CODES AND CONVENTIONS OF RNB GENRE

BY ATHENA ASHLEY ROSALES

Umbrella” – Rihanna ft. JAY-Z

The music video is dominantly performance-based with a hint of concept.

The performance was set in a studio and it involve a dance routine with an umbrella. The concept of the video shows a lot of glitter and water which recreates a rainy day atmosphere to the video which relates to the title of the song.

The video was set in a studio with a black background and a sophisticated hallway wall. It also used artificial lighting with a high key lighting. There were glitters, water and sparks during the video which contrasts the black background which makes it all stand out.

The artist is wearing a leather one piece, with leather gloves and black hat with black high heels. This presents a very provocative outlook on the artist and shows the stereotypical representation of women in the industry of being a “material”.

In terms of camera shots, there were a lot of long shots and medium to close up. There were also a lot of panning movement, especially when showing the artist’s body. The video used artificial lighting and was set in a high key lighting.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CvBfHwUxHIk

“Because of You” – Neyo

The video is narrative and performance-based.

The narrative is about being in a relationship but being in love with someone else. It is also about having an affair, as the artist is seeing and sleeping with two different women. The performance was set in a studio and also involved dance routines.

The video was set in a studio, a bedroom and in a club. The studio had a silver background with the use of artificial lighting, only centred at the artist.

The artist wears a shimmering blazer, black polo, leather trousers, white sneakers and black hat. This style is very similar to a modern day Casanova, very professional looking but has a casual feel to it.

In terms of camera shots, there were a lot of long shots and medium to close up. There were also a lot of panning movement, especially when showing the women’s body. There were also a lot of dissolve transition in the video, especially when it is a scene about his affair. The video used artificial lighting and was set in a high key lighting.

http://youtu.be/atz_aZA3rf0

“No Air” – Jordin Sparks ft. Chris Brown

The music video is both narrative and performance-based.

The narrative is about a couple drifting apart from each other, as result – breaking up. The performance was set in a room with a guitar, drums and piano for Chris’ part, whilst for Jordin, it was set on a bridge, while she’s driving and on her window sill.

The location of the music video is very urban – showing the city. It presents it with a very cold atmosphere which reinforces the lyrics of the song with the theme of dependency and loneliness.

The artists wear casual clothes – a hoodie, top and trousers. This is to put the focus of the audience on the song, performance and narratives since it is a very meaningful and soulful song.

The video was set in ambient lighting but some parts are set in low key lighting. There were also camera shots such as long shots, medium shot, close up and extreme close up shots of the artists. This is to establish the connection between the artists and their audience.

http://youtu.be/WBKnpyoFEBo

“Pyramid” – Charice ft. Iyaz

The video is both narrative and performance-based.

The narrative is about a girl who failed to make it into her call backs for glee club. It has the theme of failing and getting back up again for the sake of your dreams. The performance is set on a stage and back stage.

The location has a lot of artificial incandescent lighting, which has sepia tone. There are also a lot of gold colour background especially on Iyaz’s part. The atmosphere of the video has a “victorious” feel, as if achieving one’s dream.

The artist is wearing very casual clothes and had a costume change at the end of the video where she is wearing an elegant black top and leather trousers. This costume change shows the artist’s transition from a dreamer to a star. Iyaz, on the other hand, is wearing a beige jacket, white shirt and black trousers.

The video was set in high key lighting with a hint of sepia tone in the colour. There were also camera shots such as long shots, medium shot and close up.

http://youtu.be/vGPG91x5eMY