Analysis of '99 Problems'

Genre Characteristics:

Jay-Z's music video for his single '99 Problems' features many characteristics of Hip-Hop/Rap genre. The video is set in Brooklyn, New York, a very urban setting, in the 'hood' area. Jay-Z seems to make a point to draw our attention by revealing the name on his hoodie. Also, there are representations of the 'gangster' lifestyle as the video shows individuals cruising in cars, dog fights, loltering on the streets, individuals getting pulled over by the police, basketball and guns. The viewer also is shown another genre characteristic through the type dancing shown in the video which is freestyle/street dancing. Hip-hop/Rap videos usually feature woman whom of which are usually 'half-naked', similarly this video features scantily dressed 'sexy' woman in gold bikinis. In addition to this, there are stereotypical representations of race as the white guy is in a suit and the policemen are also white. However, when the viewer is shown the jail scenes all the jailbirds are black and also the individuals roaming the streets are black. Although, this video does seem to divert from the codes and conventions of Hip-Hop/Rap videos as they usually include representations of wealth but this video does not have the latest, fancy cars, clothes, 'bling', women etc. In this video the woman are not very significant as they are only a minor element in the video; whereas in most Hip-Hop videos there would be more shots of 'sexy' women. The viewer is also introduced to another genre characteristic as Jay-Z gets shot at the end.

Relationship between Lyrics and Visuals:
When Jay-Z says the words:

• 'From the hood' he pulls his hood down
• 'Radio' a radio is shown
• 'Jay-Z' he points to himself
• 'Bitch' each time in the chorus woman are always shown
• 'Ain't passed the bar' shows dog through the bar in the boxing ring
• 'Talk to the Lord' a crucifix is shown
• 'Paparazzi with their cameras snapping them' shows flashes as pictures taken of criminals holding their cards up.
• 'Hit me!' Jay-Z slowly falls backwards as someone hit/shot him
• 'Pussy' two girls are shown
• 'Fast forward' Jay-Z moves his hand gradually
• 'Do you mind if I look round the car a little bit' Police officer inspects someones car

Overall the images illustrate the lyrics. This is sometimes done very literally, however at other times it is done in a more subtle way. The theme of the song is all the problems Jay-Z is experiencing and the video is showing all these problems.

Relationship between Music and Visuals:

In accordance to the relationship between the music and the visuals, the video is cut in time with the beat of the song. Secondly, the music is hard-hitting, aggressive-sounding with an emphasis on beat rather than the melody. Also, the visuals are also harsh-looking and the edits are fast-paced to emphasis this aggression.

Influence of Record Label and use of Close-Ups:

There are a lot of shots of Jay-Z in this music video; they are not all close-ups but there are some. There are close-ups of other men as well with an aggressive demeanour; though the shots of women are long/mid shots which suggests that they are least important. There is less emphasis on Jay-Z on his own as he is an established artist and does not need as much exposure. Jay-Z has his own record label as well as being part of 'Island-Def Jam', which is quite an independent record label. It is evident that there is less control from the label on this video, whereas you might expect more control from a major/mainstream label.

References to the Notion of Looking/Voyeurism:

Jay-Z puts his hand over the camera so that it gives the impression that the audience is looking through his fingers. There is also an x-ray vision shot of money in the boot as we can see through the boot. There is scopophillic treatment of women in this video, which seems unnecessary and makes it quite uncomfortable for the audience to watch. The establishing shots at the beginning of the video are almost point of view, this gives the idea that the audience is looking around the 'hood'. There is also a video of Jay-Z outside the subway station. Possibly a video of Jay-Z in which he is referencing himself.

Intertexual References:

Possibly a video of Jay-Z in which he is referencing himself.