises this
further.
We also get the sense that they are falling for one
another when Rihanna drops the milk carton. The eye
contact between them implies that they are not
focussing on anything else other than each other and
this is further

We then cut to what we can assume to be a flash forward.
It would seem that Rihanna and Drake are now a couple.
Drake is wearing a grey hoodie, which connotes a relaxed
atmosphere when they are together. There is still,
however, a similarity from the previous scenes, the use of
the bright lights behind each of them again induces this
sense of purity in their relationship, setting a happy tone
for the video. Furthermore, it could be argued that the
pictures of Rihanna here seems to represent that of a
Goddess, as the bright light behind her places her in a
favourable light, and makes her look better in contrast to
others.
The use of medium and close up shots of Rihanna, as
opposed to long shots, further highlight her happy
expression, thus making the relationship more desirable
to the audience.

Here we see another aspect of Rihanna’s expression of her
happiness. It would seem that there are two aspects to her
happiness, the first being her intimacy with Drake, and the
second being here, where she shows her happiness of being with
Drake by dancing in the street. This can be seen in many other
of Rihanna’s videos, and would seem a popular choice for a
happy representation. For example, in We Found Love by
Rihanna we can see that she is demonstrating her happiness of
being in a relationship by dancing (bottom left).
We can also see again that Rihanna is the centre of attention
when walking down the street, which further highlights her
happy mood. Even when her back is turned to the camera, it is
obvious that she is the protagonist. Moreover, the use of direct
mode of address allows the audience to become more immersed
in the video and in their relationship. This a major factor in the
video, because if the audience feels as though they can
empathise with the characters then they will watch more of the
video.

Theories
The theories used in this video are that of:
•Andrew Goodwin’s idea of a star image, and a protagonist in the centre of the frame.
• Andrew Goodwin’s theory of narrative and performance of the song shown from
Rihanna.
•Theory of amplification, as there are many shots that are similar to each other and
connotes the same ideas.
•Technical aspects to the music video
•The video is mainly more of a performance based video than that of a conceptual one
•There are also elements of Michael Shores idea of recycled imagery. There is some
clichéd imagery and could be argued to have male fantasies in Rihanna.

Straight away we can see this new image of Miley
Cyrus. The new hairstyle, the tattoos, the red lipstick
and the bold yellow font introduces what seems to be
a new artist completely on the market. As this was
Miley’s first single from coming back to the music
industry, you can see quite clearly that her agenda
was to make a bold statement of her new image and
personality. Even from her facial expressions we can
see that she has changed.
This new image of Miley is contrasted with the other shots in the early stages of the
video. The use of the white background and white clothes of Miley’s shots is almost
the opposite to that of others. Other shots are more dark and less clear. This means
that we are clearly able to see what is being highlighted when Miley is in the shot.

Throughout the video, we can see multiple ways in which
the party atmosphere is presented. Here we can see an image
of two people coming out of the bushes. This sexual
reference highlights the ambition of Miley Cyrus to express
her new image and personality.
Furthermore, the use of the skull made out of chips connotes
similar ideas. The skull may represent the idea of toxic
substances in the party. On the other hand, it could be
argued that it symbolises this death of the old Miley, as she
has now changed her complete style and now has a bad girl
image.
In addition to this, the use of the lighters as candles and the
cooking of marshmallows connotes this idea of youth. Also
the use of the colours in theses images and the fact that they
are visually satisfying indicates that Miley wishes to
maintain her youthful image.

Here we continue to see this idea of art being
conveyed in the video. The use of the pink blood is
open to multiple interpretations. It could be argued
that the pink colour represents this idea of toxic
substances in the system, which is why the colour
has changed. Or it could be interpreted that this is
done purely for visual effects, and that surface
without substance is being employed.
Here we can see a man eating money between bread.
It could be argued that this is representative of Miley
want for success and money, or the wealth that she
already has. Also it could be argued that this again
symbolises the toxic substances have caused him to
be hungry, further emphasised by the direct mode of
address, as it makes the action far more sinister and
present.

Here we can see a variety of different shots in the video. The longer shots are generally used to
highlight the party atmosphere. You can see here that this is used very effectively, as it
establishes a happy tone to the video, and can relate to the audience. Furthermore, when
showing these party scenes, the shots are commonly used in slow motion. This is done to
convey the facial expressions of the people in the frame, and also to further emphasise the
psychedelic feel that the video and parties in general have.
This is contrasted with that of the close ups, which are almost always of Miley on her own and
as the centre image. This is done
to further highlight her new image and personality.
In the image to the right, we can see that her
tattoos, hair and jewellery are purposely put on
show, giving us a new impression of the artist. Not
to mention the direct mode of address, which
further connotes this sense of Miley speaking to
her audience, and the audience being able to relate with her as well.

