Research into music genres

Research Into Music Genres

In lesson we analysed the different types of music genres and the conventions they follow to gain some knowledge on what things usually pop up when watching a music video of its genre;

Rap

In this image of rapper 50 cent we can note that firstly he's boxer shorts are on view for the audience as his jeans are not pulled up. 'Saggin' originally came from jail as inmates would not be allowed to wear belts in the dread that an inmate would hang themselves. This has been forwarded outside of the cell blocks as former prisoners become familiar with have their trousers below their waist so this connotes that 50 Cent is going for the gangster look as most rap artists conform to. Another familiar trait in rap artists is tattoos. This is evident in the image of 50 Cent as I have highlighted a full sleeve of tattoos in addition to the fact that he is topless creates a "Macho" look about him. Diamonds more commonly known as "Bling" are a necessity for any rap artist as it symbolises what you are worth in terms of value, which is the reason why all rap artists are blinged out from their ears to their wrist and more notably chains as every rapper has their signature trait around their neck in a bundle of different coloured diamonds. Finally, the last thing I noted on this image of rapper 50 Cent is that he is wearing a Du-Rag, which is what African-Americans wear when their hair has just been done, going for a specific style or just acting as a hat if ones hair is messy. Referencing back to prison as many inmates do not just let anyone do their hair, the du-rag became a convention as many inmates wear them. Which in relation to this image only reinforces the gangster look 50 Cent achieves. So finally, rap artists conform to gangster traits which is why rap is sometimes dubbed "gangster rap" and the success dubbed "Rags to Riches"

R&B

R&B although similar to the traits of rap, R&B constructs their own conventions and regimental artist image. Taking the above image of R&B artist Omarian for example. Unlike the gritty rap artists R&B artists are the "pretty boys" of the industry. As illustrated we see that Omarian has a mane of silky hair accompanied with the neat facial hair creating what most females would refer to as their perfect guy and to the males a "pretty boy". This is further accentuated by the fact that Omarian is tanned and has his biceps in tact, a more than common feature with most R&B artists and boybands such as JLS for example. Finally we can note that Omarian is pouting for the camera to make himself look best, all pointing to the same direction that R&B artists appeal to the females (speaking on a male basis).

Rock

Rock (not taking into account the watered down pop variations) is the rebellious genre, automatically stating to me kicking up a fuss and having fun, commonly sub headed with parties, sex and drugs. Analysing this image of rock guitarist Slash from the rock band Guns N Roses we can note the key eye catching convention of rock; The electric guitar the instrument the rock genre has been centralised around. We can also note the dark attire which many rock artists have become accustom to as well as the rebelliousness of the face paint and wild hair. As I am a selective rock listener, my perception of the genre is summarised with guitars, motor cycles and living hard. (basically a biker gang image)

Metal

Metal sharing similar conventions such as the central instrument the electric guitar, diverts from the parties into total darkness. As illustrated by image of Metal band Slayer we see the band members pose in their pictures with a hint of insanity accompanied with the fake blood and still faces really contrasting a demonic, underworld feel about them not to mention the barbaric masculinity glowing from them as they stare sharply into the camera. Metal in my experience is often referred to as being noisy, however this is a normative statement and quite frankly not my cup of tea in the politest terms.

Electropop

Following the disco feel to the somewhat recent genre Electropop we see this image of Calvin Harris convey the feel of a young adult clubber. Looking beyond the stubble, Calvin Harris has a young looking face, joint with the scruffy mop hair making him look "just legal". He wears a simple white T-shirt on a green background connoting mischievousness with his shocked facial expression.