Tropes And Memes Of Music Videos

Throughout music videos of a particular genre, they have certain tropes and memes that usually appear somewhere within their creation. This is usually because people are then able to associate which genre the particular music video is from. A prime example of this theory is in the "Rap" genre, represented by the music video "Still Dre" by Dr Dre ft Snoop Dogg.

 

The particular tropes included are:

• Bouncy cars
• Attractive girls (mainly shots of bodies, not their faces - objectifying women)
• Direct mode of address
• Swearing
• Crowds
• Repetitive
• Dancing e.g. Nodding their heads in sync
• The location looks rather rundown, which is typically a ghetto area
• Throughout the video there are black men included as this is a main representation of rap artists (excluding a few like Eminem)
• There is a transition to a party location, to create a lively atmosphere.
• Bling

Another music genre that also includes noticeable tropes in their productions is Indie videos. Although this genre is completely different to Rap, it too includes certain conventions to help the viewer know straight away this is an Indie music video. An example of this is "The Cave" by Mumford and Sons.

The particular tropes included are:

·      Artistic qualities and value to the video

·      Close up of their musical instruments e.g. banjo

·      Countryside Location

·      Their videos can sometimes be slightly random, unpredictable and unconventional

·      The people who perform in the music are smartly dressed

·      High production value

·      Sunny Day

·     There is no sexism nor objectifying women in their videos

·      Non – aggressive behaviour or swearing involved