Download - Nicki Minaj Analysis
Nicki Minaj – ‘Superbass’
AnalysisBy Larelle Benjamin-Forrester
‘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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.