Theories
• The video is a performance based video than that of a conceptual one
•There are elements of surface without substance, with the party scenes having no
relevance to real life.
•Theory of amplification, as there are many shots that are similar to each other and
connotes the same ideas.
•Theory of illustration
•There are also elements of Michael Shores idea of recycled imagery

Our first shot of Biggie, in what seems to be a story that
he is telling of his times in the streets before he became
famous, views him in the streets with his friends. The
use of the long establishing shot allows us to see the
condition of the streets that he was ‘hustling on’. We
can see that it is quite run down, additionally, the
clothes we can see Biggie and his friends in are not the
most expensive, that we would assume he could afford,
considering his wealth and success in the industry. This
thus leads use to assume that he wishes for us to see him
in a poor condition. The next shot is of the police
coming and taking Biggie away. As this happens, hear
him rap in the song about people calling the police on
him. This would lead us to believe that this is what is
happening. This also highlights these streets as a rough
area to live.
Furthermore, the use of the shot of people standing by
the road looking depressed further connotes this sense
that this is not a nice place to live, which in turn, further
illustrates this idea that Biggie had a very rough life
before he became famous.

We then change to a completely different mood and tone
of the video. Before, there was this negative tone to the
video, as we saw the hard life of Biggie Smalls. This then
changes instantly to him living a better life, here we can
see his life once he is famous. The use of having someone
interviewing him further enhances this idea that he is
telling a story. The shot allows us to see the view behind
them, this is in massive contrast with the last shots in the
street, as we can now see the massive transition between
his old life, and his life now. Furthermore, it implies that
he is now rich, as does the two other shots. The second
shot shows that he now has maid, and people doing things
for him. Also the use of the colour of white implies that he
is not only rich, but it could indeed be argued that this is to
convey his peace and that he is not longer a bad person
who gets arrested. The final shot is of Biggie by the pool,
and the fact that he is relaxed and having a good time
further emphasises this idea that he no longer needs to
worry about the police and other problems he previously
had, as he is now a peaceful person.

Here we a completely different mood is established. Here we can see Biggie in his days when he
was in jail. The use of colours really set the mood, and we can establish a depressing and bleak
tone to the shots. This is really juxtaposed with the images in the last slide, as here the colours are
more dark, where as when we see Biggie in the day when he was rich, there are more bright
colours in order to connote a nice atmosphere. In addition to this, the two pictures on the right
work with the lyrics here, as he raps ‘hanging pictures on my wall, and ‘I let my tape rock’,
demonstrating the Goofwin's theory of illustration. We can also see the poor conditions of his
prison cell, and allows the viewers to empathise with him.

It would seem that there is a big contrast between
these two shots, but many similarities also. The use
of the camera angles are very similar. We are made
here to look down on Biggie, more so in the picture
below. This may be because we are meant to view
him as inferior in the bottom picture. Moreover, the
top picture allows us to view what is behind him,
and that he is now very wealthy, with his pool and
big house. This is juxtaposed with the other shot
here, as we can see a huge difference in wealth, as
he is on his porch. In addition to this, the wealth is
apparent in the clothes and bling he is wearing,
whereas in the other picture he is wearing less
expensive clothing and no bling. The artist is also
using direct mode of address to communicate with
the audience, which allows the viewers to
empathise with the artist more, and place
themselves in the story he is telling.

Theories
• The video is a conceptual based video than that of a performance based one, as we can
see Biggie’s story progress throughout the video
•Theory of amplification
•Thought through beat
•Sven Carlson’s idea of speed power and wealth in particular shown in the latter stages of
the video

For our first shot of Drake in the video, we can
see that he is wealthy, and that he has become
rich. The use of the expensive car and the fact
that he is being driven around implies that he is
very wealthy, and that he is happy with this,
and doesn’t care to hide it. It could also be
argued that the snow adds to this idea, that the
weather to highlights his wealth, as it matches
what he is wearing and the colour of the car.
The colour white connotes peace and purity,
and in this sense it would be rational to assume
that Drake has all things pure and good.
As Drake gets out of the car, he begins to walk
straight towards us, implying that he is telling
us about his story, of how he became rich,
which is reinforced by the direct mode of
address. Furthermore, we can see his bling,
which not only again connotes wealth again,
but it is also a common element in rap artists
videos.

Here we can see what is most likely to be Drakes past,
as he is working ‘from the bottom’. The shot here
allows us to see what kind of place he is working in,
as the camera places Drake to the left of the frame.
This also could be argued to connotes that because he
is not the centre image that he is not of that much
importance.
Here there is a similar point conveyed. Not only does
Drake not appear as the centre image, but he also
seems to blend in with his other colleges. This also
shows them all as one, who are at the bottom of
society, the image of a man on the floor suggests that
this is not a very nice life to live.
On the other hand, this is contrasted with the final
image, where not only is Drake now the centre image,
showing that he is of the most importance, but also the
confetti implies that they have made it, and are now
rich. The idea that they have forgotten about their job
around them is key here, as their attention has
completely gone to the confetti, and the reduced
lighting.

