nicki minaj analysis

10
Nicki Minaj – ‘Superbass’ Analysis By Larelle Benjamin-Forrester

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Page 1: Nicki Minaj Analysis

Nicki Minaj – ‘Superbass’

AnalysisBy Larelle Benjamin-Forrester

Page 2: Nicki Minaj Analysis

‘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.

Page 3: Nicki Minaj Analysis

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.

Page 4: Nicki Minaj Analysis

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.

Page 5: Nicki Minaj Analysis

 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.

Page 6: Nicki Minaj Analysis

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.

Page 7: Nicki Minaj Analysis

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.

Page 8: Nicki Minaj Analysis

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.

Page 9: Nicki Minaj Analysis

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.

Page 10: Nicki Minaj Analysis

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.