Similar to the first slide, we can see Drake here
in his prime days of being rich. The bling here is
the most obvious thing in the frame, as Drake
displays it to the camera. In addition to this, he
is also using direct mode of address, to
emphasise his wealth to the viewers. There is
also this idea of Goodwin's illustration here, as
Drake says ‘I wear every single chain.’
Moreover, we can see what we would assume to
be Drakes house, once again we can see that he
is the centre image and the most important
person in the video. This is further emphasised
as he is dancing in the middle of loads of
people. This connotes that he is more important
and privileged that the rest of the people.
Furthermore, the idea of having a party
illustrates being rich is a good way to live life,
and that Drake is having a good time.

Here we can see a city in which we assume Drake lives or has a
house in. Later, can see a helicopter, that Drake is flying, this
again shows Drake to be rich, as it highlights the wealthy city
he lives in. This is similar to the other image of the beech, this
again highlights Drakes wealth, as it shows that he lives in a
beautiful part of the world. The use of the long shot from behind
Drake allows us to see this paradise he is in.
Here we then return to what seems similar to the last slide,
however, this is where the video ends, as we see the sides close
in. On the back of Drakes shirt, we can also see the symbol of
the owl, which is an image that we associate with Drake, as we
see him using this symbol a lot.
As the video closes out, we can see that Drake is the director of
the video, which could be argued to apply this sense of realism
to the video, in the sense that we now relate this images in the
video to Drakes real life.

Theories
• The video is almost a mixture of a performance based video and a conceptual one
•Sven Carlson’s idea of speed power and wealth in particular shown in the latter stages of
the video

The first shot here is a low angled shot of Mike Will
Made It. In addition to this, we can see that he is the
centre image, highlighting his importance in the video.
We can see him breaking into the Principals office.
This connotes this sense of rebellion, which appeals to
younger people, showing who their target audience
might be.
As he then goes to the speaker, the use of the beats
logo again applies to many people, as at the time this
was the new item to buy. This again appeals to the
people who watch the video, as they have the latest
speaker on the market. Furthermore, this is when the
music begins to play, and this idea of rebellion comes
in again as he starts to play the song over the school.
There is the theory of illustration, as we heat ‘we
drinking’ as Mike Will begins to pour a drink.

Here we can see our first shot of Miley Cyrus, and again
there is this idea of rebellion, as she begins to smoke in
the girls toilet, which is also a cliché in American schools,
thus appealing to the viewers. In addition to this, Miley is
also the centre image, again illustrating her to be of
upmost importance.
Here there is this sense of graphiti and vandalism, which
again relates to rebellion against the school. On the other
hand, the use of the hash tag enables the song to begin to
trend and improves its popularity.
Furthermore, there is this sense of Miley attempting to
show her new image, seen with the use of bling and new
tending clothes, highlighting her new look and
personality. The bling itself places her away from her old
genre of music and into the new one, of R and B, and the
bling allows her to be associated with other leading
artists.

Here we can see several students entering what seems
is a party atmosphere. The low angle and long shot
allows us to see the amount of people running in, and
we can really get this sense of hype as they enter the
sports hall. There are also lots of 23 shirts, which not
only refers to the name of the song, but also the
number on Michael Jordan's basketball shirt.
This is contrasted with the next shot of an empty class
room, in order to put in place this idea of a full school
who are rebelling. This is also a big change from all
the other shots, of the artists and the students.
Our next shot is of Mike Will, who is joining the party
atmosphere. There is a sense that he is the creator of
this rebellion, from when he was in the principals
office. In addition to this, he is placed in the centre of
the frame, conveying that he is the star image, making
him stand out from the rest of the people. The use of
the bling also helps add to the genre of the song and
the artist, as bling is a common element used in this
genre of music.

Here we are introduced to Wiz Kalifa, where straight
away we can see that he is in the school, and the
laboratory. The first image here is a low angle shot,
which makes us view him from a lower angle, thus
making him not only the centre image, but also
someone of a higher importance.
The fact that he is in a science lab, suggests that he is
going to be making illegal substances, which is suited to
the artist. This is almost confirmed with not only the
lyrics ‘got a joint if you wanna get stoned’, but also the
second shot. Here we can see this distorted view, which
implies that this is a referral to toxic substances. This
can also be seen as we look at Wiz Kalifa in the third
shot. Here, and in the previous shot, the images allow us
to see the action through a distorted view, which allows
the viewers to be a apart of the action.

Theories
• The video is a performance based video than that of a conceptual one
•There are elements of Sven Carlson’s idea of speed power and wealth

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